Lympedema: An Overview of the Progressive Therapy Approach to Healing

With new cases of lymphedema affecting thousands of patients each year, there is a growing consumer initiative to raise awareness in not only the dynamics of this chronic lymph disorder but also the methods in which to treat the complications that lead to irreversible bodily damage.

Lymphedema, a chronic complication in which the lymph circulation is impaired within the body, leads to excessive accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues resulting in inability of the body to remain in balance and fight infection and circulate bodily fluids and blood appropriately.

If you are a patient suffering from lymphedema, you probably know, very well, the impact lymphedema will have upon your long term health when considering the complications often result in irreversible bodily harm. As a result, many patients are turning to the progressive and aggressive approach of physical and massage therapy, at least twice a week, to combat the complications of this lymphatic disorder.

In terms of therapy used to manage lymphedema, there are two general types; Manual lymph drainage (MLD) and Complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP). Both of these therapies are considered quite progressive, and aggressive, requiring the services of a trained professional and may be used alone or in combination with one another.

In MLD, known as Manual lymph drainage, gentle massage is applied to the patient who is then wrapped with low stretch bandages over the top of a gauze bandage. This therapeutic approach is generally completed twice per week over a two to four week period. The key to successful application is in the gentle, but direct massaging, to free lymphatic fluid under the surface of the skin, without causing skin breakdown. To obtain optimal results, the program should be followed up with the use of compression garments and home exercise and massaging techniques.