Valerie Collins
Physical Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
[Download lymphedema brochure]
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often the extremities. It is the result of an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant consequences for the patient if left untreated. Once present, this chronic and progressive condition will not disappear again.
Causes of Lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is caused by malformations of the lymphatic system and may be present at birth or develop later in life, often in puberty or during pregnancy. Secondary lymphedema is more common and often the result of surgery or radiation therapy for cancer. Surgical procedures in combination with the removal lymph nodes, such as mastectomies or lumpectomies with the removal and/or radiation of axillary lymph nodes, are a very common reason for the onset of secondary lymphedema. Other causes include trauma or infection of the lymphatic system.
A Personal Approach
The initial evaluation is generally done one week prior to starting the treatment program series. A program will then be structured for your specific limitations and desired outcomes. The treatment series then consists of daily visits until initial symptom control is achieved. Each time you visit, you will receive one hour of individual attention from a physical therapist who is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Treatment Methods
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goal of the therapy is to reduce swelling and to maintain the reduction. For
the majority of patients this can be achieved by skillful application of CDT, which is safe, reliable and non-invasive.Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) This gentle manual treatment technique increases the activity of certain lymph vessels and manually moves interstitial fluid. Applied correctly, a series of MLD treatments decrease the volume of the affected extremity to a normal or near normal size and is applied daily in the first phase of the therapy.
Compression Therapy The elastic fibers in the skin are damaged in lymphedema. In order to prevent reaccumulation of fluid it is necessary to apply sufficient compression to the affected extremity. In the first phase of CDT compression therapy is achieved with the application of special short-stretch bandages. These bandage materials are used between MLD treatments and prevent the reaccumulation of lymph fluid, which has been moved out of the extremity during the MLD session. Once the extremity is decongested, the patient wears compression garments during the day. In order to achieve best results, specially trained personnel should take measurements for these elastic support garments.
Exercises A customized exercise program is designed by the therapist for each patient. These decongestive exercises aid the effects of the joint and muscle pumps and should be performed by the patient wearing the compression bandage or garment. Vigorous movements or exercises causing pain must be avoided.