Hivamat 200 portable

[Alohainhi]

Does anyone know if there are any videos showing how to use the Hivamat portable for arm lymphedema self treatment?

[Lynora]

Did you purchase it direct from the manufacturer or on recommendation from a therapist? If the latter, get him/her to give a demonstration. You should also have received an instruction booklet. There are a couple of videos on YouTube which might help. When I got mine I just plugged everything in and experimented - using the same sequences I had learned for self-lymphatic drainage.

[Alohainhi in reply to Lynora]

Thank you Lenora! I did watch the few videos, but none showed anyone how to use for self care. Most showed a review or a bit on the their hand. Your quick response is very appreciated. I will experiment and find what is the beat treatment for me!

[CCT67]

I use the same sequences as for hand SLD starting with clearance at the neck/clavicle. I spend a lot of time making circular motions over the clusters of lymph nodes at the elbows& wrists, and on my hands/fingers as they get a lot of lymphatic congestion. The owners of PhysioPodUK, Julie & Mary are always happy to advise/talk you through how to properly use the devise, and there are videos to which they can send a link. The instruction manual that came with my device many years ago did not give instruction on how to use it for treatment, only how to operate the device. Not sure if the newer instruction manual is any better?

Contact details for PhysioPodUK [phone] [e-mail]

[Alohainhi in reply to CCT67]

Hello CCT67! Thank your for reaching out. I will follow your suggestions. I am in the US & am not sure if the UK units are exactly the same except that it came with only the operating instruction manual that has now been poorly replicated and is very difficult to read.

[CCT67 in reply to Alohainhi]

Oh I didn’t realise you’re in the US (this is a UK site). The US PhysioPod rep should be able to assist? In my experience PhysioPod is not well known in the US (I’m a dual national and spend 3 months per year there), it’s German technology and is very established as a treatment modality in Europe & UK. If you’d find it helpful we could do a zoom call and I’ll show you how I use mine to do SLD. Just let me know and I’ll PM you my email

[Alohainhi in reply to CCT67]

My therapist was from the UK so I follow a lot of UK sites. I find the people in the UK are well informed and willing to openly speak (& assist) about lymphedema! That is why I want to try Deep Oscillation. Unfortunately, my therapist has not used it.

[Alohainhi in reply to CCT67]

Hello CCT67! Thank you again. Have been getting good results. I have another question for you (if you don’t mind). It seems that PhysioPod is much more user friendly and comes with the accessories included. For future reference, can a PhysioPod be purchased without a prescription? If yes, I would recommend purchasing the PhysioPod vs. Hivamat and research a company that will ship to the US. Thank you in advance!

[CCT67 in reply to Alohainhi]

Hi Alohainhi Great to hear you feel you’re getting good results with the device. In respect of your question about needing a prescription to buy the device, in the UK a prescription is not needed. As you’re in the US and got yours there, I’m assuming you’re asking about the UK.

The Hivamat provides the same therapy as the Physio Pod ie Deep Oscillation. However the Hivamat is a much bigger device/machine, it’s intended for hospital/clinic use while the Physio Pod is intended for home use. The Pod is portable (mine has travelled all over the world with me) which makes its very handy.

The Hivamat is way more expensive than the Pod, probably somewhere in the region of £9000-£10,000. The Pod comes in at slightly under £3000.

If you were to order either device in the UK to ship to America, the electric plug would need an adapter to work in America as the UK electrical plug size/shape is different to the US

[Alohainhi in reply to CCT67]

Hi CCT67! Actually Hivamat US has a for home use machine (Hivamat 200 Portable) which is a collaboration with PhysioMed. The treatment cards and accessories are a la carte and the hand held portion is difficult to find and very expensive. Purchasing an adapter would be a small drop in the bucket. Appreciate all the information you provide. Much thanks again!

[CCT67 in reply to Alohainhi]

The Hivamat 200 Portable is the same device model as the Physio Pod. (Hivamat 200 is a clinic/hospital size device). The Hivamat 200 Portable is sold as PhysioPod here in the UK by the company PhysioPod UK. It’s been the official PhysioMed (German) supplier here for many years. Both the standard and bespoke treatment cards are usually included in the device purchase and additional bespoke cards can be bought a la cart, as can other accessories eg hand applicator, membrane and rubber ring replacements etc from PhysioPod UK.

[Buddywhite in reply to Alohainhi]

Hi Alohainhi, can I ask how are you getting on with the machine? I am thinking of getting one, I have mild swelling in left arm/ hand

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Buddywhite]

I'm thinking of getting one, too. It's very expensive (now about £3,300) but I've just had six 40-minute sessions on the NHS and it was quite effective (good at softening things up - but I think my lymphoedema is worse than yours, going by your recent posts...). I'd be interested in hearing how people are getting on with the machine long-term too.

