Hi Alane,
I have not used the Rebuilder specifically, but our estim rep has a NMES unit
that has a neuropathy protocol. She provided me with research on the protocol
and use, but if I remember correctly it was paid for by the manufacturer so
take it as you will. I'm sure I can dig it out if you would be interested.
That being said, with insurance it was free to most of my patients so I decided
to give it a try. It's basically a nerve stimulation and muscle pumping type
protocol.
What I learned is that patient benefit was largely based on compliance. It
has to be worn for 30 minutes each day and you move the electrodes down as the
neuropathy improves so it's a process. But of the patients that were compliant
all of them said they got some improvement. The least amount of improvement
that a patient reported was 20% better . I had others that reported 60-70%
improvement. Most of these were LE CIPN patients. I did notice larger
improvements when the unit was initiated early rather than years after having
neuropathy. But then you have to wonder if it would have improved on it's
own?
My stance in the clinic is that if it doesn't cost them a lot of money and they
are willing to adhere to the protocol it's worth a try. If anything it lets
them feel like they are taking some sort of control over the situation and
often that can be enough to decrease the emotional aspect of it.
Hope that helps, purely anecdotal
-----Original Message-----
From: aptaoncology-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:aptaoncology-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of alane curry
Sent: Friday, December 03, 2021 6:25 AM
To: aptaoncology@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [aptaoncology] CIPN treatment -is The Rebuilder electrical stimulator
a viable option from Alane acurry
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the sender and know the content is safe.]
Hello everyone:
I am Onc Rehab PT at a regional cancer center.
I treat many pts with CIPN and occasionally will have someone ask about the
Rebuilder e-stim unit and if it is efficacious for neuropathy or not. I have
not found any journal articles yet that would support its use, but would love
to hear everyone’s input regarding if you have used this modality, has it
worked for your patients, and please would you be able to share any articles to
help support its use or why to exclude from treatment plan.
Thanks so much.
Alane Curry, PT, MPT
PORi-cert Specialist
Onc Rehab Coordinator
UW Health Northern Illinois region
Rockford, IL
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