Frequently Asked Questions
What is lymphedema therapy?
Lymphedema therapy is a combination of techniques to manage edema called complete decongestive therapy (CDT) which includes manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD), compression, exercises, skin care, and self care strategies.
MLD is a gentle massage technique that involve skin stretching to redirect fluid from your tissues to lymph nodes so it can be processed by your organs and excreted through sweat and urine. It does not feel like a regular massage because it utilizes light pressure because the lymphatics are located right under the skin.
Lymphedema therapy can be beneficial for those with lipedema, lymphedema, vascular conditions, post surgery swelling, cancer related swelling, and radiation fibrosis.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein rich fluid that occurs because lymphatic vessels or nodes have been damaged or formed incorrectly. Lymphedema is a common side effect of cancer treatments such as node removal or radiation. There are many other causes of lymphedema.
Factors that contribute to lymphedema include:
surgery and/or radiation therapy
infections
venous insufficiency
venous stasis ulcers
renal failure
cardiac conditions
diabetes
obesity
sedentary lifestyle
cancer
trauma to lymphatic system
What are the precautions for lymphedema?
avoid constricting clothing that have uneven compression
avoid trauma to affected area including blood pressure cuffs and blood draws
avoid extreme heat or cold including hot tubs, ect. Heat can exacerbate swelling.
How is lymphedema diagnosed?
Lymphedema is diagnosed by your medical doctor (MD) by reviewing your presentation and medical history. Diagnostic imaging may be utilized to assess the cause of your swelling. Lymphoscintigraphy is a specialized imaging tool to look at the flow of lymph fluid in your lymphatic system.
What does the lymph system comprise of?
lymph fluid which contains, fat, proteins, cellular waste, water, inflammatory products, and other substances such as bacteria and debris when infection is present,
Lymph capalaries
Lymph collectors and vessles
lymph nodes
lymph tissue and organs such as thymus, spleen, tonsils, and red bone marrow
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder that causes disproportionate fat tissue deposition usually from hips to ankles or hips to knees. Lipedema is not lymphedema but often coincide because lipedema can cause stress on the lymphatic leading to a condition called lipo-lymphedema. Lipedema almost exclusively occurs in individuals assigned female at birth.
Lipedema tissue cannot be decreased by utilizing conservative strategies such as compression, exercise, skin care, ect. The only way to remove the diseased tissue is through surgery which has a very high success rate but is often not covered by insurance. Rowen has worked with many patients after lipedema removal surgery and has seen great results from it.
How is lymphedema treated?
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) consists of manual lymphatic drainage message, compression therapy, fitness recommendations, skin care, and prevention education to help you self-manage your condition.
Can lymphedema be “cured”?
There is no cure for lymphedema but it can be successfully managed through self-care techniques taught in lymphedema therapy to avoid the most severe complications.
Where does lymphedema develop?
Lymphedema usually affects arms or legs but it can also develop in any area of the body. After cancer treatments, for example, lymphedema can develop in the breast, chest, underarm due to breast cancer, or abdomen, genital area due to pelvic or lower extremity cancer, and in the neck and face.
Lymphedema can develop due to other conditions that place a strain on the lymphatics including lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and congestive heart failure.
What are the complications of lymphedema?
The lymphatic system is essentially the garbage disposal of our body so when lymphatic fluid is stuck between the cells, that fluid is the perfect medium to grow bacteria. This causes a high risk for infection. If you have lymphedema, any time an infection may be suspected, immediate attention is demanded as these infections can be dangerous. The most common infections in people with lymphedema are cellulitis and erysipelas. Always keep skin clean and hydrated to avoid possible infection and always be looking out for the signs and symptoms of infection.
S/S of infection include:
increased pain
increased erythema (redness)
increased temperature (skin feels hot to touch)
weeping/open area
increased swelling
fever or flu like symptoms
*if you are suspecting an infection, please consult with your doctor or go to an urgent care/ER for immediate medical attention.
Where don’t you use heavy oils to perform lymphatic massage?
One of the most common questions I get is: “Why doesn’t this feel like a typical massage and where are the oils?”
-The answer comes down to how the lymphatic system actually works. MLD is works when a light pressure is precising applied to stretch the skin. The lymphatic system sits just beneath the skin, much more superficial than muscles. When oil is applied it causes a “slip” over the skin which in turn reduces traction making it harder to activate the lymph vessels. Lymphatic system is very delicate and MLD may “feel” ineffective because it feels different than your typical deep tissue massage but light, precise, and intentional strokes towards the areas of drainage is purpose driven and effective.
Every part of the technique is intentional and designed to support your body’s lymphatic system.