[Perido in reply to sleeviejeebies]

I've owned a Physiopod for 2-3 years and have used it nearly every day to for 10 minutes to facilitate my SLD routine. I use it on my hip, buttock, thigh, lower leg and foot and I feel it helps soften the swelling I have in those areas. My Physiopod facilitated SLD routine is preceded with diaphragmatic deep breathing and manual SLD on my armpits, torso, abdomen and groin to open up the lymphatic pathways. I repeat my manual SLD routine in reverse after the using the Physiopod.

In my experience the Physiopod doesn't work miracles and I would caution about anecdotal unusual success stories that sales folk are keen to tell. However, given my time again I would still buy one. One of the key things I considered was whether I felt I would be able to commit to using it regularly otherwise it was unlikely I would gain any benefit from it. Personally I like the sensation I get from the Physiopod which has enabled me to to use it regularly.

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Perido]

Thanks Perido. That's helpful to know!

[Alohainhi in reply to sleeviejeebies]

Hi sleeviejeebies!

I’m am of the same opinion as Perido. I just want to maintain and do not expect miracles. Hope you find what works best for youn

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Alohainhi]

Thanks, Alohainhi,

I have actually just invested in a machine (which arrived yesterday). One treatment in and it has made a difference. I'll see how it goes and post my results in the forum in a week or so.

[Buddywhite in reply to sleeviejeebies]

thanks for this update sleeviejeebies. I am really considering buying for my arm . Do you have lymphodema in your arm or leg? What was the difference you mentioned above? I would be delighted to achieve maintenance , not hoping for a miracle. If it could help maintain my position it would be wonderful. I have terrible soreness in my hand which means I can’t wear compression for the moment so am trying everything else, swimming etc. Am really considering this machine so appreciate all updates

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Buddywhite]

It's in my arm and hand (secondary, following breast cancer op). It's early days with the machine (just two treatments so far), but my arm is softer (I have some thickening) and the volume in my hand and lower arm has gone down slightly. I'm hoping this will continue but will post again in a week or so with a progress update, if that will help. (Sorry to hear about your hand - swimming helps for me, too, but the effect doesn't last long...)

[Buddywhite in reply to sleeviejeebies]

that is fantastic! I think I am going to get. Make sure take photos so you can track progress. How long have you had lymphodema?

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Buddywhite]

Mm, not sure. Possibly since 2016 but it got really bad just over two years ago, when I banged my elbow during lockdown and not much help was available unfortunately... Good luck if you do decide to purchase!

[Buddywhite in reply to sleeviejeebies]

hi sleeviejabbies just wanted to ask have you found the physiopod has continued to help with your hand swelling?

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Buddywhite]

Hi Buddywhite. I think maybe it makes a slight difference. It definitely makes any hardness softer, but I'm not sure whether the results last. Overall, I guess I would say that it has been helpful-ish, but I don't think it was worth the price tag. I suppose we're all looking for a miracle, and it's not that...

[Buddywhite in reply to sleeviejeebies]

thanks sleeviejabbies. It’s a pity it is so dear !

[Alohainhi in reply to sleeviejeebies]

Excellent! Hoping you achieve & maintain worthy results!

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Alohainhi]

Thank you very much! 🙂

[Norma27]

Hi Alohainhi. I’ve been using a Physiopod for several months now and have seen a real improvement in my arm. Julie who sold me the Physiopod designed a program for me. It’s sold without the need for a prescription in the UK, but you need to work also with an MLD therapist. I see my therapist once a month and she treats my whole upper body /trunk. Because she treats me with a hivamat I can raise any issues I might have with the Physiopod, direct with her. Do you wear a compression sleeve on your arm? I have found the class 2 Bella lite with a silicone top is the best one for me. The Physiopod works in conjunction with the sleeve, it doesn’t replace. When using the Physiopod I first open up the lymph in my neck and armpit areas. Then I work slowly to clear the area into those lymph glands gradually working down my arm to my hand. (stroking movements towards the glands) Then I work gradually back up my arm with small circular movements. I spend a little more time on my wrist and elbow areas. My treatment lasts 50 minutes. Before I started using the Physiopod my forearm was really quite solid and heavy, it is now much softer, more pliable and has reduced noticeably in size. I have no swelling in my hand. Hope this is helpful.

[Alohainhi in reply to Norma27]

Hello Norma27! I do really appreciate the information you provided. There is so much to learn and any bit of advice and encouragement is well appreciated! I do wear a compression sleeve, but unfortunately found the silicon tops have irritated my skin. Still searching for my ideal sleeve. Much appreciation for your detailed an brilliant explanation!