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What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part usually occurring in the arms and/or legs. It can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen, or genitals.


It is the result of the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich edema fluid in the affected area.


Lymphedema is classified as either Primary or Secondary:


Primary lymphedema is the result of lymphatic dysplasia (congenital maldevelopment that interferes with the function of the lymphatic system. It may be present at birth but more often develops later in life without obvious cause. 


Secondary lymphedema is much more common and is the result of surgery or is a side effect of radiation therapy for cancer. It may also occur after injury, scarring, trauma, or infection of the lymphatic system. 


Learn how lymphedema develops, causes, treatment by clicking here: Medi


Click on (+) to learn more about each stage of lymphedema:


Latency Stage

Latency Stage

The swelling is not yet evident, however the lymph movement might be impaired. You Might stay in this stage for months or years

Stage 1 Lymphedema

Stage 1 

In stage 1 lymphedema, the swelling consists of protein-rich fluid and may be temporarily reduced by simple elevation of the limb. If it remains untreated it could progress to stage 2 lymphedema.

Stage 2 Lymphedema

Stage 2 

If stage 1 lymphedema remains untreated, it causes a progressive hardening of the affected tissues which is the result of proliferation of connective tissue, adipose tissue, and scarring.

Stage 3 Lymphedema

Stage 3 

Stage 3 lymphedema is characterized by a tremendous increase in volume, hardening of the dermal tissue, hyperkeratosis, and papillomas of the skin. 

Infections

Infections such as cellulitis, erysipelas, and lymphangitis frequently develop in individuals suffering from lymphedema.

Infections are most common in stage 2 and 3 lymphedema with each infection contributing to a worsening of the condition making frequent hospitalizations necessary. 

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TREATMENT

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT):

CDTis a combination of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), bandaging of the affected areas, remedial exercises, and skin care. It is the most successful treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema.


It is a gentle, non-invasive, and highly effective therapy consisting of the following steps:

1. Gentile Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle manual treatment used to reroute the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels, which drain into the venous circulation.


It is a widely recognized treatment post surgical swelling, traumatic edema (sports injury), migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

2A. Compression with Bandages

Through the use of multilayered bandages, increases tissue pressure and is applied between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of evacuated edema fluid. 


2B. Exercise 

Image from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT5MOHn2kUo

Compression therapy along with therapeutic exercises also increases the efficiency of the muscle and joint pumps and is used until the limb is sufficiently decongested to be fitted from compression garments.


3. Easy on Compression Garments

Image from: https://www.foryourlegs.com

Once the affected limb(s) have reached maximal decongestion through MLD, bandaging, and exercises, an appropriate compression garment is then chosen by a certified therapist. 


Measurements are taken off the decongested limb(s) for most appropriate fitting and easy maintenance. 


There are many garments available in the market but if not fitted and chosen properly can result in further complications. 


Schedule a 15 minute consultation to see if we are the best fit for you




TREATMENT


Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a combination of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), bandaging of the affected areas, remedial exercises, and skin care. It is the most successful treatment for chronic extremity lymphedema.


It is a gentle, non-invasive, and highly effective therapy consisting of the following steps:






Gentile Manual Lymphatic Drainage 


Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very gentle manual treatment used to reroute the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels, which drain into the venous circulation.


It is a widely recognized treatment post surgical swelling, traumatic edema (sports injury), migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

 Compression Therapy


Through the use of multilayered bandages, increases tissue pressure and is applied between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of evacuated edema fluid. 



Manageable Compression Garments


Once the affected limb(s) have reached maximal decongestion through MLD, bandaging, and exercises, an appropriate compression garment is then chosen by a certified therapist. 


Measurements are taken of the decongested limb(s) for most appropriate fitting and easy maintenance. 


There are many garments available in the market but if not fitted and chosen properly can result in further complications. 


Click on  MediUSA  to learn more.

IMPORTANT
  • Lymphedema is a medical condition it requires a medically detailed evaluation process.
  • It is important that clients are under the care of a physician.
  • It is strongly advised to receive therapy services from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to prevent medical complications. 

Exercise Program

Compression therapy along with therapeutic exercises also increases the efficiency of the muscle and joint pumps and is used until the limb is sufficiently decongested to be fitted from compression garments.

IMPORTANT
  • Lymphedema is a medical condition which requires a medically detailed evaluation process.
  • It is important that clients are under the care of a physician.
  • It is strongly advised to receive therapy services from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to prevent medical complications. 
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