Lymphedema Management
From Diagnosis to Relief
Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling or increased size of one limb that occurs after cancer treatment, surgery, or as a complication of other conditions
Lymphedema can be treated through a combination of manual lymphatic drainage, compression, and exercise and managed through lifestyle changes
Treatment and maintenance services, as well as compression garments and alternatives are available
Meet Our Lymphedema Therapist
Elliot Snow
Massage Therapist
LMT, Cert. Lymphedema Therapist
Frequently Asked Questions
At Clarity, our commitment to clarity and personalized care shines through as we address common queries, providing insights into the therapeutic benefits of MLD. Discover the nuances of this specialized technique, explore its applications for overall well-being, and find quick answers to your questions. For further inquiries, our dedicated team stands ready to support you on your path to rejuvenation and vitality.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a swelling, typically in one limb, that is caused by an increased amount of fluid between cells. Over time, swelling increases, leading to an increased space between cells. This increase in space makes it difficult for cells to efficiently transport nutrients and immune cells to all areas of the body, leading to more frequent infections and slowed healing.
What Are The Causes?
Lymphedema can be called primary or secondary. A person is born with primary lymphedema and swelling can be present at birth or develop later. Secondary lymphedema is more common, and develops after a single significant trauma or a prolonged wear and tear to the lymphatic system. Trauma can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, extensive burns, or significant blunt force trauma. Chronic venous insufficiency, chronic infections, filariasis (parasitic infection), lipedema, and obesity can all have long term effects on the lymphatic system and over time may result in lymphedema.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of lymphedema vary depending on how far the disease has progressed. In the subclinical Stage 0 there is no visible swelling, but there has been damage to the lymphatic system. In Stage 1, the tissue swells and feels soft, and if pressed into an indentation remains for several seconds to several minutes. The swelling may completely disappear overnight or if the limb is elevated. In Stage 2, swelling increases and the tissue has begun to harden as lymphatic fibrosis develops. Skin texture or color changes are common, as are frequent skin infections. In Stage 3, swelling has greatly increased and hardened fibrosis can be felt throughout the tissue. Skin changes and infections can be seen.
What Is The Treatment?
Treatment for lymphedema is a process called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which is facilitated by a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). CDT consists of four components: 1) manual lymphatic drainage 2) bandaging/compression 3) exercise 4) skin care. There are two phases of treatment: Intensive Phase 1 and Improvement/Maintenance Phase 2.
Phase 1:
-Patient is provided with education on lymphedema and the importance of at-home management through daily compression, self-MLD, exercise, and proper skin care.
-Patient is seen 3-5 days a week for 2-8 weeks depending on the limb(s) and stage of lymphedema
-Treatment consists of MLD, bandaging, exercises, and education; first and last treatments include full limb measurements, partial measurements taken once per week
-Limb and trunk are decongested of excess lymph fluid, only fibrotic tissue remains
Phase 2:
-Patient is seen 1-4 times per month for MLD and fibrosis treatment
-Patient continues wearing compression garments daily during the day, continues self MLD daily, and continues 10-15 min of exercises twice daily
-Fibrosis is monitored by a CLT and treated through compression, exercise, and manual techniques
How Do I Manage Lymphedema At Home?
After the intensive decongestive phase of complete decongestive therapy at-home management becomes even more important. Compression garments should be worn daily while you are awake, and garments will need to be replaced every 6 months. Self-manual lymphatic drainage should be performed daily to activate the terminus, relevant lymph nodes, and limb drainage. Exercises should also be performed for 10-15 minutes twice per day. It is also recommended to see a certified lymphedema therapist for manual lymphatic drainage and fibrosis treatment 1-4 times per month. All of this will be discussed and explained further during the intensive phase.
Phase 1:
-Patient is provided with education on lymphedema and the importance of at-home management through daily compression, self-MLD, exercise, and proper skin care.
-Patient is seen 3-5 days a week for 2-8 weeks depending on the limb(s) and stage of lymphedema
-Treatment consists of MLD, bandaging, exercises, and education; first and last treatments include full limb measurements, partial measurements taken once per week
-Limb and trunk are decongested of excess lymph fluid, only fibrotic tissue remains
Phase 2:
-Patient is seen 1-4 times per month for MLD and fibrosis treatment
-Patient continues wearing compression garments daily during the day, continues self MLD daily, and continues 10-15 min of exercises twice daily
-Fibrosis is monitored by a CLT and treated through compression, exercise, and manual techniques
Our Happy Patients
Questions? We are happy to any questions you may have! Schedule a free screening so we can discuss your problem areas and determine if physical therapy is the right course of action for you.