Lymphedema Therapy

Lymphedema?

What a surprise the lymphatic system is!  Everyone has heard of the circulatory system, nervous system, digestive system, skeletal system, but who gives any thought to their lymphatic system?  Not me. At least not until my lymphedema diagnosis. I had to learn all I could about this practically invisible body system. Now I think of it with awe for all the things it does to protect me from infection and disease.

What is Lymphedema?

Your lymphatic system is part of your body’s immune system. Its network of tissues, vessels, and organs carries lymph (fluid), nutrients, and waste materials between your body tissues and bloodstream to maintain a normal, healthy fluid balance.

Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling condition that may affect one or many body regions. The swelling develops because the lymphatic vessels or nodes have been damaged (Secondary Lymphedema) or were formed incorrectly at birth (Primary Lymphedema). Lymphedema is most commonly a side effect of cancer treatments. If a person has surgery to remove lymph nodes or radiation therapy, as is common for cancer treatments, the damage done to the lymphatic system may result in a back-up of lymphatic fluid.  

When lymphatic fluid builds up in a part of your body and is not treated, the swelling may increase, and pain and discomfort can occur as well as scaring and hardening of the affected tissue.

While lymphedema can be treated to decrease the swelling, there is no cure for lymphedema. To prevent adverse side effects like infections and skin breakdown, you should be involved in the lifelong management of your lymphedema.  

If you have lymphedema:

• You may need (CDT) Complete Decongestive Therapy, usually performed by a physical therapist.
• You may need to wear a compression garment during the day and at night.
• You should be practicing self MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage/Therapy).
• You might want to see a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) for massage 1 or 2 times a week or month.  

 

Primary vs. Secondary Lymphedema

Primary Lymphedema –

• Caused by malformations of the lymphatic system present at birth (congenital), symptoms may not appear until later in life
• Can be passed from parent to child (hereditary)
• Classified as primary when no known cause can be identified

Secondary Lymphedema –

• More common, and is the result of known damage or ongoing strain to the lymphatic system, such as:

1. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
2. Cancer treatments (removal of lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy)
3. Benign or malignant tumor growth
4. Trauma

 

Treatment of Lymphedema?

One great form of treatment for lymphedema management is Lymphedema Therapy by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.  A second great treatment is self-massage, learning how to perform lymphedema massage on yourself to help affect change in your own body.  Compression garments should also be incorporated in your treatment regimen.

Since I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, I can say without reservation, if you have had a mastectomy, with or without radiation or lymph node removal, please do not get a deep-tissue or excessive pressure massage on or near the affected area.  This type of massage may harm the delicate lymphatic vessels that remain healthy and viable in the region.

The Never-Ending Questions?

“Why didn’t anyone warn me this was a possibility that I might face after cancer treatment?”
“Why have I never heard about lymphedema?”
“Why don’t my doctors seem to know anything about lymphedema? They are doctors??!!”
“Can I shave, exercise, get a massage, ,surgery in the same area, blood pressure cuff, airplanes, sun tanning or hot tubs?”

These were questions that I asked 23 years ago when I was diagnosed with lymphedema, and before my training in lymphedema therapy. I still hear these questions today from my patients.