What it is: Lymphedema is the buildup of fluid in the soft tissues when the lymph system is damaged, blocked or overloaded. If untreated, it can lead to thickened skin, wounds, skin infections and severe swelling (sometimes forming lobules).
Types
Primary lymphedema: Caused by a genetic or hereditary malformation of the lymphatic system.
Secondary lymphedema: Caused by damage or trauma to the lymphatic system.
Common causes of secondary lymphedema
Cancer treatment (removal of lymph nodes or radiation)
Untreated vein problems
Surgical trauma
Obesity
Injuries that create scar tissue
Long-term swelling of a body part
When it can occur
Lymphedema can appear days, months, or years after the damaging event, and severity can fluctuate over time.
What makes swelling worse
Heat
Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged sitting or standing
Flying
Unmanaged medical conditions such as heart, venous, kidney and liver conditions
Chronic Inflammation
Dietary choices such as high sodium or highly processed foods
Management
Lymphedema CAN improve so you can get back to living life. Well-controlled lymphedema management includes manual lymphatic drainge, compression, exercises, skin care, treatment of underlying medical conditions by your doctor and lifestyle changes. Hand N Hand Rehab can help guide you in this process to set you up for success.
Contact us today if you would like lymphedema therapy from the comfort of your home or in clinic.
- Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression Garment Fitting and Recommendations
- Individualized Exercise Prescription
- Skin Care
The most effective treatment for lymphedema is using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) from a certified lymphedema therapist. CDT consists of careful skin care, specific compression bandaging and/or garments, exercises and manual lymph drainage routine. There is an intensive phase which involves frequent visits from your therapist and a maintenance phase which is a daily self-management routine.
MLD is a gentle massage technique that involves lightly stretching the skin to stimulate lymphatic drainage from swollen areas to non-swollen areas. It can be performed as part of complete decongestive therapy or alone depending on your needs. Many other conditions can benefit from manual lymphatic drainage including lipedema, fibromyalgia, post-orthopedic surgery swelling, & post-cosmetic surgery swelling.
There are many different types, brands, strengths and sizes of compression and knowing what would be best for your body can be confusing. Your therapist can perform an assessment, take measurements and provide recommendations based on your needs. Ideally, you should be fitted after receiving lymphedema treatment so you can maintain your smallest size instead of your biggest size. The lymphedema treatment act now covers medically necessary compression garments and accessories. We will work with your doctor and local DME providers to get the products you need.
Movement and muscle engagement is key to moving excess fluid out of your tissues. When our muscles contract, they push and squeeze against the vessels creating high pressure. Much like squeezing a tube of toothpaste or ringing out a sponge. Without exercise, the blood and lymph pools and becomes stagnant in our limbs making them swollen.
Meticulous skin care is essential to caring for a body part with lymphedema. In the presence of excess lymphe fluid, skin can become dry, thick and prone to infections. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized, as well as attending to nails, scrapes, and wounds is critical. We can assist with skin care including washing, moisturizing and light wound care. Our therapists have attended ongoing education for wound care, however, we do not provide wound care supplies. If more extensive wound care is needed, we will refer you to outpatient or home health nursing wound care.