With lymphedema, I believe in the power of trial and error. There’s no harm in trying. You either get a result or know if something did not work, at least for me. Today, I’m providing a Revitive review, which is a product specifically designed to improve circulation.
Review of Revitive: A potentially very interesting product
I was in a store shopping for a new printer since mine took an unfortunate turn for the worse. In the store, a product called Revitive Circulation Booster caught my eye. The product was marketed as a way to increase circulation to the legs and one of its benefits was listed as:
- Reducing swelling in feet and ankles
The graphics showed increased circulation from the electronic stimulation, especially in the feet and legs.
Review summary:
- Great for cold feet! This worked extremely well for that and for once, I was free of freezing feet that would refuse to warm up. Great solution.
- Did it work for lymphedema? Unfortunately for me, no. That said, others have commented below that it DID work for them. If you have lymphedema it’s smart to try everything just in case your particular type of lymphedema responds.
Review detail:
I suffer from primary lymphedema in my lower legs. I believe it is worsened since I have a low pulse rate (I stay fit so my resting heart rate is usually about 55). On top of that, I eat really well (plant-based) so I have low blood pressure too. So I think I have a triple whammy with circulation.
And like almost every woman my age I suffer from extremely cold feet in the winter. Like really cold…feet won’t warm up unless I use an electric blanket or hot water bottle.
So I was excited that this machine could potentially help with a lot of this. I really liked the idea that you could use it at your desk, too.
They were offering a 60 day refund if it didn’t work for you. Great marketing tool, huh? So I figured I would give it a try.
The cost: there are different versions of the product. Revitive starts at $199 and models with more advanced features goes up to over $300 US dollars.
Revitive review: the experience
It is an interesting device. You plug it in, put your bare feet on it and it starts zapping electrical pulses through your bare feet. It is an interesting sensation. No pain, just a very specific “zap” that you will definitely notice. You can start out low and then start to ramp up the strength of the charge. Then the device also “rocks” your feet in various patterns. On low, they move just a bit, but on high it’s a workout for your calves.
I sit at a desk often when I work so I was excited that this could add yet another way to add some motion when I had to work.
Revitive review: the science behind boosting your circulation
The Revitive circulation booster is a device that uses electrical stimulation to contract and relax the muscles in the legs. This action helps to pump blood more efficiently around the body, which can help to reduce swelling and improve overall circulation. The device is also said to help reduce pain and cramping in the legs, as well as improve range of motion.
To use the Revitive circulation booster, you will need to place it on the floor and then sit in a chair or lie down on your back with your feet up. You will then need to attach the device to your lower legs using the provided straps. Once the device is turned on, you will begin to feel a tingling sensation as the electrical stimulation begins to work. The device can be used for up to 30 minutes at a time, and it is recommended that you use it for 3-5 times per week for best results.
I tried it daily, but I did start on low to get used to it.
The Revitive circulation booster is FDA cleared and has been clinically proven to be safe and effective. It is important to note, however, that the device should not be used by pregnant women or people with pacemakers. If you have any other health concerns, it is always best to speak with your doctor before using any type of electrical stimulation device.
How does Revitive Work?
The Revitive Circulation Booster improves circulation in the legs and feet. It does this by using electrical stimulation to contract and relax the muscles in the legs and feet, which helps to increase blood flow to these areas. The device has been clinically proven to be effective in improving circulation. It is recommended by many doctors and is used by physical therapists to help improve circulation in their patients.
Wireless remote control
The Revitive Circulation Booster comes with a wireless remote control that allows you to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation. It also has a built-in timer so that you can set it for the desired time frame.
Built in Timer
Just start it and Revitive does the work. It will automatically shut off after the session is complete. You can use it while watching TV, reading or working. There’s no problem using electronic devices while using the machine.
Intensity Level Control
With Revitive, you pick the intensity. It is recommended to start out low and increase as your circulation improves. By using the remote you can adjust the movement at a touch of a button.
Portability
The Revitive Circulation Booster is small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It also comes with a carrying case for added convenience.
Can Revitive help with leg lymphedema?
I kept it for 30 days and I kept ramping up the levels, so there was more an electrical impulse and even more “rocking” motion. As you increased the motion, however, your entire legs moved. It was a bit distracting working, but if not it would be fine to vegetate in front of the TV with it.
