Vibration/Oscillation plates

[cris1728]

Hi everyone Does anyone have any experience of or information on Vibration/oscillation plates? My mother has Lymphoedema in her legs, she is unable to apply compression garments or the lymphoedema sleeves herself due to hand strength and would be unable to get anyone to do this on a regular basis. She is considering buying one of the plates and I have looked online for information and had no luck in finding any independent advice. She does not have any of the medical conditions which would make them unsuitable for her but I cannot find any information re benefits or contraindications in Lymphodema. Your experiences and advice would be greatly appreciated Thanks Cris

[Jennymary]

Hi Cris, not sure about Lymphodema, but if your mum has had cancer in the past it's unsuitable as the vibration may trigger off any dormant cancer cells you say medically it's suitable for your mum so I hope this message is unwarranted xx

[Lynora in reply to Jennymary]

I have many clients who use a vibration plate, and find it beneficial and soothing for swollen limbs. A few of the less agile ones, find sitting on a chair and resting their feet on the plate is the best way to use it.

Jennymary - where did you find the info about triggering dormant cells?

[cris1728 in reply to Lynora]

Thanks Lynora Our thinking was that one of these may help her when she is sitting in a chair which is for extended periods during the day, her legs are very heavy which make walking difficult

Cris

[Jennymary in reply to Lynora]

Hi Lynora, I was given the advice, by my gym instructors after I'd recovered from breast cancer, not to use it just in case it triggered any dormant cancer cells

[Lynora in reply to Jennymary]

Thanks for that - I think maybe they may need to be careful about what they are saying to people - that sort of statement, from someone with no medical knowledge, could cause unnecessary concern.

[cris1728 in reply to Jennymary]

Thanks Jennymary, she has not had cancer just has very swollen legs particularly thighs whcih make it difficult for her to walk and exercise. She does not have a pacemaker and has not had a thrombosis which I understand would preclude her from using one

Cris

[HazieC]

Hi I got one of these a while back and yes it has proved positive. It can only be used if the lymphodaema is secondary and not suitable to be used if it is primary. I don’t use it everyday and you need to take care of how you use them so as not to go dizzy or cause any damage to yourself.

The other thing I’ve found useful is a treadmill. I started off by walking at a very slow pace for 5 mins then over time increased until I found a comfortable pace and time for me.

[Lynora in reply to HazieC]

Why not suitable for primary l/e?

[slavka in reply to Lynora]

I would like to know too. Please elaborate

[Huqsvarna in reply to Lynora]

I would like to more too, if you can, HazieC. I have primary in one leg and have been using the plates so would value understanding the reason in case I am doing more damage.

[Lynora in reply to Huqsvarna]

If you have been using the plates with no ill effects, then there is little chance that you could do any 'damage'. I cannot find any research anywhere that says the devices should not be used by primary lymphoedema patients.

[Huqsvarna in reply to Lynora]

Thank you, Lenora, I think they have been helping over a couple of years now. I don’t stay on the plates for too long, sometimes all I do is just lay down and only put my feet on the plates which seems to help the lymph shift up.