Having tools to help with moving your lymph at home makes life a tad easier. Two that I have found very handy over the years are a vibration plate and a rebounder.

Vibration Plate

What is interesting about a vibration plate is the different ways it can be used to help move your lymph. Standing, sitting down with your feet on the vibration plate or having your arm on the vibration plate.

I find I like setting up my vibration plate in my kitchen close enough to the counter so I can grab it if I get off balance. If you feel pins and needles when you are using your vibration plate don’t panic. It is a sign that you have been moving your lymph. I have found that I need to have shoes on when I use my vibration plate. 

Start with the vibration on a low level. As Jean LaMantia says in Complementary Therapies for Lymphedema ‘If you plan to try a vibration plate “start low and go slow.” Start with 5 to 10 minute sessions and low vibration. Drink water before and after your session. 

Vibration plates range in price, depending on what features you want. Check out the weight restrictions before you decide. Check with your lymphedema therapist and see what they would recommend.

There are some good vibration plate videos on YouTube. Here is a link to some of them 

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hs=VZP&sca_esv=7127d2bfff853169&rls=en&udm=7&q=using+a+vibration+plate+for+lymphatic+drainage&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuj-LmlP2TAxWTEDQIHaGTHPwQ8ccDKAJ6BAgdEAQ&biw=1203&bih=557&dpr=2#ip=1

Rebounder

Interestingly for all the popularity of the rebounder in the Lymphedema community there are no studies on it as how it helps Lymphedema or Lipedema. There are studies showing it’s benefits for other conditions include lung function, anaerobic performance, blood pressure, bone density and quality of life. Anecdotally many dealing with lymphatic conditions find it helps move the lymph and feel better after using their rebounders.

My rebounder has a senior bar that I can hold onto when bouncing. It comes in handy for those of us dealing with balance issues. Again start slow, move your feet and get the feel of the movement before doing any bouncing. Bounce for 10 to 15 minutes and again drink some water before and after a session. I find having my rebounder set up so I can watch tv while bouncing. Again there are several rebounder work outs on YouTube.

One advantage of both of these tools is the ability to use them year round. The more we move our lymph the better we feel, either vibrating or bouncing.

Written by: Willa Condy