Lymphedema
What is Lymphedema?
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that transports lymph, a protein-rich fluid, back to the blood. Lymphedema is a chronic swelling disorder caused by an accumulation of this lymph fluid in the soft tissue. The buildup of stagnant fluid causes a mild to severe increase in limb girth, a decrease in tissue healing ability, and a high susceptibility to infections or cellulitis in the affected limb. Lymphedema most often occurs in the arm or leg, but can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen, or genitals.
Primary lymphedema is the result of missing or impaired lymphatic vessels; symptoms may develop at birth or later in life. Secondary lymphedema, a much more common type, is a result of lymph vessel damage or lymph node removal during surgery or radiation therapy. It may also occur after injury, scarring, trauma, or infection of the lymphatic system.
Lymphedema Treatment
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the most effective treatment for chronic edema and
lymphedema. Primary (congenital) lymphedema and secondary lymphedema (due to a damaged
lymphatic system) respond extremely well to this gentle, non-invasive and highly-effective therapy.
The five components of CDT:
- Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a manual treatment which improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. In chronic edema and lymphedema therapy, MLD is used to re-route the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels and nodes. Our unique MLD approach combines decades of clinical experience and the latest indocyanine green (ICG) research findings.
- Exercises are performed with compression bandages in place to activate the muscle and joint pump of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and further reduction of the swollen limb over time.
- Compression Therapy increases tissue pressure and improves the efficiency of the muscle and joint pump. In Phase I of the therapy, multi-layered compression bandages are applied between MLD treatments to help prevent re-accumulation of evacuated fluid. In Phase II of the therapy, patients are fitted for daytime and/or nighttime compression garments as appropriate to maintain and optimize the results of the treatment.
- Skin Care and general hygiene are essential to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth which can cause repeated attacks of cellulitis or erysipelas. Infections are very common complications of chronic edema and lymphedema, so meticulous skin and nail care is a vital component of treatment.
- Self-Care is taught to each patient and/or care giver to prevent the recurrence of the edema/lymphedema, and prevent complications such as cellulitis (skin infection) and chronic wounds.
