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How is Lymphedema Treated?
Lymphedema can be controlled by a number of means. There is a considerable
debate as to what method of treatment is best. Many physicians, and therapist
that we at Advanced Rehab Technologies work
with believe that a multifaceted approach is best. This means a combination of
therapies should be used. Not depending on just one therapy for success.
The various methods of treatment are as follows:
1. Elevation, this means keeping the limb elevated, usually above the level
of the heart. This allows gravity to facilitate the drainage of fluid from the
limb. This elevation method usually takes a great deal of time to see results.
On the plus side, it requires no special training, and can be done anytime,
any place that you can elevate the arm. It requires no special equipment or
insurance coverage.
2. Lymphatic massage, there are a number of different techniques used for
what is known as manual lymph drainage.Forms of massage have been used for over
100 years. This involves a trained therapist who will massage the arm, gently
pushing the lymph fluid back up into the body. Therapist can be trained in a
variety of methods to drain the arm with this technique. ie. the Vodder method,
or the Leduc school. A trained therapist can teach you how do this some of these
techniques yourself. As in all therapies, lymphatic massage requires dedication.
It must be done on a daily basis. Insurance coverage varies for massage when
done done by a professional therapist. Some plans limit just how many times you
can see a therapist in a year. Check your individual plan for details.
3. Compression garments, are used to help maintain limb size. The garments can
be off the shelf, or custom made for the individual. The garments can cover all
of the limb, or just parts of it. The compression strength can also vary. The
heavier the compression, the more effective the stocking. The heavier the
compression though, the more difficult the stocking will be to put on and wear.
These stockings need to be replaced every six months. As the compression lessens
and the garment does less and less.
4. Pneumatic compression pumps, and sleeves, are air-filled appliances that fits
over the swollen limb. Pneumatic pumps have been used since the 1950s. Notably,
at the renown Mayo Clinic. The sleeve fills up with air that gently massages the
stagnant fluid back up towards the body. There are various types of these pumps
that have various advantages over others. Some have the ability to adjust the
pressure over specific areas of the limb. The best pumps have what is known as
gradient compression, meaning more pressure at the most distant location, and
less pressure closer to the body. These pumps are easy to use, and are usually
covered by insurance.
As stated before, most physicians, and therapist recommend a combination of
these therapies to deal with Lymphedema. A recent study from the Stanford
University Lymphedema Center showed that a combination therapy program of
massage, and the pump was superior to individual methods of treatment.
What happens if Lymphedema is Not Treated?
Chronic Lymphedema is a progressive condition that must be treated. When
Lymphedema remains untreated, the limb becomes more swollen, ( edematous ) and
the skin can harden. Elasticity diminishes in the limb, reducing range of
motion, and flexibility.
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