Lymphedema and Its Treatment
Lymphedema is a chronic disease that involves swelling of extremities and eventually scarring of the lymph channels worsening the situation. Edema can be defined as the swelling that is caused by an increase in the fluid content of the tissues that we can recognize with our senses. In general these can be low-protein or high-protein edemas. Usually the lymph channels have either a congenital defect or a surgical defect which prevents them from fulfilling their safety valve function. With the safety valve function gone, the system eventually backs up and we get fluid in the space between the cells, which is the edema we see. This involves the space getting filled up with toxic substances to the lymph vessels themselves, toxic to the tissues, and toxic to the body in general.The treatment of lymphedema, which has been shown to work and be free of side effects, is Complete Decongestive Therapy. This consists of restoration of the skin with follow-up skin care, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), compression therapy, and decongestive exercise therapy. At our center we strive to use CDT to decongest the tissues, use MLD and compression garments (and if necessary, prescribe devices) to maintain the results that we achieve with these treatments. We use decongestive exercises to help you develop the necessary knowledge to take care of yourself. In addition, MLD self treatment will stimulate the appropriate lymph nodes and lymph drainage pathways. We will teach you to breathe correctly, which helps you warm-up to do the above exercises. Our care is centered on you and teaching you to take care of yourself, but we will be there for you if you need us.