Many people suffer from peripheral vascular disease (aka: PVD or PAD) which narrows the arteries and restricts the supply of blood to the lower legs and feet. In its early stages, this may manifest as cold feet and a bit of tingling. If left untreated, it can result in calf pain, ulcerating sores and even gangrene. This is especially problematic for people with diabetes and can result in amputation of toes, feet or even legs.
There are a number of things that can be done to help prevent and treat PVD. In this article, we will discuss Revitive circulation boosters and give sound advice concerning who should use them, how to use them and possible side effects. Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
What causes PVD?
Poor diet can cause this problem as can health conditions such as diabetes and/or heart disease. When arteries become blocked with fat, atherosclerosis is the result. This can result in too little oxygen being delivered to the extremities (hands and feet) as well as heart attack and/or stroke.
If you are experiencing chills and/or pain in your feet and calf muscles, you may very well be suffering from PVD. Medical treatment for this condition can include angioplasty, or “balloon surgery” to open up the arteries and increase blood flow.
It is important to understand that this surgery must be followed up by lifestyle changes and daily treatment to keep the arteries open.
Revitive circulation booster
One gadget that has recently been introduced in the UK and US as a way of increasing circulation is called Revitive. This circulation booster has been cleared by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in the US as a safe method of stimulating nerve endings and delivering electric muscle stimulation (aka: EMS). This means that the Revitive device is very much like other devices that have actual FDA approval. It does not mean that the FDA has tested the device or given it formal approval.
How does it work?
The device causes the muscles of the feet and lower legs to relax and contract, simulating exercise and promoting better circulation. Manufacturers of the device say that it can increase circulation by upwards of 50%.
Here’s what you do:
- Sit comfortably with the unit in front of you on the floor.
- Place the bare soles of your feet on the foot-pads.
- Select the desired intensity level.
- Relax for half an hour and allow the machine to work.
The machine has 99 different levels of intensity, so you can start with very low intensity and increase it as you become used to treatment.
How does it feel?
At the conclusion of your treatment, you should feel refreshed and relaxed. During treatment, the machine delivers electric impulses to the muscles and nerve endings. It provides a tingling sensation and can feel a bit shocking if you have the intensity level set too high. Luckily, there are many settings to choose from.
Is it safe?
The electrical impulses delivered to the muscles and nerve endings are like those delivered by your central nervous system.
This type of device has been in use for many decades in the UK and Australia. Users there report that it is helpful in improving circulation, conditioning muscles and also in treating pain in other parts of the body, excluding the head, face and neck.
As with any device, you should check with your doctor before using Revitive. You should also be aware that it is not safe for pregnant women, people who have (or may have) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or people who have a metallic or electronic (e.g. pacemaker) implant in place.
Using this device while using a pacemaker could interfere with its functioning and/or lead to electrical burns, shock or even death!
Will a blood circulation machine solve the problem?
There is not much clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of this device; however, anecdotal evidence indicates that a blood circulation boosting device can help with PVD.
As a supplement to a sensible program of healthy diet and regular, light-to-moderate exercise, daily use of this type of device can help condition the muscles in your lower legs and feet and stimulate better blood circulation.
If you are currently in very poor physical condition or if you are non-ambulatory, this type of device could be invaluable (combined with daily range-of-motion exercise and proper diet) in helping to keep your muscles conditioned and your blood circulating freely.
Taking half an hour a day to sit quietly and relax is always a good thing. The stress management inherent in this smart lifestyle choice can go far in helping to heal what ails you!
Smart lifestyle choices boost circulation too!
Circulation boosting devices certainly have a place in good overall health, but they are no substitute for healthy living. When you talk with your doctor about adding this type of device to your daily health regimen, he or she is sure to remind you that there are also many natural boosters that can improve your circulation you can and should enjoy, including:
- Daily walks
- Swimming
- Cycling
Dietary improvements can also be helpful. Some simple steps you can take to improve your circulation include:
- Increase your vitamin C intake to 500-1000 mg 2 times daily.