It definitely increases circulation, I could feel the difference. My feet were no longer freezing at night, so that was good. If this was my primary concern I would definitely recommend this product.
However, for my lymphedema there was no difference in the swelling. I was saddened as I really thought this would make a difference.
That said, it makes me hopeful to use such a well-designed home health product. The product seemed well-built and nicely designed. I think this type of technology might lead to other products that maybe will help lymphedema.
Verdict on my review for Revitive: This could be a great option if you are simply looking for improving circulation. For my lower leg lymphedema, sadly, it didn’t help me.
But recently some people have commented on this thread that it DID work for them for leg lymphedema, so it very possibly might be worth a try. If it works, it would be a great way to help address the symptom in a healthy way.
Can Revitive help for cold feet and lower leg circulation?
I’m happy to report that for cold feet and circulation, this was a big success! It was wonderful to not constantly have freezing feet when it got cold. Especially for winter, this would be a great addition. As I try to avoid cold winters as much as I can, I don’t need it now, but may consider it for the future.
When Revitive might be especially helpful
I think this product would be very helpful if you can’t stay as active as you’d like. Maybe if you have an injury or if there’s a time when exercise is not something you can do every day, it seems this product would be an ideal supplement to your daily life.
Want to give it a try? Check out the Revitive Circulation Booster.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a Revitive using HSA or FSA funds?
Yes! If you have an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account), then the Revitive is eligible. Note: If you have an FSA you may want to double check that your specific plan does indeed cover this device, although it likely will. By using one of these accounts, this allows you to use pre-tax funds to purchase the device, which saves you money.
Can I use Revitive when relaxing or meditating?
No….the movement at higher settings is pretty aggressive, so it is not something you’d chill out with. However, its fine for watching TV or working on your laptop.
Do you wear socks when you use this tool?
No, it must be bare feet. With my cold feet I was worried about that, but you’ll notice how quickly your feet warm up, that aspect is very impressive.
Can I use this while lying down?
Unfortunately, no. You need to be sitting with your feet flat on the floor to get the movement benefits. But, the machine does all the work, so there’s no effort involved.
I’m prone to foot and leg cramps, will this help or make this worse?
I am too! Fortunately this helped me, and in fact felt really good stretching the feet, ankles and calves. But the company does recommend ramping up slowly if you are prone to cramps….so start slow and add a bit of time every day, if this is a concern.
Does this help the entire leg or just the calf?
According to the company, the product benefits the leg up to the knee. So it is primarily targeted at the lower leg.
Does the Revitive heat up?
No. But as you use it your circulation to your feet will increase making them feel warm. I used it in winter and while I am always hesitant (hmm…wimpy?) to take off my socks when its cold, my feet very quickly got warm, so it was not a problem.
How long does it take to get results?
The company encourages you to give it one full month before evaluating effectiveness. However for cold feet I did get faster results. But as with anything, best to be patient and give it enough time to see the kind of benefits you can expect.
What’s the best time of day to use this product?
The company doesn’t say any one time is better than the other, so that means whatever time is most convenient is probably best for you. However, I would think that if you sit alot for work like many of us do, it’s good to break up the day. Definitely for lymphedema, we want to stay active so the best time might be to break up a time you’re normally less active.
Does Revitive really work?
So bottom line, does the Revitive really work? My answer is, yes, it is a real technology. It helped my cold feet when really nothing else did, so it definitely increases circulation. If in doubt, try it…if you find relief, the test will be worth it.
Shop for the Revitive circulation booster.
Have you ever tried one of these “circulation boosters”? Any results? Let us know!
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I tried a lower leg massager for my lower leg lymphedema and while it helped with the aching I experience in humidity, it didn’t do much for the swelling.
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for reading. Yeah it seems like these types of gadgets will help with other things, but not the lymphedema. Thankfully the chinese herbs are what worked for me…now I’m doing my second round and getting very fast results, so happy about that. I’m especially thankful because I am in the middle of summer (I’m in New Zealand) and was not happy to think of wearing compression socks again. Have you tried chinese medicine?
Which herbs are you using please?
