Lymphedema is the builduip of fluid in the soft tissues of the body when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. If it is not treated, it can cause thickening of the skin, wounds, skin infections and cause severe swelling forming lobules. Primary lymphedema is when someone is born with a lymphatic system that has a malformation. Most forms of lymphedema, however, are “secondary”, which means it is a result of damage or trauma to the lymphatic system. This can be caused from cancer treatment including the removal of lymph nodes or radiation, untreated vein problems, surgical trauma, injuries causing scar tissue or long-term swelling of a body part. Lymphedema can happen days, months or years after the insult and can fluctuate in severity. Certain things can make swelling worse like heat, sitting or standing for long periods, flying, obesity and a high-sodium diet. Although lymphedema is a lifelong condition, it CAN be managed so you can get back to living life. 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
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.