Lymphoedema treatments have for some time been limited to a few specific
interventions. Those proven to be of effectiveness and research based
are used. However, what about emerging new treatment modalities? For
those clinics lucky enough to be able to have these new methods are they
cost effective and what use are they in the clinical setting? The following
case study examines one such emerging new treatment namely oscillation
therapy. An oscillator was purchased for the service to be used on patients
with stubborn oedema but how best to monitor its effectiveness? Is it
possible to prove they work in order that additional equipment may be
purchased in a time where resources are scarce? Patients often approach
the clinician with articles cut from newspapers or with information gathered
from other patients using networking. It was decided that it was time to
examine in a small way the clinical effectiveness of the equipment already
purchased and in use in clinic.