G5 Vibracare Percussor

[HeatherFeather]

Anybody used/is using this for respiratory therapy?


The respiratory therapist from our local community care services brought one over and wants me to use this on my hubby every morning for about 20 minutes. The vibration really bothers my hand and she told me that my hand will go numb ... Doesn't sound right to me...

 

[cheerleader]

I'd want to know the purpose. Unfortunately, even respiratory therapists may not be knowledgeable about treating ALS patients, as their needs are different from other illnesses. Have you asked how many ALS patients she's treated and used this on? Just the name sounds questionable.

 

[HeatherFeather]

I'd want to know the purpose. Unfortunately, even respiratory therapists may not be knowledgeable about treating ALS patients, as their needs are different from other illnesses. Have you asked how many ALS patients she's treated and used this on? Just the name sounds questionable.

Apparently it's to loosen up the mucous in the lungs...

 

[HeatherFeather]

I'd want to know the purpose. Unfortunately, even respiratory therapists may not be knowledgeable about treating ALS patients, as their needs are different from other illnesses. Have you asked how many ALS patients she's treated and used this on? Just the name sounds questionable.

No, I hadn't thought to asks her how many ALS patients she had used this on...

 

[HeatherFeather]

The website link that I provided was removed. You can see what I mean here... www dot G5 dot com ... When you get to the site, click on home care and you'll see the Vibracare to give you an idea... I don't know about this. She also told me to only press it over the rib cage, back and front but making sure to avoid the sternum, abdomens and spine. She gave me a very brief demo and expects me to operate this now. I'm not a trained professional for all these things they are throwing at me and I'm so afraid of harming my hubby further!

 

[lgelb]

This is a handheld percussion device to dislodge, liquefy and redirect secretions in the lungs and bronchial tubes. It's used in diseases like cystic fibrosis, where secretions build up. I suppose in one sense it is similar to the Vest but oscillation (Vest) isn't the same as percussion (Vibracare). I've never heard of devices like these used in MND, nor is that in their list of indications.

So I would just say no absent more specific evidence that this could be helpful, esp. given that your husband is going to need your [healthy] hands. You run a greater chance of cracking a rib or soft tissue damage than achieving durable benefit, from what I know.

 

[affected]

My massage therapist some years ago had something like this and he affectionally named it 'thumper' - they do pack quit a punch. As shoulder and back massage for relieving stress it was indeed wonderful.

I don't know that it is truly indicated well for ALS, as you may loosen some secretions, but will he then be able to cough them out? I would be a bit dubious.

 

[HeatherFeather]

Hmmmmm - thanks everyone for your answers - I think I'd better ask the ALS specialist who is following Ron at the Montreal Neurological Center about this and see what he says...

 

[hjlindley]

I second what Lori says and she's been through it all. I would agree that it's probably not applicable in ALS but is a device designed for cystic fibrosis. And I wouldn't touch the darn thing without talking to the ALS specialist. Good luck

 

[HeatherFeather]

I'll give his specialist a call to see what he thinks of this contraption ;-) Thanks everybody and have a happy day xoxoxo

 

[summerguy2007]

I use the vibrating vest machine that was recommended for me by my ALSA rep to my neurologist who ordered it. It loosens secretions in your airway so you can cough them up. I use it 2x/day for 1/2 hr. each.

 

[HeatherFeather]

The respiratory therapist is insulted I don't want to use her machine. When we explained it to Ron's neurologist, that it vibrates so much it hurts the hand of the person giving the therapy, he said, "Oh that's the old machine!" Then he explained how to cup your hand and keep kind of 'slapping' the chest with your cupped hands L R L R etc...