Bodyflow®

THERAPEUTIC MANUAL
Bodyflow®
Bodyflow Clinical Device CX1
Bodyflow Portable Device P2CH
Disclaimer
“The BODYFLOW® portable stimulation unit (“the product”) is manufactured by PHYSIOMED
ELEKTROMEDIZIN AG and is distributed in Australia by its distributor, Bodyflow International Pty
Limited.
Bodyflow International Pty Limited has endeavoured to ensure that the data analysis and
assessment of such data and other information as provided by the manufacturer is accurate.
Any projected information contained in the operating instructions is based on Bodyflow’s or
PHYSIOMED ELEKTROMEDIZIN AG’s analysis and subjective estimates and assumptions and may
be about circumstances, scenarios and events which may take place. As such, no representations
are made by Bodyflow International Pty Limited or PHYSIOMED ELEKTROMEDIZIN AG as to the
accuracy of such information.
The product must be used strictly in accordance with the operating instructions. Bodyflow
International Pty Limited or PHYSIOMED ELEKTROMEDIZIN AG will not be liable for any liability
arising from any loss, damage or injury caused through any use of the product outside the scope
of the operating instructions.
To the extent permitted by law, neither Bodyflow International Pty Limited or PHYSIOMED
ELEKTROMEDIZIN AG assume any liability for any loss or damages incurred directly or indirectly
from any use of the Product or as a result of any person acting or refraining to act in reliance of
any information contained in any assessment or operating instructions relating to the Product or
in respect of any negligent act.
Where any Act implies any condition or warranty in respect to the use or supply of the Product,
Bodyflow International Pty Limited’s liability will be limited to the re-supply of the relevant
Product by Bodyflow International Pty Limited.”
*The guidelines stated throughout this document are suggestive guidelines to maximise benefit for
patients and Authorised Bodyflow Clinics.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Bodyflow® Treatment
1.2 Contraindications
1.3 How Bodyflow® Works
2. Treatment Frequency Guidelines
2.1 Treatment Regime
2.2 Bodyflow® and Flying
3. Electrode Placement
3.1 Electrodes General Information
3.2 Electrode Placement Principles
3.3 Intensity of Frequency
4. Recommended Electrode Placement
4.1 Pain relief placement
4.2 Lymphoedema Placement
4.3 Sports Recovery Placement
Therapeutic Manual 2010
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Bodyflow® has been designed and manufactured to
provide the end-user with a electrostimulation current
which enhances a number of the human body’s normal
or homeostatic mechanisms.
Important: This manual is supplementary to, and
should be read and used only in accordance with, the
operating instructions included with this Bodyflow®
device.
Bodyflow® Therapy has been designed to assist with
the maintenance of homeostasis (balance in the
body) and was not designed or intended to be used in
replacement of normal bodily functions.
1.1 Bodyflow® Treatment
Bodyflow® provides symptomatic relief to conditions that have resulted from poor circulation (blood
flow) and or lymphatic uptake.
Clinical Trials have proven Bodyflow® effective for the treatment of:
- Lymphoedema – primary and secondary.
- Recovery from high intensity exercise to flush out toxins and by-products to decrease
severity of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness).
Other conditions that can be treated by Bodyflow® that benefit from increased lymphatic uptake
and blood flow include:
- Post-operative wound healing.
- Post arthroscope of any joint.
- Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombsis (DVT).
- Chronic wound healing.
- Arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Haematoma’s.
- Sprains and Strains.
Note: Bodyflow® therapy can be safely used on those with metal joint implants, plates, pins and screws.
1.2 Contraindications (When not to use Bodyflow®)
Bodyflow® Therapy must not be used on people whom;
- Have an internal cardiac device such as a permanent pace maker or internal
defibrillator.
- Are Pregnant.
- Suspected of suffering from Venous Thrombosis or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
- Have been diagnosed with an active malignant disease process.
- Have a highly inflammatory, fever-prone disorder.
NOTE: IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT THE SUITABILITY OF BODYFLOW THERAPY FOR YOU
CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
The Bodyflow® unit is not to be used whilst the user is required to concentrate on the task at
hand (e.g. Driving a car, operating machinery).
Therapeutic Manual 2010
1.3 How Bodyflow® works
Bodyflow® Therapy promotes the flow of
body fluids such as blood and lymph by
stimulation of smooth muscle within veins,
arteries and lymphatic vessels using a
very specific patented electro-stimulation
frequency.
Smooth muscle also known as Tunica
Media is a non-striated muscle that differs
in function and structure to skeletal and
cardiac muscle. Primarily under the control
of the autonomic nervous system, smooth
muscle is apparent through out all tubuals
of the body for example, in the walls of
‘hollow organs’, veins, arteries, lymphatic
system, intestinal tracts, bladder etc.
