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Guide to circulation boosters
Approved by our Clinical team | Feb 2, 2023

What is a circulation booster?
A circulation booster can be used to help relieve painful symptoms in the legs, such as joint pain, tiredness, aching, swelling or cramps.
What does a circulation booster do?
Your circulatory system is responsible for pumping blood, oxygen and nutrients around the body. This is happening automatically, all the time, but ensuring that you maintain good circulation is vital to your overall health. If you have poor circulation it can often affect your legs and arms. This is usually as a result of another condition, such as diabetes.
How do circulation booster machines work?
A circulation booster is a machine, made by brands such as Revitive, that work by delivering electrical impulses to the muscles. These impulses stimulate the muscles, causing them to contract and relax, encouraging blood flow to the muscle groups.
What conditions can circulation boosters help with?
Circulation boosters can be used in the treatment and management of a number of conditions such as:
Diabetes
For people with diabetes, poor circulation can lead to serious problems in the feet and legs, if the condition is not properly managed. Raised sugar levels can cause nerve damage which affects sensation and circulation. Many people with diabetes experience nerve pain in their feet, which can be referred to as diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
People with diabetes should receive an annual foot examination which will include a check of the circulation in the feet. Poor circulation can mean that any wounds are slower to heal and can lead to an increased risk of infection or foot ulcers. If you are concerned that you may have diabetes, please contact your doctor. We also offer a diabetes screening test if you suspect you have - or may be at risk of developing - diabetes.
Arthritis
There are several causes of arthritis, which cause pain, swelling and inflammation in joints. People with arthritis may find they struggle with exercise, and general mobility. This decrease in movement can have adverse effects on the circulatory system, as exercise and keeping mobile is important in stimulating blood flow.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the joints. It can also affect the circulation by causing a side effect known as rheumatoid vasculitis - an inflammation in the blood vessels. Inflamed blood vessels weaken, and interfere with the flow of blood around the body.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins develop due to weakening or damage to the tiny valves in veins. The valves push the blood through the veins, and if they become damaged and cannot function effectively, blood pools in the vein, causing it to swell. Circulation boosters such as Revitive may help people with mild varicose veins to improve circulation.
Please be sure to read all product information carefully, as some conditions, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) may mean a circulation booster is not suitable.
Compression socks may be used in the treatment of varicose veins (and other conditions). Compression socks are long, tight fitting socks designed to apply pressure to the lower legs, directing the blood flow upwards, in order to improve circulatory flow around the body.
Are circulation boosters safe?
Circulation boosters may not be suitable in some conditions. As with any new medical device, you should always consult with your doctor before embarking on a new treatment or regimen.
People who should not use circulation boosters include (but are not limited to) those with:
- An electronic implant device - e.g. pacemaker or Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), any of the associated symptoms of DVT, or are receiving treatment for DVT
- Pregnancy
- Ongoing or recent radiotherapy treatment
- Broken skin on the treatment area
How to use a circulation booster
Using a circulation booster like Revitive can be done whilst seated. Place your feet on the foot pads, and adjust the intensity levels to suit you. Devices vary, and may have foot, thigh, knee or body pads that you can place on the required area. This allows you to target a specific area - such as a painful knee joint with arthritis. There may be certain conditions that prohibit use, and you should check the device is suitable for your specific condition before use.
How often can you use a circulation booster?
Each model varies. The Medic Coach works with the Revitive App to set up a personalised therapy plan. Please ensure you read all instructions carefully before use. Other models - such as the ProHealth - may be used daily.
How long can you use a circulation booster for?
Each session should last 30 mins. Some models may have a timer to allow for shorter or longer sessions. This can be done whilst sitting down and relaxing.
What is the best circulation booster machine?
The best circulation booster for you will depend on your individual needs. Read our handy table to compare which model best suits your budget, intended benefit and required treatment area.
Revitive Medic Coach |
Revitive Medic Knee |
Revitive Medic |
Revitive ProHealth | |
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Price* |
£419.99 |
£329.99 |
£349.99 |
£249.99 |
Treatment areas |
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Features |
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Potential benefits |
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Where to buy Revitive circulation booster
Revitive is available online and from pharmacies. As LloydsPharmacy are Revitive stockists, you can get a circulation booster delivered to your home. Payment options - like Klarna - are available to help you spread the cost.
Symptoms of poor circulation
If you think you may be experiencing poor circulation, look out for some of these common symptoms:
- Coldness in feet or hands
- Numbness in the extremities
- dry, cracked skin
- Slow healing of wounds (this can be particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. If you have any wounds or injury to your feet, contact your doctor)
- Colour changes in fingers or toes
- Swelling and pain in extremities
How to improve circulation in legs and feet naturally
If a circulation booster is unsuitable for you, there are other options available to help boost your circulation. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure you are choosing the right fit for you.
Ways to boost circulation in your legs and feet
- Regular cardiovascular exercise supports your overall health and good circulation. Read our guide and find ways to add cardio into your day.
- Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can be suited to any ability level, to increase mobility and circulation. Yoga can also include gentle inversions (taking your head below your heart) to increase blood flow toward the brain.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can damage the blood vessels and restrict circulation, as well as exacerbate conditions such as diabetes.
- Massage can help to stimulate blood flow, and in turn improve circulation.
- Products such as compression socks can help by applying gentle pressure to the lower legs and direct blood flow towards the heart.
- Hydrate with plenty of water, and consider increasing your intake of vitamin C and omega 3 oils.
If you have poor circulation, there are ways for you to help increase your circulation and manage your condition. A clinically proven device such as a Revitive circulation booster can help. Check out the range of circulation boosters available, as well as helpful advice on living well, and managing conditions such as diabetes and foot care.
References
expand_more- LloydsPharmacy
- www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320793
- www.healthline.com/health/poor-circulation-symptoms-causes
- www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/poor-blood-circulation.html
- www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/effects-on-body
- www.revitive.com/ca/how-can-revitive-help-you
- www.revitive.com/uk-can-i-use
- www.revitive.com
- www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320793
- www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/OH-210.20-Looking-after-your-legs-leaflet.pdf
- www.avogel.co.uk/health/circulation/how-can-i-improve-the-circulation-in-my-leg
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*Prices correct on as of February 2023.