How Lymphedema is Treated

Descriptions of the different types of lymphedema treatment.

How Lymphedema is Treated

An overview of the major components used to treat lymphedema with links to detailed descriptions of each.

4th Lymphedema Care Forum

Please plan NOW to attend the 4th Lymphedema Care Forum on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 8 am-5pm in the Hiram Morgan Hill Room at the Morgan Hill, CA. Community & Cultural Center. This beautiful facility is at the corner of Dunne Ave. and Monterey Road in downtown Morgan Hill, CA. with ample, free off-street parking.

Be An Informed Lymphedema Patient!

Often it is difficult to how well your lymphedema treatment is working. This is particularly true when you are newly diagnosed, don’t know what to expect, and have no basis of for comparison.

Compression (1) as Lymphedema Treatment

An overview of the compression methods used in the treatment of lymphedema to control swelling and to prevent the hardening of the tissues affected by lymphedema.

Compression (2) Bandaging

Bandaging, also known as wrapping, is the most versatile means of reducing and controlling the swelling of lymphedema while minimizing the hardening of affected tissues.

Compression (3) Knit Garments

Compression garments are elastic knit two-way stretch sleeves or stockings that are worn under clothing during the day; however, these garments are not worn at night or when sleeping.

Compression (4) Specialized Aids

Compression aids are constructed of foam and fabric that can be worn at night or during the day. Available in a variety of styles some are padded custom-fitted garments with stitching to guide the flow of lymph. Other styles have features to soften fibrotic tissues.

Head and Neck Lymphedema

Lymphedema of the head and neck is a build-up of protein-rich lymph  above the shoulders and collar bone. This can be due to primary lymphedema (PLE), which is a genetic abnormality; however most commonly it is due to secondary lymphedema (SLE) resulting from cancer treatment, an injury or surgery. to that region.

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Taping is a recently developed adjunct treatment for lymphedema that utilizes a highly specialized latex-free tape proven to be helpful in reducing localized swelling and softening fibrotic tissues. It is particularly seful in areas, such as the neck and chest, where it is not possible to obtain good compression.

Important: This tape should be applied by a therapist who is properly trained in this technique.

Learn More About Lymphedema Pumps

The goal of using a lymphedema pump is to move excess fluid out of the affected limb and to return it to the circulatory system. A pump can be used in a treatment facility under the supervision of a professional lymphedema therapist. An even more important role of the pump is for use at home by lymphedema patients who do not have access to the services of a lymphedema therapist.

Low Level Laser Therapy

In November 2006, the American Food and Drug administration (FDA) cleared the Riancorp LTU-904 laser therapy units for use by professional lymphedema therapists in the treatment of post mastectomy lymphedema. The LTU-904 is the only laser device cleared by FDA for this purpose.

NLN Standards for Training Lymphedema Therapists

It is essential that lymphedema patients be aware of the current rules for training a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). Also patients should insist on being treated by an appropriately trained therapist.

 

 

  

The Board of Directors of the National Lymphedema Network (www.lymphnet.org) has established a position paper on this topic and they review it regularly. If necessary, the current position paper will be updated again in 2013. 

It is the responsibility of the patient to protect themselves by being aware of these rules and being aware that the individual training them has met these standards.

Say No to Neosporin

Many of us feel that a well-equipped first aid kit should include a tube a Neosporin – and that it should be used generously if an injury damages lymphedema affected tissues. Now evidence indicates that the use of Neosporin may cause more problems than it prevents.

Self-Massage

Self-massage has as its primary purpose to improve the flow and drainage of lymph by stimulating the lymphatic vessels following the technique as taught by your lymphedema therapist.

Surgical Treatments of Lymphedema

Surgical approaches to lymphedema treatment are often discussed but rarely used. These techniques include debulking surgery, liposuction, and lymphatic reconstruction. While surgery may improve the condition of the affected area it does not cure lymphedema or remove the need for ongoing care. While Weight loss surgery is not used specifically for lymphedema treatment; it may be an option for some patients.

The Potential of Preventing Lymphedema

The information in this article is based on the results of a study supported by the National Navel Medical Center. The results were promising in demonstrating the potential of preventing the development of lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer.

The Stages of Lymphedema

The International Society of Lymphology (ISL) has established a system of staging that will identify the progression or severity of developing lymphedema. The use of this system also makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness and improvement through treatment .

Got a question or comment? Post in the 'How Lymphedema is Treated' forum.