Increase blood flow to the feet - YES !
RELAXATION TRAINING AND ITS ROLE IN DIABETES AND HEALTH

Birgitta I. Rice, M.S., R.Ph., CHES

Introduction

This series of articles will provide information on the benefits of relaxation on health and wellness, with a focus on peripheral circulation problems in diabetes patients

PART 3 Professional Feedback- Information from actual use.

We have seen several success stories among clients who have learned and used the biofeedback assisted relaxation training in clinical practice. The therapy now has a name; it is WarmFeet®. The following are some testimonials from medical professionals involved:

Told by a podiatrist: “The patient to whom I offered WarmFeet® was a diabetic, renal transplant recipient. He had already lost several toes on both feet and had an open, ischemic heel ulcer that had shown no signs of healing for many months. The vascular surgeon with whom I was working anticipated a BKA (below knee amputation). This patient had no hope for vascular reconstruction due to extensive small vessel disease. Within six weeks of starting the WarmFeet® therapy, the wound was fully closed. I have little else to offer by way of explanation of why his ulcer closed. It certainly defied expectation.” The ulcer remained closed and the patient died from other causes 3 years later.

A research participant called back to the study center a couple of months after the end of the study. She said: “Remember I told you about my insensitive great toe, especially the outer side of it. Well, yesterday when I was putting my socks on, I realized that I could feel the sock. I was so surprised!” She had kept up with the regular relaxation practice, and we were delighted to hear of this unsolicited outcome. We had seen a statistically significant improvement in the coarse nerve fiber function (sensations of touch) at the end of the study. This was measured with current perception threshold (CPT) levels, using a specific electronic instrument. However, we were delighted to hear of an actual change in awareness and feeling in the foot by a person who learned the relaxation technique and had practiced it regularly.

From a Vascular Surgeon: “Bob’s ischemic disease had progressed to where he now had ischemic petechia in his toes and probably impeding gangrene of his toes. Either revascularisation or amputation will be the next step.”

Bob’s Family Practice Doctor suggested the WarmFeet® therapy to him. Bob had so much pain he could not sleep nights and was hardly able to walk. He also was so discouraged, it was hard to interest him in the possible help that the therapy could give.

However, at the first follow-up two weeks after teaching him the relaxation, he was like a changed person. When asked about the current pain level, Bob replied: “What pain? I have no pain and I sleep nights! Yesterday I was able to walk up to the restaurant, which I have not been able to do for a long time!”

At a return visit the Vascular Surgeon said: “The therapy must have helped you. Let’s cancel the surgery for the time being.” Well, Bob went south for the winter and did not return until April when he still was doing well in regard to the circulation in his feet.

Many health providers feel that sometimes hopeless situation, for similar cases in their practices. If they truly are looking for some way to help their patient, WarmFeet® may be the answer. That is, if the patient wants to get involved and believe that it will help. The patients first reaction to WarmFeet® is probably “How can that help?” The educator’s comforting explanation and encouragement is very important. WarmFeet® allows the patients to participate in improving their own health. Now, this is something they really can do for themselves!

Next week we will have complete info on the warm feet system and information on how you can have your patients participate in a Diabetes In Control Study using the Warm Feet System.

Birgitta I. Rice, MS, RPh, CHES received her education and pharmacy license in her native Sweden. She is a researcher, clinician and certified health education specialist at the University of Minnesota, Division of Epidemiology Clinical Research Center, Minneapolis, MN

Part One, Part Two

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