Tag Archives: lymphoedema therapy

Lymphoedema Therapy: Effective Management Strategies

Lymphoedema therapy is crucial for those dealing with this chronic condition characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid buildup. Effective management can significantly improve quality of life, making it essential to understand various approaches.  The Importance of Prevention in Lymphoedema Therapy Prevention is critical in lymphoedema therapy. Early intervention is vital for those at risk, such as cancer survivors or those with this presentation running in the family genetics. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tight clothing, including underwear and bras, can help support lymphatic health. Other things to be aware of include being vigilant about skincare and promptly addressing any injuries, which can further prevent lymphoedema’s development or worsening. Degeneration and Fibrosis Without proper lymphoedema therapy, the condition can lead to degeneration and fibrosis, where excess fibrous tissue develops in the affected area. Thdis can cause stiffness and discomfort, making it harder for lymphatic fluid to drain. Regular therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage, can help maintain tissue health and prevent these complications. Fibrosis is the body’s response to the constant inflammation created by the accumulation of lymph liquid. Once the fibrosis hardens and starts building up, no lymph capillary can be generated through that. Still, eventually, capillaries and nerves would, making the surgical removal of this type of tissue difficult. Skin Care and Anti-inflammatory Diet as part of Lymphoedema Therapy Proper skin care is essential in lymphoedema therapy. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized helps prevent infections, which can worsen symptoms. As the lymph fluid which is accumulates under the skin is reach in protein, it is important to maintain the skin intact, or the risk of infetioncs would hires exponentially, leading to ulcers and usage of antibiotic for a prolonged period of time. On top of that, to maintain the lymphedema presentation at ease, an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can also support lymphatic function and reduce swelling. Foods like turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial. More specifically about the diet, avoiding long-chain fatty acids and processed food (which most often is rich in long-chain fatty acids) is essential, too. This is because those types of fat are absorbed via the lymphatic system, as they are too big (long chain) to be absorbed by the bloodstream directly. So, once those fats are loaded in the lymphatic system, it would be extra work for this already damaged system to get rid of those components. Compression Garment Wear Wearing compression garments is a fundamental aspect of lymphoedema therapy. These specially designed garments help maintain pressure on the affected areas, promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling. It’s crucial to have garments that fit properly, as the right fit maximizes their effectiveness. Indeed, Giovanni would reccomedn to get your garments wear from clinics where the do measurements, and not from the pharmacy, as those last one, they may not follow at best your presentation or limbs. Melbourne Massage and Treatment and Lymphoedema Therapy At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Giovanni offers Lymphoedema Therapy via services like Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy. The combination of those treatments allows the reduction of severe swelling within a series of treatments. There is also to say that each presentation is unique and based on other factors, such as diet, skincare and other presentations that may coexist with Lymphoedema, someone may need more time to achieve greater results. However, MLD consists of manual therapy that stimulates the lymphatic system. CDT involves applying compression to the swollen limb, maintaining pressure and making the liquid move. To know more about Giovanni Lymphoedema Clinic services, you can now book your free 15-minute initial consultation. Based on this initial chat, would be easier to evaluate a management plan for your presentation. Conclusion about Lymphoedema Therapy Lymphoedema therapy encompasses strategies that focus on prevention, skin care, dietary choices, garment wear, and infection management. By following these guidelines, individuals can effectively manage their condition and enhance their overall quality of life. Awareness and proactive care are key in navigating the challenges of lymphoedema.

Arm Lymphoedema Quiz

Based on the original document - Piller,NB (2006) Lymphoedema Research unit Department of surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia,  5042 (Adapted and reprinted with permission). This guide is designed as an educational aid-based primary on experience, no evidence in literature.

(Optional)
1. More than 10 nodes removed from armpit
2. Radiotherapy to armpit area
3. More than 2 infections (redness) in the limb per year
4. Whole of Breast Removed (Mastectomy)
5. More than 2 but less than 10 nodes removed from armpit
6. Radiotherapy to chest/breast area
7. Fluids drained from wound more than 1 week
8. Infection at the wound site
9. One infection (redness) in the limb per year
10. Heaviness, tightness or tension in the limb at times
11. Frequent cuts/scratches to the limb
12. Dry skin
13. Part of Breast removed
14. 1 or 2 nodes removed from armpit
15. Limb feels different as the day progresses

OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ADD TO RISK

16. Body weight is very high (obese)
17. Surgery was on side of dominant hand
18. Generally experience high stress levels
19. Generally have high non-controlled blood pressure
20. Body weight is a little high (overweight)
21. Frequent long distance air traveler
22. Previous or current other injuries to limb/shoulder
23. Thyroid gland activity is not normal and not medicated
24. “At risk” limb is used for repetitive actions
25. Often carry heavy loads for long periods using “at risk” arm
26 Smoking is currently part of my life
27. Swelling was present in limb prior to surgery

What to do now?

