Preventing Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body, often due to an impaired lymphatic system. For many, this condition can be a result of surgery, radiation therapy, or injury to the lymph nodes. Although preventing lymphoedema cannot always be entirely achieveble, there are several proactive strategies that high-risk individuals can adopt to minimize their chances of developing this debilitating condition. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment Lymphoedema Clinic in Fitzroy North, we specialize in offering personalised care to prevent lymphoedema from progressing, and our experienced therapist, Giovanni, is here to guide you through some of the most effective preventive measures.

Understanding Lymphoedema: Who’s at Risk?

Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing lymphoedema, especially those who have had cancer treatments that involved the removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy. Other risk factors include:

• Surgical procedures involving lymph node removal
• Radiation therapy, which can damage the lymphatic system
• Infections that affect the lymphatic system
• Trauma or injury that affects the lymph nodes or vessels
• Genetics, as some people are born with a predisposition to lymphoedema
• Smoking people who are smokers are more at risk of Lymphoedema
• Obesity, elevates the risk of lymphoedema

Even if you haven’t yet developed lymphoedema, but are at high risk, it’s crucial to implement lifestyle strategies that can help in its prevention.
To better understand the level of your risk of developing Lymphoedema, check the following link:
• Arm Lymphoedema Risk Table
• Leg Lymphoedema Risk Table

Top Tips for Preventing Lymphoedema

Here are some effective strategies to help prevent lymphoedema from developing:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying excess weight can put added pressure on the lymphatic system and increase the risk of developing lymphoedema. It is essential to manage your weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce the strain on the lymphatic vessels and promote optimal fluid circulation.

Stay Active

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to keep your lymphatic system functioning well. Movement helps to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid, which reduces the risk of fluid retention and swelling. Simple low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, and tai-chi can be great options for lymphatic health. But also strength training, can boost circulation and prevent lymphoedema from developing. Each exercise program is something to look into along the different stages of Lymphoedema, and it is also based on your previous and current level of fitness and medical history.

On the other hand, avoid prolonged periods of immobility or standing, as these can increase the likelihood of fluid build-up. If you have a sedentary job or lifestyle, take regular breaks and move. Little move are better then no move at all.

Wear Compression Garments

Compression garments help maintain fluid circulation and prevent swelling. For individuals at risk, wearing compression sleeves, stockings, or garments as made on measurement can help prevent lymph fluid from accumulating in affected areas.

Giovanni can recommend clinics where to get the compression garments from, and he would highly recommend staying away from the pharmacy type of garments worn, as they are most likely not going to serve their presentation and can lead to more discomfort than benefit.

Protect Your Skin and Limbs

Skin protection is essential to reduce the risk of infections, which can trigger or worsen lymphoedema. Minor cuts, insect bites, or burns can cause infections that may lead to fluid retention. Ensure your skin is clean, moisturized, and free from scratches.

If you are at high risk of lymphoedema, be mindful of potential skin injuries and take precautions to prevent cuts or wounds, especially on limbs that are at risk.

After showering, make sure to dry your skin well and avoid, where possible, synthetic clothes, which may keep the level of humidity on the skin and not let it breathe.

Practice Good Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health and supporting the function of your lymphatic system. Drinking enough water helps to keep your lymphatic system flowing smoothly and reduces the chances of fluid retention and swelling.

Even though there is no general recommendation of how many glasses of water you should drink daily, make sure not to feel dehydrated, depending on your activity levels, environment, and overall health. Water also can be absorbed into the body by the intestine from the food that we eat. So ensure to eat plenty of veggies and fruit, that not only would come with diet benefits, but would ensure you are taking enough water per day.

Monitor Your Health Regularly

Regular monitoring of your body, especially areas that may be more prone to swelling, is key. If you notice any signs of swelling, tightness, or discomfort, it’s important to address these symptoms early before they progress.

Giovanni at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Lymphoedema Clinic offers personalized assessments and treatments to ensure that potential issues are identified and treated early. We specialize in lymphatic massage and other treatments that can help prevent the onset of lymphoedema.

Limit Heat Exposure

Heat can cause blood vessels to expand and may increase the risk of fluid build-up in the limbs. For individuals at risk of lymphoedema, it’s best to avoid excessive heat from hot showers, saunas, or prolonged sun exposure. If you need to be in hot environments, try to keep your limbs elevated to reduce swelling.

Manage Stress Effectively

Chronic stress can affect the functioning of your immune and lymphatic systems, making it harder for your body to fight infections and manage fluid balance. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can reduce stress and support overall lymphatic health.

Avoid Tight Clothing and Jewelry

Tight clothing, especially around the arms or legs, can restrict the flow of lymph fluid and increase the risk of lymphoedema. Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments or jewellery that may impede circulation, and opt for loose, comfortable clothing instead. This includes bras and underwear. Indeed, in the case of bras, they can put pressure right on the Lymphatic terminus, where the lymphatic system meets the bloodstream and drains into it, or all around the breast and arm-pit area, where the actual fluid needs to pass towards its draining journey.

The same is true for underwear that is too tight along the inguinal area. They can stop the fluid from proceeding towards the abdominal area and increase the swelling in the legs.

The Role of Therapy in Preventing Lymphoedema

For those who are at risk, seeking professional advice and regular lymphatic massage therapy can help keep your lymphatic system functioning at its best. Giovanni at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Lymphoedema Clinic is skilled in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a gentle massage technique that helps stimulate the flow of lymph fluid and reduces the risk of swelling.

MLD can be an excellent option for preventing lymphoedema in at-risk individuals, especially after surgery or radiation therapy. Giovanni can tailor each session to your specific needs and help you establish a routine that works for you.

But if the Lymphoedema is already present, and their limb/s is swollen, MLD by itself would not be enough, and the Combine Decongestive Therapy would be needed to reduce the swelling as quickly as possible before applying garments wear.

Conclusion

Preventing lymphoedema requires a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and managing risk factors. By following these tips and working closely with a healthcare professional like Giovanni at Melbourne Massage and Treatment Lymphoedema Clinic, you can reduce the chances of lymphoedema developing or worsening. Giovanni’s clinic in Fitzroy North is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, with treatments and strategies specifically designed to help those at risk.

If you’re concerned about lymphoedema or want more information on how to prevent it, don’t hesitate to contact Giovanni for an assessment via a 15-minute Lymphoedema consultation. Giovanni is here to support your health and well-being every step of the way.