The literature regarding the efficacy and recommendation of Veinoplus in the prevention and treatment of venous disease symptoms is not very vast. However, the majority of the studies found were supportive of positive effects using the electrical stimulation device. No research could be found where there were negative side-effects or unfortunate events associated with its application, indicating that it is a safe and effective treatment option.
A major population that is targeted for the use of Veinoplus, as discussed in the above posts, is pregnancy. Le Tohic and colleagues (2011) investigation into the effects of Veinoplus on lower limbs venous insufficiently-related symptoms in pregnancy discovered that the use of the stimulation device was not harmful in any way to the fetus, which is obviously a major factor that comes into play when a mother is deciding upon a treatment of the venous-insufficiency symptoms present with pregnancy.
http://bestcompressionsocksonline.wordpress.com/; http://www.win-health.com/veinoplus-tens-ems-varicose-veins-pain-relief.html
In response to the previous post regarding the alternative use of compression stockings, it states in the Veinoplus information booklet that in some circumstances, namely treatment of varicose veins, small and large vein post-sclerotherapy, significant venous oedema, post-thrombotic syndrome with a high deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk and severe symptoms of CVI, the Veinoplus unit is to be used in conjunction with doctor’s prescription and compression garments. This acknowledges the fact that in more severe or progressed venous insufficiency cases a more multi-faceted approach is the best option for the best benefit. This is not stating that Veinoplus is insufficient to get the results it claims to, but that it works superiorly alongside other treatment options.
Compressive garments have long been advised and used for prolonged sitting situations, in particular long flights, but as mentioned in the above blog post these garments also bring with them contraindications for use, including peripheral skin conditions and critical limb ischemia. In terms of patients with severe venous insufficiency issues, it could be suggested that Veinoplus is a more active alternative to be used when on long-haul flights or in prolonged positions, where the use of exercise is also not available.
In regards to obese individuals, Veinoplus may actually pose as a potential safety issue due to the larger current needed to overcome the high resistivity of subcutaneous fat tissue. The accessibility of this device, combined with the general public’s lack of knowledge regarding the potential debilitating effects of electrical stimulation products, increases the risk of unnecessary injuries occurring.
A study by Rij et al. (2008) showed that individuals with obesity actually have a more efficient calf skeletal muscle pump. They attributed these effects to the possibility that obese individuals have more developed calf musculature in order to support their weight. While this may compensate for a small percentage of their venous insufficiency, the lack of exercise and usage of this important physiological mechanism promotes the attainment of a venous pathology.
Therefore, it could be said that the primary treatment for these individuals would be exercise. The previous entry has already alluded to many of the additional benefits of exercise as opposed to Veinoplus. These benefits plus the addition of the safety concerns and an already efficient muscle pump system, make exercise the apparent treatment of choice for obese individuals.
When comparing Veinoplus and exercise, it is also difficult to ignore the fact that by exercising you get the same benefits as Veinoplus therapy along with a vast multitude of other health benefits whilst saving yourself the hiring fee of the Veinoplus unit or the entire $350 to purchase your own unit.
While exercise undoubtedly has its place in the realm of venous insufficiency treatment options, it also comes with certain situations in which other options may be more appropriate. It is widely known and accepted that exercise is a valuable part of healthcare but still adherence levels to adequate levels of exercise remain low in a high percentage of the population (Dishman & Ickes, 1981). This unveils a particular place in the market for Veinoplus in the treatment of those with venous insufficiency who cannot, or refuse to, exercise for treatment.
In conclusion, from the limited clinical trials and reported efficacy of use of Veinoplus, it can be stated that the electrical stimulation therapy device definitely has its place in the treatment arena of venous disease. It is one of a group of treatment options for this population that need to be individually prescribed and suited to the patient and circumstance. To further gain insight into the efficacy of each treatment in comparison with each other, further research needs to be performed. By finding answers to the question of how beneficial one treatment is compared to another, patients suffering venous disease will have a much better way of dealing with their condition in the best way possible for them.
References
1. Doheny, E.P., Caulfield, B.M., Minogue, C.M. & Lowery, M.M. (2008). The effect of subcutaneous fat thickness on the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 5684-7.
2. Dishman, R.K & Ickes, W. (1981). Self-motivation and adherence to therapeutic exercise. Journal of Behavioural Medicine, 4(4), 421-438. DOI: 10.1007/BF0084615.