Where there is an excess of fluid, blood and
toxins within or around tissue, Bodyflow®
Therapy promotes drainage from the
affected tissue through the stimulation
of these tubials to help people to recover
faster.
The treatment involves attaching to the
appropriate part of the person’s body a
number of cups and/or electrodes which
apply a mild transdermal (through skin)
electrical stimulus.
People may experience a light tingling
sensation, felt through the skin under the
administered cup/electrode and a minor
muscle twitch may occur indicating the
stimulation effect.
The increased flow of blood and lymph
is encouraged to the liver and kidneys to
be detoxified, filtered and removed. This
results in the toxins and by-products
eventually being passed in the urine.
Therapeutic Manual 2010
Chapter 2 - Treatment Frequency Guidelines
When reading the following treatment guidelines, please be aware that each individual’s response
to treatment will vary or be different with each case. The following guidelines are intended to be
used as a recommendation. Each treatment case should be monitored by a health care provider
that has read the Operations Manual and are familiar with the Contraindications.
Table 1. Treatment Frequency Suggestions
Initial Treatment
(1st Consultation)
Indication
Acute Oedema
Ongoing Treatment (select one option
below)
R.I.C.E*
Clinical Device
(CX1)
Portable Single
Channel (P1CH)
Portable Dual
Channel (P2CH)
Suggested
Review
R.I.C.E
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
4-5 days
Chronic Oedema
-
20min treatment
4 per day x 20min
4 per day x 20min
7-10 days
Lymphoedema
-
20min treatment
4 per day x 20min
4 per day x 20min
7-10 days
Acute Non Infective Inflammation
-
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
4-5 days
Chronic Non Infective Inflammation
-
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
7-10 days
Haematoma
R.I.C.E
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
3-5 days
-
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
3-5 days
Sprain
R.I.C.E
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
5-7 days
Strain
R.I.C.E
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
3-5 days
Joint Effusion
-
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
7-10 days
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
-
20min treatment
4-6 per day x 20min
4-6 per day x 20min
3-5 days
Tendonitis
*R.I.C.E – Rest Ice Compression Elevation. Please ensure that any bleeding has stopped before starting treatment.
2.1 Treatment Regime
Initial Treatment: It is recommended that on initial consultation with a person, the Clinical Device is used
to familiarise and educate the client start treatment and provide an opportunity to assess immediate
response to Bodyflow® Technology and whether this therapy is appropriate for ongoing treatment.
Ongoing Treatment: It’s recommended that the person rent or purchase a portable Bodyflow®
device for treatment at home. An additional treatment using the Clinical (CX1) device is also
encouraged to accelerate the recovery process.
Suggested review: It is recommended that the person is reviewed at regular intervals. Response
rates vary between people and their conditions.
Please observe the following safety precautions when using Bodyflow®;
- For Safety and maintenance of Warranty, it is recommended that only Bodyflow® accessories
are used with Bodyflow® devices.
- Never apply Bodyflow® Electrodes/Suction Cups directly to areas that have cuts, abrasions
or inflammation.
- Always use the largest Bodyflow® Electrodes that is possible to adhere properly to the skin.
- Never use Bodyflow® Electrodes that are dry, damaged or show signs of malfunction.
2.2 Bodyflow® and Flying - P2ch
As flight altitudes and distances vary between domestic to international flights it is
recommended that:
- Bodyflow® be used for 20 minutes of each hour of the flight.
- Bodyflow® should only be used once the flight crew have authorised the use of electronic
devises such as laptops and DVD players.
Therapeutic Manual 2010
Chapter 3 - Electrode Placement and or Suction Placement
3.1 Aplication General Information
It is recommended that electrodes be changed with each person for hygienic reasons. Once
electrodes lose their adhesive nature, a sharper sensation is felt and it is recommended that a
new set of electrodes be used.
Bodyflow® therapy can be used as a single channel or dual channel device. The recommended
electrode placemet below differentiates between dual channels as:
- Red - channel 1.
- Black - channel 2.
The following adhesive electrodes are recommended for various uses:
- Small square 5 x 5cm - back of the hands and feet.
- Medium rectangle 9 x 5cm - lower leg (calves) and upper arms (biceps, triceps).
- Large rectangle 13 x 8cm - upper leg, back, buttocks, abdomen.
Note: If skin Integrity is at risk by using either Adhesive electrodes or Suction cups
(such as a Lymphoedema sufferer) then plate electrodes in a viscose sponge cover
(supplied with the CX1) should be strapped to the area of treatment.
