See below for “before and after” pics of Lymphedema treatment
Lymphedema Treatment includes
Lymphatic massage, edema massage release of scars or fibrotic tissue from chemotherapy/radiation; reduction of swelling from trauma, illness, disease and sometimes inherited symptoms. In addition to lymphatic massage and complete decongestion of swollen or enlarged limbs, wound care is provided as needed.
You will experience successful Lymphedema Treatment no matter what Stage or type of swelling you are experiencing. You will receive Lymphedema treatment from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Board Certified Occupational Therapist as well as an in depth evaluation. I educate patients about Lymphedema and edema to include the best personalized methods to manage symptoms in the long run.
For some patients, decongestion involves wrapping the limb to move the excess fluid out. Massage is only temporary so wrapping works in conjunction with massage. For some, massage 1-2 X weekly is needed then once every couple of months and wearing a sleeve or stocking during the day. There are also night time garments available if you prefer compressing at night instead of during the day. I do not recommend this for positional edema since it worsens when you get up and gets worse as the day goes on. In that case, you need to wear compression whenever you are up and moving around.
So as you can tell, treatment is going to depend on what you need personally. Everyone is different, however one thing is certain, if you have swelling and you do nothing, it will most likely get worse over time.
Misconceptions
I recently read, from a reputable post, that if lymph nodes are removed under one armpit, then the lymphatic swelling will be contained in that area (or in that one arm.) I have found that to be incorrect. If you have lymph nodes removed in one armpit and the affected arm swells, once that arm fills up you could have swelling in the opposite arm, your neck/face or your leg on the same side as well as your abdomen (this is not an all inclusive list.) There are a lot of misconceptions out there about Lymphedema and how it presents in the body, so please be careful about what you believe to be true. The greatest resource I can point you to, other then my clinic, is the Academy of Lymphatic Studies where I received my certification. There are books you can purchase from ACOLS to educate yourself correctly about this disease. The more you know, the better you can manage your symptoms correctly.
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? Excellent explanation from LTA
CLICK HERE to read some research articles about Lymphedema from the National Lymphedema Network
CLICK HERE to learn more about Edema
How the law is changing in your favor LTA
Activity Precautions
Activities are provided in the clinic to include a home exercise program to speed up the decongestion process of the lymphatics as appropriate. It is best to limit activity to necessary movements if you have swelling from Lymphedema and are not compressed. It is contraindicated to exercise, while you are swollen (from Lymphedema or Edema), if you are not wearing the appropriate garment or if you are not wrapped while in the treatment phase. If wounds are present, specific guidance will be provided as to the movements you should or should not do – depending on your situation and Physician recommendations.
More Cool Links
Visit their garment shop. ACOLS, COMPRESSION GURU
Need an excellent supplement? All you need is CARDIO MIRACLE I take Cardio Miracle and frankly nothing else except B Complex and NAC. Since coming to Florida, my allergies are worse so this combination really works for me. At the very least I recommend Cardio Miracle to improve your health and increase your stamina. Excellent product.
Follow-up
Follow-up is always provided and highly recommended so that patients can feel confident about maintaining their own independence. Lymphedema treatment and lymphatic massage are available after the therapy process as needed. That is always available to you after the therapy process. Caregivers are always welcome to learn about the therapy process; learn about how to better serve the patient and to be a part of the long term goals and needs of the patient.
Please take a look at some of the images below from previous patients. All photos are anonymous in nature and were approved by patients to use as examples.
75% of my clients present with the symptoms below in all areas of the body from head to toes.
