Lymphedema Therapy
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissue resulting in the swelling of arms, legs, breast, neck or trunk. This condition is often neglected and affects both men and women. Many patients benefit from complete decongestive therapy (CDT) offered at Carlsbad Medical Center’s therapy services.
Primary lymphedema is a hereditary condition that usually affects the lower extremities. It affects primarily females and generally develops at puberty but can appear without warning at any age – usually beginning with gradual swelling at the foot.
Risk factors:
- Family history of swollen limbs
- Unexplained swelling of feet or ankles
- Being overweight
Secondary lymphedema can occur in anyone who has had a treatment or an injury that damages the lymphatic system. It is most commonly caused by cancer treatments, such as surgery to remove lymph nodes, mastectomy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Other potential causes include excess weight, circulatory conditions and other conditions that reduce or limit muscle movement.
Risk Factors:
- Cancer treatment involving lymph node removal or radiation therapy
- Damaged skin or scars from burns, injuries or surgery
- Being overweight
- Joint replacement surgery
- Heart or circulatory problem that causes swelling
- Multiple sclerosis, paralysis or other conditions that limit your muscle movements
Signs and symptoms
- A full sensation in the limb(s), and/or decreased flexibility in a hand, wrist or ankle
- Unusual, unexplained tightness of clothing/jewelry in a specific area
- Persistent swelling in the arm, leg, breast, abdomen, groin or head and neck
- A rash, reddened or blotchy skin, discoloration, itching or pain
- Sudden high fever or chills
CDT Treatment
Lymphedema is not curable; however, certain treatment procedures can control the symptoms. Many patients benefit from (CDT) - a reliable, non-invasive treatment that can provide positive long-term results for both primary and secondary lymphedema. CDT treatment involves:
- Removal of the lymph fluid from the affected region through gentle, rhythmic massage
- Reduction of the swelling through drainage and bandaging. This may take two to four weeks, depending on the severity.
Once the swelling is reduced, the patient’s self-care becomes important in the success of CDT.
- Wearing graduated compression garment to keep the swelling down
- Performing therapeutic exercises and maintaining good skin care
The therapy services staff is a team of dedicated, skilled and licensed professionals and support staff, each with knowledge in an area of rehabilitation – but with the same dedication to getting patients better, sooner. Experienced physical, speech and occupational therapists provide personalized care for inpatients and outpatients. The staff includes an occupational therapist and lymphedema specialist who is a certified compression garment fitter and can measure and fit compression garments, develop patient-specific exercises and teach individualized self-care and risk-reduction practices.