Phlebitis and Whole Body Vibration
The term phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein. The inflammation can occur in both superficial and deep veins and usually occurs in the legs. When it is caused by a blood clot it is known as thrombophlebitis. If it occurs in the deep veins, it can lead to a pulmonary embolism which is a life threatening condition. Signs and symptoms of phlebitis include redness and warmth, burning or pain along the vein and swelling. It may also be accompanied by a low grade fever and the affected vein may have a hard, cordlike feel to it. Phlebitis can develop from the following conditions: a trauma to the vein, prolonged immobility, post surgery, following insertion of an IV, disruption of venous flow, underlying cancer or clotting disorders, varicose veins, and in an individual following a burn. Treatments depend on the type, location, symptoms and severity of the phlebitis. Superficial phlebitis may be treated with warm compress, elevation, encouraged ambulation and anti-inflammatory medication. Compression stockings may also be used when the extremities are affected. If the superficial phlebitis is due to blood clots (thrombophlebitis), an ultrasound is performed to rule out whether the inflammation exists in the deeper veins, especially the saphenous vein. If thrombophlebitis is in the deeper veins, anti-coagulate medication may be needed. This is due to the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Recovery from phlebitis can take anywhere from two weeks (superficial) to several weeks or months (thrombophlebitis).
Exercise is important in the prevention and reoccurrence of phlebitis. For treatment of superficial thrombophebitis exercise is important for prevention of a DVT and to reduce pain1. Bed rest is only encouraged when pain is severe 1. When return to exercise was examined in individuals with a DVT, venous signs and symptoms were found not to worsen 2. Individuals returned to exercise one month post DVT and symptoms were monitored for changes three months later. Fifty percent of the individuals in the study had returned to their normal level of activities in four months 2. An individual with phlebitis should consult their physician before restarting or initiating any exercise routine to ensure underlying medical issues, including a DVT, are appropriately managed.
There is no research investigating the effects of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on phlebitis. DVTs and other thrombotic afflictions are considered absolute contraindications to using WBV. This is due to the increase in circulation with WBV, and the risk of a blood clot dislodging and travelling to the lungs or other organs in the body. Acute inflammation, infection, and fever are also contraindicated to using WBV. It would not be advisable to use WBV even if an individual has superficial phlebitis due to the potential for an underlying thrombophlebitis in the deeper veins. Once phlebitis has acutely resolved, an individual should get clearance from a physician before starting WBV. It is important that the physician understands WBV so they can help determine whether the benefits will outweigh any risks or possible contraindications. If the phlebitis is fully resolved and there are no underlying medical issues or contraindications, WBV may be a beneficial component to an exercise routine to prevent reoccurrence. Studies have shown that WBV improves circulation in the legs 3, 4. The T-zone Vibration Technology Manual also lists several other health benefits of WBV.
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Once a physician has cleared an individual to use WBV, he or she should begin at a lower intensity and duration. WBV should be discontinued if any symptoms related to phlebitis reoccur, and any changes should be discussed with a physician. Once an individual has become comfortable with the machine, and no changes in symptoms occur, the intensity of exercises can be increased and exercises at the appropriate level may be added. In general, if an individual experiences shortness of breath, pain or dizziness when using WBV, it should be discontinued immediately.
References
1. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Agus G, Georgiev M, Errichi BM, Marinucci R, Errichi S, Filippini A, Pellegrini L, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, Ricci A, Cipollone G, Lania M, Gizzi G, Ippolito E, Bavera P, Fano F, Dugall M, Adovasio R, Gallione L, Del Boccio G, Cornelli U, Steigerwalt R, Acerbi G, Cacchio M, Di Renzo A, Hosoi M, Stuard S, Corsi M, Di Ciano L, Simeone E, Collevecchio G, Grossi MG, Di Giambattista F, Carestia F, Zukowski A. 2007. Management of superficial vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis: status and expert opinion document, Angiology, Suppl 1, 7s-14s.
2. Shrier I, Kahn SR. 2005. Effect of physical activity after recent deep venous thrombosis: a cohort study, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(4), 630-4.
3. Lythgo N, Eser P, de Groot P, Galea M. 2009. Whole-body vibration dosage alters leg blood flow, Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 29(1), 53-9.
4. Lohman EB 3rd, Petrofsky JS, Maloney-Hinds C, Betts-Schwab H, Thorpe D. 2007. The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects, Medical Science Monitor, 13(2), CR71-6.
“Various models and machines on the market have been used for the purpose of conducting research. Also, a variety of frequencies (speeds) and amplitudes (platform variation) which may or may not be known to us have been used. We do not guarantee or claim users will achieve similar results with our T-Zone Whole Body Vibration machine.”
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