Lymphedema Management
Understanding the Functions of the Lymphatic system
1) removes excess fluid, waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells, and toxins from these cells and the tissue spaces between them.
2) works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients, oxygen, and hormones from the blood to the cells that make up the tissues of the body.
3) protein molecules are created by cells in the tissues. Because these molecules are too large to enter the capillaries of the circulatory system, these protein molecules must be transported by the lymph to the bloodstream at the terminus. The terminus is the triangular area at the base of the neck, just above the collarbones, where the lymph returns to the circulatory system by flowing into the subclavian veins. This is why it is important to try and clear all the lymph nodes around the body, especially as 75% of your lymphatic fluid ends up in the area we call the terminus.
In lymphedema affected tissues, the lymph is unable to drain properly. Instead within these swollen tissues the protein-rich lymph becomes stagnant. When bacteria enter this fluid through a break in the skin, they thrive on this protein-rich fluid. It is for this reason that lymphedema affected tissues are prone to infection
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic disorder characterized by persistent swelling in the arms or legs (or any body part, such as the face, neck, abdomen or genitals) due to blocked lymph channels (vessels or nodes). A type of lymphedema referred to as primary lymphedema due to impairment or abnormal development of the lymphatic system can be present at birth or develop later in life, often after puberty. Another type of lypmphedema called secondary lymphedema is commonly caused by surgery, trauma, infection or radiation therapy that can often impair or damage the lymphatic system. This damage leads to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, inflammation and disability.
The diagram to the right shows the lymph nodes in the armpit area as being blocked or removed from surgery. The result being a disruption and blockage of the lymphatic flow and subsequent fluid back flow into the arm. The picture directly below it shows a post mastectomy patient with this type of Lymphedema.
How we help Lymphedema Patients
The therapists at A.C.T. are Lymphedema Specialists that use a very unique type of manual therapy called Manual Lymph Drainage. Through this process they have had great success in retracking the lymphatic system to drain into alternate nodes. This type of therapy is extremely light to the touch, therefore even very swollen and painful extremities are not affected by this touch. Lyphedema should be discussed between the patient and their Physcian and in severe cases wrapping daily may be a necessity. Although we have the training for this at A.C.T. we do not have the resources to do so. To the right is an example of a patient before and after several Manual Lymph Drainage sessions. As an additional resource go to www.lymphedemablog.net