Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition in which protein-rich fluid collects in tissues under the skin causing swelling and sometimes hardening of the tissues. Lymphedema can affect any part of the body and it is not necessarily painful, but can be uncomfortable. It may put patients at risk of serious skin infections.
What Causes Lymphedema?
Infection or physical trauma to the lymph nodes can damage the system leading to Lymphedema. Some people are born with a lymphatic system that is not working properly resulting in Lymphedema that can start early in life, or well into adulthood.
People have a higher chance of developing Lymphedema when they have experienced the following:
Cancer treatment including radiation & chemotherapy
Removal of lymph nodes
Radiation therapy
Being overweight or obesity
Acquiring an infection in region of the at-risk body part
Trauma to the at-risk body part
Surgery, Radiation & Lymphedema
Surgical removal or radiation treatment to the lymph nodes increases the risk of developing Lymphedema.
The Sentinel Node Biopsy procedure is minimally invasive but does not eliminate the risk of Lymphedema entirely.
How is Lymphedema treated?
Physiotherapy is used to address Lymphedema by applying Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
Treatment using CDT has four components:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A light massage-like skin stretching technique that stimulates the lymphatic system.
Compression: Compression therapy physically resists the internal forces which produce lymph fluid. Well-padded bandaging is initially used to reduce edema. At a later stage, expertly fitted medical compression garments manage Lymphedema for the long term.
Exercise: Whilst wearing your compression garments or bandaging, specifically prescribed exercises that utilise your muscles’ pumping action will be performed to assist in moving the fluid out of the Lymphedematous area.
Skin Care: Keeping the skin clean and moisturised will help to prevent skin damage and infections that often occur with Lymphedema.
Nathan Bridgeman is an expert in this field and is Hong Kong's only Physiotherapist and fully certified practitioner in CDT.
What Conditions Require Lymphedema Management?
Patients who would most benefit from Lymphedema management and have a higher chance of developing Lymphedema include the following:
Those who have undergone cancer treatment such as radiation therapy or removal of lymph nodes,
Overweight or obese patients
Those have an acquired infection or trauma in the at-risk body part
If you are uncertain whether you suffer from Lymphedema, contact us to see if you would benefit from PhysioMotion's specialised services.
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