[Richard HS]

I am interested in buying a used Infrared Light therapy unit manufactured by ReVitaMed.

Thanks

Richard

[malawigirl08]

How does this help PN Richard?

[Richard HS]

Originally Posted by malawigirl08

How does this help PN Richard?

Hi!

I actually used this device coupled with Phys. Therapy for PN and balance problems. Phys. Therapy to strengthen leg and hip muscles, ankle flex, etc. along with 30 minutes of Infrared - 3 times/week for 12 weeks. This approach is intended to "retrain the nerves and commuication of the senses between the feet and the brain". Balance and leg strength improved significantly and numbness in both feet (which is basically in the toes of both feet and extends back from the toes into the foot another inch or so) also showed improvement. The degree of improvement in numbness is hard to quantify; but, it was noticeable. I am 76 and on Medicare. The treatment I received was all that Medicare would cover. I believe I can reapply a bit later and get Medicare to cover this treatment again (not certain since I am waiting til after the first of the year to check it out). In the meantime, I am looking for a used machine in operating condition if I can find one at a good price. I am also looking into purchasing a new one and what I am up against with Medicare if I do. It would be more convenient to continue PT exersize and Infrared at home; and, definitely reduce the overall cost personally and for Medicare. Both worthwhile.

So far my experience warrants continuing this effort. Only time will tell about final outcome.

Hard to obtain much serious discussion on this device and/or the ReBuilder, which I am also looking into.

Hope this is helpful. Stay in touch in touch.

[antonina]

I too have serious imbalance and leg weakness issues and plan to start PT in 2011. I have Medicare and was going to a hospital outpatient PT a few years ago. I believe that if you have PT in a hospital setting there are fewer limitations on the # of visits Medicare will cover. If you use a private PT facility, there are more Medicare restrictions.

I'd love to hear specifics about your treatment, especially the use of infrared therapy. Would you please post what IT is and how it helps? TIA.

[Richard HS]

Originally Posted by antonina

I too have serious imbalance and leg weakness issues and plan to start PT in 2011. I have Medicare and was going to a hospital outpatient PT a few years ago. I believe that if you have PT in a hospital setting there are fewer limitations on the # of visits Medicare will cover. If you use a private PT facility, there are more Medicare restrictions.

I'd love to hear specifics about your treatment, especially the use of infrared therapy. Would you please post what IT is and how it helps? TIA.

Hi antonina,

I'm quite new to this site and still finding my way around. I assume you can view my earlier response to malawigirl (?) which provides a good bit of detail. But, just in case you can't view it: the physical therapist had me do 30 minutes +/- of exercise with a variety of balancing maneuvers, leg/muscle strengthening activities which were performed with a sort of rubber band wrapped around the ankles along with some stretching and walking activities. A fairly strenuous and somewhat tiring activity (something akin to "no pain, no gain". All followed by 30 minutes (sometimes 45 if their patient load allowed) on the ReVitaMed unit. You can see this unit at their website. Basically both feet and ankles are wrapped in a strap-on type boot and a smaller patch like piece is placed on the leg just below the knee during the treatment. It is painless and I felt refreshed afterwards.

It seems to have helped me and I intend to pursue it further.

As for doing it in a hospital, sounds expensive even if it doesn't come directly out of my pocket. I try hard to to do things as conservatively as I can. I don't waste my own money and I try to apply that to Medicare and my supplemental insurance as well. That's why I am interested in buying a used ReVitaMed unit if I can find one.

I hope this is of some help. Good luck.

Richard HS