- Take 400-1000 international units (IU) of vitamin E daily.
- Ask your doctor about adding 120-160mg of Ginkgo biloba to your daily routine.
- Add garlic to your diet and/or take 800mg daily in pill form.
- Try the Tibetan herb blend called Padma 28 (with your doctor’s approval).
Be well!
Poor blood circulation has a negative impact on every aspect of your health. Without ample supplies of nutrients and oxygen, every part of your body from your scalp to your toenails suffers. Taking positive steps to boost blood circulation is a smart way to guard and improve your health.
Note: Both Revitive and Circulation Booster are registered trademarks of Actegy Ltd.
Is it safe to use by people with 8% of heart functioning.
I have poor veinous circulation in my feet, ankles and lower calves. However, I have a replacement metallic joints (1 hip & 1 knee) and you say that Revitive Circulation Boosters are not safe for these, though Revitive say that they are and they have many users with metallic joints. What is the source(s) of your unsafe info? Would it be safe on a low frequency? Also, could my poor lower limb circulation be the cause of my itchy scalp, eyelids/nostrils at night? I would appreciate a prompt reply.
Is revitive suitable for people recovering from stroker
I have poor veinous circulation in my feet, ankles and lower calves. However, I have 2 replacement metal leg joints and you say that the Revitive m/cs are not safe for these, though Revitive told me that they are and they have many such users – what is the source(s) of your info.? Could I use the m/c safely on a low frequency? Also, could my poor lower limb circulation be the cause of my very itchy scalp at night? I would appreciate a prompt response.
I have just used the Revitive CX for the first time, 1200, 8th Jan 2018. I have a painful tendon, muscle strain on the outside of my left ankle, just above the ankle bone (caused by a slip in the ice and snow recently). It is an old, old injury that was caused when playing field sports.
My feet feel as though both of them have been in a hot bath of water and imagine my surprise when I get up to pack the machine away after the 30 minute session to discover that the ‘ache’ of the last couple of weeks has all but gone.
I do expect the pain to come back, however I now feel I have method of dealing with it. I used the machine on a setting of 70, some of the pulses really did make me feel as though I was putting my feet through a proper circuit training regime. They still feel tingly and warm and three quarters of an hour have elapsed since the session.
I shall definitely be using the device again tomorrow!
I have a metal heart valve. Would it be safe to use the foot revitive ?
My Husband bought me the Revitive as one of my Christmas gifts. I think I like it, but my feet are retaining fluid, could be side effect of the machine?
I see in the manual it is recommended to drink a glass of water before and a glass of water after using Revitis. Hope this helps. I know that in order for myself to reduce swelling in feet I need to drink more water. Although seems an oxymoron in fact a lack of water seems to cause the body to retain and not circulate water.
After using my Revitive I am experiencing swollen feet, like pitted enema.
Is this machine safe to use for my 81 yr old mother who takes aspirin daily??
is this machine safe to use if you have a metal fixative for a broken ankle?
it’s on my right ankle about 6″ long
i have used circulation booster hour a day on full load over a period of 6 months .i started with healthy legs and feet ,, but now my lower legs and feet are permanently stone cold
i used the Revitive for the first time today. For 25 mins on a 25 setting. It was different but i can get use to it. However afterwards my leg that felt the most of this is now red blotchy on the front outer side. 30 minutes later, is does appear to be fading a little. Is there anything i need to know about this reaction. Is it common or do i need to stop using it. I would appreciate a response today. if i have to quit using it i will have to return the machine, which is time related.
thanks for replying, Mary
I have been using my Revitive Medic for a few months now, but i have had to stop because i keep getting shocks from it and they really hurt, is this something i should worry about, or is it a normal reaction, or do you think its a fault with the machine
why are we not getting any answers to all our questions?
After using Revitive for 30 min on 30 setting the soles of my feet turn very black, can anyone explain why