Lymphedema
Featuring Manual Lymph Drainage & Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the tissues of the body.
If the lymphatic system is damaged, it cannot handle the usual amount of fluid, which collects in the tissues of the affected area of the body. If left untreated, the fluid will stay stagnant and increase the risk of life-threatening infections.
What causes Lymphedema?
Primary lymphedema is generally present at birth through genetic inheritance, but often times is not symptomatic until adolescence or adulthood. The reason is unknown and almost always inherited.
Secondary lymphedema, the most common form, is most often developed as a result of cancer and its treatment. Lymphedema can occur post-operatively , within a few months or even years after cancer treatment. The swelling can range from mild to severe.
Who is at risk?
The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some period in their lifetime. Of these women, 1-2 out of every 10 who have had axillary dissection (lymph node removal) will develop lymphedema.
Women also have the risk of developing lymphedema in their legs following surgery/treatment for cervical or uterine cancer.
Men are at risk for developing lymphedema in their legs following surgery/treatment for prostate and testicular cancers.
Both men and women are at risk following treatment of skin cancer with lymph node removal and/or radiation involving the arm, hand, leg, and foot.
Signs and Symptoms:
Persistent swelling
Arm feels full or heavy
Skin feels tight
Decreased flexibility in hand, wrist, or ankle
Difficulty fitting into clothing in a specific area
Ring/watch/bracelet tightness
COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY / MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE TREATMENT FOR LYMPHEDEMA
Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy
(CDP) also known as Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a comprehensive treatment to reduce the swelling, prevent it from worsening, and limit infections. The education and treatment program involves:
Skin care
Thorough skin management is taught to patients to prevent infection and bacterial and fungal growth, which are possible complications of lymphedema.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Gentle massages are given to move the lymph fluid, directing it into new pathways which eventually drains into the main lymphatic vessel. The affected area is measured regularly to determine the volume of fluid present.
Compression bandages/garments
Special bandages are applied after MLD and are kept on between sessions to prevent lymph fluid from re-accumulating and obtain further reduction.
Medical compression garments such as compression sleeves are fitted by the certified CDP/MLD therapist if indicated to sustain and optimize the therapeutic benefits achieved. Instruction is given to patients regarding frequency and use of these garments.
Therapeutic exercises
While wearing the bandages, the patient is taught special exercises that increase the effectiveness of compression therapy. Specific exercises also address the negative effects of decreased movement of the problem area
Our CDP/MLD therapists work with your referring physician to design a treatment plan that promotes optimum benefits including improved overall appearance and enhanced self esteem. Typical programs are daily for one to two weeks, then two to three times per week for 2-4 weeks.
Prevention
Avoid any injuries/trauma to the affected limb and/or puncture of the skin (cuts, bruises, bites, sunburns, other burns)
Never allow blood pressure checks, injections, IV, or blood drawings of the affected arm or leg
Avoid constricting clothing or jewelry
Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm, avoid shoulder straps
Avoid extreme temperature changes (tanning, saunas, hot baths, sun)
Wear compression bandages when flying or exercising
For more information on lymphedema, contact:
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org / 800-ACS-2345
National Lymphedema Network
www.lymphnet.org / 800-541-3259
Lymphatic Research Foundation, Inc.
www.lymphaticresearch.org / 516-625-9675
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