Lymphedema Therapy

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes located throughout the entire body. These vessels remove fluid from the tissues and return it to the circulatory system in order to maintain proper fluid levels. The lymphatic nodes filter harmful materials in the lymph fluid and also produce antibodies for immune function.

What You Should Know About Lymphedema

When the lymphatic system is unable to transport the lymph fluid back to the circulatory system, fluid can back up into the tissue spaces. The accumulation of the protein-rich lymph fluid is called lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often the limbs, but can also occur on the face, trunk, abdomen or genitals. It is chronic and progressive (if not treated) and affects over 3 million Americans.

Primary Lymphedema is caused by congenital or hereditary malformation of the lymphatic system and is most common in women. It may develop at birth, puberty or later in life and usually affects the legs.

Secondary Lymphedema occurs as a result of damage to the lymphatic system such as trauma, surgery, radiation, infection and cancer.The most common cause is surgical removal of lymph nodes and vessels during mastectomy.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

• Swelling of the limb or part of the limb which develops immediately or possibly months or years after surgery to treat various cancers

• Feeling of fullness or tightness in the affected limb

• Swelling with progressive hardening or other skin changes

• Swelling in a limb or other body parts that occurs during adolescence or later in life for no apparent reason

Complete Decongestive Therapy

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is provided to treat the effects of lymphedema. The goal is to decrease the swelling, re-route the fluid, improve the skin health and improve the quality of life.

CDT is safe, reliable and non-invasive

CDT shows good long-term results when all aspects of the treatment are performed.

CDT consists of:

• Manual lymph drainage

• Compression therapy

• Specialized exercises

• Skin care

During treatment, measurements are taken at specific intervals to ensure that the limb is reducing in size. Once the limb reaches its smallest possible size a compression garment is used to maintain the limb size.

Lymphedema Do's and Don'ts

• Avoid injury to the skin which could lead to infection

• Avoid mosquito bites

• Wash skin thoroughly, gently and regularly

• Avoid extreme heat or cold including saunas, sunbathing and whirlpools

• Be cautious with exercise

• Inform all healthcare personnel that you have lymphedema

• Never have blood pressure taken or injections into the affected limb

• Always have compression on the affected limb while traveling by air

• Eat a well balanced diet to avoid obesity

• Avoid clothing that is too tight

• Immediately tell your therapist or doctor if you have any signs of infection: fever, redness, warmth, pain, increased swelling

Lymphedema Can Be Treated Successfully!

Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling and skin changes due to a problem with the lymphatic system.

Complete Decongestive Therapy can safely, effectively and non-invasively treat the effects of lymphedema, as well as chronic venous insufficiency, post-surgical or post-traumatic swelling.

If you think that you may have lymphedema, you should be evaluated by a physician and special diagnostic testing may be needed.

Additional information regarding lymphedema may be found at:

www.lymphnet.org
www.mylymphedema.com
www.LymphNotes.com
www.cancer.org