Buy or rent a low level laser therapy unit

[SKB]

Hi all,

My company is now importing and distributing the Raincorp laser from Australia (LTU-904).

Since I couldn't find a therapist anywhere near me with one to try I took a leap in the dark and I bought one myself in 2008 (a bit of a hassle with VAT and stuff) to treat my arm and trunk L/O post breast cancer. I am very pleased with the outcome: arm running at 5% excess volume, scar, chest etc much smaller and softer. I'd love this treatment to be available to everyone with lymphoedema so I set up the company. Individuals can buy or rent (as a trial for buying) a laser from us without paying VAT. There are groups sharing a laser, some with a therapist and others self-organised. We provide guidance on how to use the laser written from a patient perspective and if you want we will talk you through the treatment process whether you are renting or buying.

Visit our websites:
www.lymphcontrol.co.uk
http://lymphoedema.ning.com/ - patients celebrating what they can do despite l/o
http://lymphlasertherapists.ning.com/ - user group open to therapists only - either using the laser already or considering extending their treatment options.

Sarah

[lesjar]

Firstly I respect any treatment whatever it is could bring benefits to a LYmphodema patient.
However I looked at the varios reference documents and saw that they mainly refered to Post Operative/ Cancer developed Lymphodema.

Is there any evidence or supporting documents to suggest that the use of such device would be beneficial to a Primary Lymphodema patient apart from a note from an unkown source in FAQ section.

What would be useful is to get something from say Prof Peter Mortimer -- the expert to document his view on the device. If he supports the benefits of its use it would be good for you.

I would also look at the removal of nearly every section that reveres to AUSTRALIAN this and that. Australia is a long distance away and it would take time to prove the claims made are true.

Secondly what is the situation where a Lymphodema patient has had serious and or recurring Cellulitis , is there any medical evidence to support the device as being safe with patients with Cellulitis history.

Sorry for asking these questions , but as a Primary Lymphodema patient that has had bad Cellulitis in the past I would not think about using something that either is not going to work or is not safe to be used with my circumstances.

I wouls suggest that these topics are put into the web-site once the evidence has been collected etc.  Also should you not put a note that you should always consult a GP before using or purchasing such equipment

[Sara]

Les - I've been thinking about a reply to this for a while.

Low level lasers have been used to treat both primary and secondary lymphoedema in Australia for over 20 years.  It's not a miracle treatment, but it can bring benefits.  The fact that it has largely been ignored by the British medical establishment says more about their attitude to lymphoedema than the nature of laser therapy itself.

The latest I heard, Professor Mortimer had no objection to lymphoedema patients receiving Low Level Laser Therapy, altho' it would be unwise to submit to treatment with active cellulitis (and I'm sure no responsible therapist would even suggest the idea).  It is probably those with a history of cellulitis who would in fact benefit most from it, due to its healing effect.

I've been to Australia and had treatment for my arm lymphoedema with a free-standing Class 3 (special training and goggles required for these) laser.  Combined with massage, the effect on my arm was remarkable.

I've since bought myself one of these hand-held Class 1 lasers (no goggles or special training required), as I now have additional lymphoedema in the other arm, due to more cancer treatment.  It has proved priceless in breaking down fibrosed tissue.  It is hard to see how you could injure yourself with one of these unless you dropped it on your foot.

The UK, and the NHS in particular, lag far behind the rest of the world in innovative medical treatments, so it's good to see private therapists at least being a bit more pro-active  You only have to follow the antics of NICE and the PCTs for a short while to realise that patient benefit is the last thing on their minds.  And those of us with lymphoedema are at the bottom of the food chain at the best of times.

Please don't blame Australia for being far away - there is GREAT interest in lymphoedema and lots of research being carried out there, which hopefully we will all day benefit from, no matter where we live.

All the best....
 

[jackyr]

Hi, I've had primary l/o in my left leg for 10 years now!!! I'm really keen to learn more about this LLLT and if I had the money I would buy one if it was going to help my condition! Over the past 10 years I've desperately tried all sorts but nothing ever seems to work  How can I find out if there are places to go to to try this therapy? Are "any" of the PCT's, Local hospitals or Hospices buying these or is it still a matter of NO FUNDING?? I live in Cheshire and would love to hear from anyone who has either tried this or knows of anywhere locally I could go to give this a try for myself??

Thanks
Jacky

[Lynora]

I have pm'd you!
Lynora x