Hi Lynsey, thanks for reading! I wrote some other blogs on the process of getting chinese herbs, so please check those at. There’s no one combination unfortunately, it appears that the key is that the formulas are based on your needs. I do know that ginseng appears to be a common one but most of the time I get combinations of like 8 to 15 herbs. And then the provider will change them every month or two. Here’s a blog that can help explain how to get the herbs: https://fightlymphedema.com/how-to-get-chinese-herbs-to-treat-lymphedema/. Best of luck! If you try it please share your experience, good or bad, on this website so we can all keep learning what is working and what is not. Thanks!
Hi – I was just about to order a Circulation reviver machine when I read your & many other posts relating to Lymphedema. I have swollen legs & ankles so the machine would be no use to me. I’m interested in your Chinese angle. What do you use? I’m desperate to reduce the swelling legs. Help!!!!!!!
Hi Marion,
Please read some of the other posts that talk about how to get the right chinese herbs. This is all personalized so unfortunately I don’t know of one certain formula that would work for everyone.
On the subject of increasing circulation in the feet, I recently found one thing that works really well–those yoga toes/toe stretchers. Wow. They really work for me, I can feel the circulation moving in my feet as soon as I put them on. They’re not particularly fun to wear but they also got rid of foot pain I used to get from long hikes. I’ll be writing a post about them soon, but you can good “yoga toes” or “toe stretchers” for some options. Best of luck!
Hi! I also suffer from primary lymphedema on my lower leg, and also found that this device didn’t help much with the swelling. Elevating is still the best option for me.
Interesting to hear others go through the same I do as I feel so alone in this!
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Lisa! Thanks for reading. Have you tried chinese herbs yet? Your situation sounds like mine–primary, lower leg, so you should! That is what worked and provides almost complete relief, thankfully. Check out the remainder of our website as most of it is about chinese medicine for lymphedema.
I’ve just bought one of these, not just for lymphedema but to generally improve circulation and for relaxation. Shame to hear it doesn’t impact upon the lymphedema. What are the Chinese herbs? I’m willing to try anything – I also have lipoedema, my my legs are so sore all the time.
Hi Vivienne,
Terribly sorry, this landed in spam. Just saw it. Please search the site and you’ll see many articles on chinese herbs. Thanks for reading!
Hi, I too suffer from lymphedema, mine is not just lower leg, mine is in both of my entire legs. I have had the revitive for two years and find it very helpful for the pain in my legs. Before I received as a gift I had problems sleeping at night because of the pain in my feet and ankles, the hotter the weather the further up the pain went in my legs. I found after about 6 weeks of using it everyday that while I still have quite a bit of swelling the pain is not as bad. I am definitely going to check out the information you have on Chinese herbs to see if that will help.
Hi, I have lymphadema, and have the bio-compression pants that I use 1-2 times a day. They work tremendously. I got mine through my physical therapist (who RX ordered the pants). I’m surprised to hear about everyone’s search for help with Lymphedema when the pants are readily available through your vascular RX or physical therapy RX.
Hi Julie, thanks for reading and commenting. That’s great to hear that those work for those who need it! I am very happy you have found something that works for you. On this site, we’re trying to hopefully control the problem, not just the symptoms, but I have never heard of these pants, so that is really good to hear as an option. Thank you for noting that, I’m sure others will find it helpful!
I have found my revitive helps my lower leg lymphodema immensely. Since using it my legs no longer swell anywhere near as badly. I eouldnt be without mine.
Hi Linda,
Wow, that’s great to hear. I guess it varies from person to person. Very happy to hear it is working for you. Seems like it is worth a try then, for sure!
Look into vibration plates. I am in a FB lymphedema group and a lot of people are raving about how well these work, I am thinking of getting one now!
Hi Dani,
Interesting! I remember reading about those years ago but hadn’t run across them for lymphedema. Makes sense and should be worth a try! If anyone has used it, please chime in so we can hear about your results!
Just because it’s doesn’t work for some ppl who call
It a gadget, when it’s a medically proven device backed by science.
who choose instead to use Chinese herbs that have no scientific benefit.
Btw. I have chronic lymphedema and it’s restored my sensation and reduced redness to 5 percent.
I use it on setting 99, 2 x 30 mins a day
Glad it worked for you John! Makes sense for people to try it then, certainly worth it to test it out. Great to hear of your success with it!