treating lymphedema

Lymphedema has a way of gradually, unassumingly entering your world. Initially the mild signs are easily overlooked. Eventually growing swelling and other symptoms assert themselves.

Lymphedema develops where the lymphatic system sustains lasting damage, usually from trauma or disease. That damage impedes the movement of lymph, which gathers in tissues and produces aching, inflammation and swelling. MLD therapy stimulates lymph flow to decongest tissues and calm the pain.

Cancer, obesity, venous insufficiency and trauma account for the vast majority of acquired (secondary) lymphedema. Any part of your body may be affected, especially arms and hands, feet and legs. Often the trunk area (chest, back), groin and pelvis, neck and head too. 

You could be born with primary lymphedema, stemming from family history or a congenital issue. It may be obvious from birth to two years or have a delayed presentation from puberty to age 30 (lymphedema praecox) or after 35 (lymphedema tarda).

Health history and a physical exam determine lymphedema. The level of swelling and companion symptoms (e.g. skin changes, fibrosis, previous cellulitis infections) inform our assessment and treatment recommendations.  

A combination of MLD therapy, decongestive therapy and compression garments is the go-to approach for effective lymphedema care and management. And it is effectively treated at any stage.

Benefits of care:

• reduce and stabilize edema
• inhibit swelling gains
• ease pain
• improve limb shape and appearance
• lower risk of further cellulitis infection
• improve skin health
• increase circulation and support lymphatics
• slow disease progression
• return flexibility and ease of movement

For now, lymphedema is a lifelong condition and MLD with compression garments are the most effective way to manage it. A new frontier for lymphedema treatments is being driven by active research. Already in the advanced trial stage both medications and microsurgical techniques are being developed to repair underperforming lymphatics. The goal is to improve lymph flow and permanently lessen swelling.