    • If you are at LOW RISK, then you will benefit from a range of appropriate educational literature that may be able to even further reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.

    • If you are at MODERATE or HIGH RISK, then the educational materials will also benefit you. Ideally, if you are in these categories, you should have a non-invasive assessment (Bio-impedance spectroscopy or Tissue Dielectric Constants) to determine if there are already some fluid accumulations in your "risk" limb.

Independently of your level of risk, Giovanni offers 15-minute Online Consultation to better guide you on how to manage this presentation, or prevent any degeneration.

Book your free 15-minutes online consultation now.

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Lipedema Questionnaire

This is not a diagnostic tool but only a guide.
To learn more about the Lipedema presentation, contact Giovanni by sending the result, or booking a free 15-minute online consultation. Be sure to include your full name and email address in the form below (At the end of the quiz).

If you prefer to contact Giovanni anonymously, call with a private number at 0449790781.

Texture of fatty tissue may feel granular and/orfibrotic
Symmetrical, disproportionate accumulation of fatty tissue (refer to picture on the Lipedema page)
The waist may be small in proportion to thighs, buttocks, and legs
Cuffs or bulges may develop around joints (e.g. ankles, knees, elbows, wrists). Feet remainunaffected unless lymphoedema is a comorbidity
Legs are often hypersensitive to touch and pressureand may feel cold
Affected areas may bruise easily with minimaltrauma
Patients describe affected areas as sore, painful, heavy, swollen and tired
Symptoms can worsen in hot weather, during orafter exercise, standing or sitting for long periods
Fat pads, which can be tender or painful, accumulate on the upper outer thighs, inner thighs, and around the knee area, can cause abnormal gait,and contribute to joint pain
Filling of the retromalleolar sulcus
Hypermobility
Soft, thin skin with loss of elasticity. Skin can havea lumpy appearance.
Non-pitting oedema and negative Stemmer’s sign on feet and hands in the absence of coexisting lymphoedemaPitting oedema is when by appling pressure to the area with a finger, for more than 60 seconds, you get left an indentation in the skin.
Difficulty losing weight from affected areas despite exercise, modified diet or bariatric surgery. If well-directed, these measures may help reduceinflammation and co-existing obesity if present
Abnormal nerve sensations
Pain on blood pressure check (larger cuff may berequired)
Relatives with similar body shape or fat distribution

Out of 17 questions, the number above, tells you how many symptoms applies to you. The more symptoms, the more luckily you are suffering from a Lipedema presentation. Get in touch with Giovanni now, via the form below, for further understanding on how to manage Lipedema presentation.

Reference list

This quiz is a reproduction of a flyer from the association Lipoedema Australia.
The reference list is Adapted from 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13,14[1] , 16, 18 and available here (PDF).

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Leg Lymphoedema Quiz

Based on the original document - Piller,NB (2006) Lymphoedema Research unit Department of surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia,  5042 (Adapted and reprinted with permission). This guide is designed as an educational aid-based primary on experience, no evidence in literature.

(optional)
1. More than 10 nodes removed from the groin
2. Radiotherapy to the groin/pelvic area
3. Average of more than 2 infections (cellulitis) in the limb per year
4. Dry or scaly skin on lower legs/feet
5. More than 2 but less than 10 nodes removed from groin
6. Fluids drained from wound more than 1 week
7. Infection at the wound site after surgery
8. Average of one infection (cellulitis) in the limb per year
9. Frequent cuts/scratches to the limb
10. 1 or 2 nodes removed from the groin
11. Heaviness, tightness or tension in the limb at times
12. Limb feels worse as the day progresses

OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ADD TO RISK

13. Family history of leg swelling
14. Frequent long distance air/bus/car traveler
15. Previous or current other injuries to legs, ankles or feet
16. Limb is most often in a dependant position (standing)
17. Generally experience high stress levels
18. Generally have high blood pressure
19. Thyroid gland activity is not normal and not medicated
20. Diabetic but controlled by diet or medication
21. Diabetic uncontrolled
22. Some varicose veins or spider veins
23. Many varicose veins or spider veins
24. Prior varicose vein stripping and scars
25. Smoking is currently part of my life
26. Body weight is a little high (overweight)
27. Body weight is very high (obese)
28. Diet is rich in animal (omega 6) fats
29. Swelling was present in limb prior to surgery/radiotherapy

What to do now?

    • If you are at LOW RISK, then you will benefit from a range of appropriate educational literature that may be able to even further reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.

    • If you are at MODERATE or HIGH RISK, then the educational materials will also benefit you. Ideally, if you are in these categories, you should have a non-invasive assessment (Bio-impedance spectroscopy or Tissue Dielectric Constants) to determine if there are already some fluid accumulations in your "risk" limb.

Independently of your level of risk, Giovanni offers 15-minute Online Consultation to better guide you on how to manage this presentation, or prevent any degeneration.

Book your free 15-minutes online consultation now.

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