Refer to Operations manual of the CX1 device.
3.2 Electrode and or Suction cup placement principles
- The electrodes should be placed above and below the area to be treated.
- The electrodes should be placed either side of the area to be treated channels running
parallel.
Correct
-
Do
Do
Do
Do
not
not
not
not
place
place
place
place
electrodes
electrodes
electrodes
electrodes
Incorrect
directly over the area to be treated.
over a bony prominence as this can cause discomfort.
directly over the heart.
directly over carotid (neck) arteries.
Therapeutic Manual 2010
3.3 Intensity of Therapy
- Increase the intensity level slowly to the point where a visible twitch of the area being treated
can be seen.
- Maintain the intensity level to suit your comfort levels.
- Each individual’s intensity and comfort levels will vary.
Therapeutic Manual 2010
Chapter 4 - Recommended Electrode Placement
These recommendations are a guide only. If you are unsure about the correct placement of
electrodes, operation of the Bodyflow® device or the suitability of Bodyflow® therapy for you,
consult your health care provider prior to using the Bodyflow® device.
4.1 Pain Relief Placement
Please note: placement of electrodes for pain relief will treat symptoms and not the cause.
Painful Lowerback
Painful Back
Neck Stiffness
*Smaller Electrodes shown
Therapeutic Manual 2010
Painful Hips
and Sports
Recovery
Painful Abdomen or Stiffness
Painful
and Sports
Recovery
Quadriceps Haematoma
Painful Elbow
Varicose Vein Discomfort
Therapeutic Manual 2010
Painful Knees
Painful Left Knee
Ankle Oedema (Swelling)
*Smaller Electrodes shown
Therapeutic Manual 2010
4.2 Lymphoedema Placement
Bodyflow® Therapy is a world leading technology used for the management and treatment of
Lymphoedema (fluid retention in limbs). Lymphoedema is the abnormal swelling of the superficial
body tissues, most often the limbs. Lymphoedema is a result of failure of the lymphatic system
to adequately collect and/or transport lymph. The resulting affected limb/s becoming swollen and
painful.
The portability of the Bodyflow® Technology creates opportunities for Lymphoedema sufferers to
better control and manage their problem between health practitioner administered Bodyflow®
treatments at a time which is convenient to them. It also has the benefit of being able to help
maintain reductions achieved at health professional administered sessions.
Unilateral Arm
Lymphoedema
Unilateral Leg
Lymphoedema
Bilateral Leg Lymphoedema
Therapeutic Manual 2010
4.3 Sports Recovery Placement
Elite competition and training places the body under a great deal of stress and strain. Used as part
of the recovery regime, Bodyflow® Therapy flushes out the toxins and by-products created from
exercise enabling the athlete to recover from sporting activities and injuries faster than conventional
treatments minimising ‘dead time’ off the field and maximising athlete return on investment.
Particularly of interest to athletes and sporting organizations is the radical decrease in inflammatory
markers in study participants that were using the Bodyflow® therapy. Thus reducing the severity
of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and further increasing the competitive advantage for
teams and athletes that take up this proven technology.
PROACTIVE USE: By reducing DOMS and accelerating post competition and training recovery
the athletes recover faster for next event/match thereby maximising the opportunity for improved
performance. Over the course of a season this cumulative efficiency of recovery translates to
athletes feeling fresher and minimizing the mid to late season state of fatigue and fitness.
- Post game recovery (decongestion of muscles, accelerating recovery reducing the symptoms
of DOMS).
- Pre season training (decongestion of muscles, accelerating recovery reducing the symptoms
of DOMS).
- Cramp reduction.
- Travel and prevention of DVT (increasing circulation and assisting in preventing the pooling
of blood).
REACTIVE USE: By healing sports injuries faster, this in turn will increase performance potential of
a team/athlete. How much does it cost you/club to be injured and not playing?
- Inflammation – Sprains, strains & RSI’s (encouraging fluid flushing and promoting healing
by increased circulation).
- Fluid removal - Post operative oedema reduction and assisting with wound healing.
- Fluid removal - Post arthroscopy of any joint.
- Haematoma’s (encouraging removal of interstitial blood and promoting healing by increased
circulation).
Sports Recovery
Back Of Legs
Sports Recovery
Front Of Legs
Sports Recovery Arms
Therapeutic Manual 2010
Manufactured by PHYSIOMED ELEKTROMEDIZIN AG for Bodyflow International
Engineered and made in Germany
Bodyflow International Pty Ltd
2 Islington St
Collingwood 3066
Victoria Australia
www.bodyflowinternational.com
1300 bodyflow (1300 26393569)