Lymphoedema Treatment

Understanding Lymphedema Therapy

Till today, there is no cure for lymphedema, so the only way to manage and control the condition is to follow the standard lymphedema therapy. The Complete Decongestive Therapy or CDT is the best tool for managing the condition. The therapy involves manual lymph drainage (MLD) which is the main aspect, and also includes the application of compression bandages, use of compression garments, regular exercise and a special skin care regimen that the patient must strictly follow. The MLD technique was developed by Emil Vodder in 1930 and is seen to be the standard method of lymphedema treatment although many other methods are also prevalent.

For the therapy, the patient has to make almost daily visits to a trained lymphedema therapist who performs the special lymphatic massage. In this massage, the lymphatic ducts are manipulated around the clogged areas to drain the extra fluids that have stagnated. The fluids are moved towards the venous system and passed on to the blood stream for elimination. This is not like a usual massage but is a relaxing procedure where rhythmic strokes are applied to encourage the lymph flow. The massage is started at the neck area, followed by the trunk and lastly the affected body part. The aim is to clear the pathways for the extra fluids that will be passed on from the swollen extremity to the trunk area.

Many centers offer lymphedema therapy, staffed by trained professional therapists who perform the lymphatic massage. It is preferable to visit a LANA certified therapist because they are extremely competent and you are assured of positive results. Large hospitals also offer the facility. The patients should not travel long distances for the therapy, so it is preferable to find a lymphedema center closer to home. When you visit the center, the therapist will evaluate your medical history, the range of motion as well as the integrity of skin. Measurements will be taken of the affected part and taking all the factors into account, a treatment plan, suitable for the individual will be created.

The lymphedema treatment plan usually includes a manual lymph drainage session 4-5 days a week and compression bandaging between sessions to sustain the reduction of the limb. A sequential gradient pump may be used by some therapists to help break up fibrotic tissues. The treatment plans always include patient education to enable the patient to manage the condition at home. Guidance is provided in skin care measures along with instructions for exercises and general precautionary measures to be taken.

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The training courses for the therapy are open for doctors, physical therapists as well as nursing professionals. Hands-on, practical training is provided in the two-week course. The main focus is on the manual lymphatic massage as well as the compression bandaging technique. Instructions are provided regarding the special exercises and skin care for lymphedema patients. If you wish to take up lymphedema therapy, you must have a complete understanding of the anatomy, the physiology and the working of the lymphatic system.

Is there a Lymphedema Diet Plan?

Although there is no prescribed lymphedema diet as such, maintaining a nutritious diet is certainly beneficial to combat the condition. Many doctors ask their patients to avoid a diet that is high in sodium. Very often, with lymphedema, the patient's weight is a problem so a well balanced diet is usually advised. Apart from the issue of obesity, the patient may be suffering from other ailments like heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. The nutrition plan must accommodate the requirements of special diets for these conditions as well.

Lymphedema is associated with a collection of high protein fluid in the tissue spaces. Therefore, there is a question that arises regarding the intake of a protein rich diet. However, the high concentration of protein in the lymphatic fluids has no connection with the protein rich food you take. In fact, proteins are essential for rebuilding the wear and tear in the tissues and muscles. They are considered to be the building blocks of the body as they play a crucial role in manufacturing hormones and antibodies to fight off infection. If there is a shortage of proteins, the body will take the necessary proteins from the tissues and muscles to maintain the protein level in the blood. This will further weaken the body, especially for a person suffering from lymphedema. Starving the body of proteins is not an ideal lymphedema diet.

Consuming a low-salt diet may not directly reduce the lymphedema, but it depends on the individual circumstances. Some patients notice an aggravation of their lymphedema after having salty food. Therefore, it is a good practice to have a low sodium diet even in normal conditions. Fresh fruits and vegetable are better at providing the appropriate quantities of sodium the body requires. A well- balanced diet with sufficient amounts of protein, carbohydrates and unsaturated fats is good for everyone. Another essential component of a balanced diet is water. It is recommended that patients keep themselves hydrated by drinking sufficient amount of water per day. Water is essential to flush out the impurities in the body after a manual lymph drainage session.

In selecting a lymphedema diet, patients must avoid foods that promote weight gain. Maintaining an ideal body weight helps in maintaining the lymphedema as well. Extra body fats will increase the tissues from where the lymph needs to be drained. Your lymphatic system which is already stressed will not be able to cope with the additional burden and this may cause pressure on the lymph nodes, an invitation to disaster. Another disadvantage of gaining weight is that the patient may become less mobile and so may be unable to exercise. This further reduces the movement of the lymphatic flow leading to stagnation and cause swelling.

There is a growing interest among lymphedema patients regarding the Atkins Diet. Generally, lymphedema patients are overweight and this diet plan is supposed to induce weight loss. The Atkins Diet is low-salt and low-carbohydrate diet which helps in keeping the weight under control. Protein from lean meat is the main component and some kinds of cheeses are allowed. It is an ideal lymphedema diet plan for someone who would like to lose weight and it has shown positive results. So, indirectly, it may prove to be beneficial for reducing the symptoms of lymphedema by making the treatments more effective.

Coping with stress depletes the vitamins in the body and coping with lymphedema is highly stressful. Patients who are undergoing the treatments for lymphedema may suffer from vitamin loss and might need to replenish their supply of essential nutrients. A balanced diet may help to replenish some of the lost vitamins and nutrients but sometimes doctors may prescribe vitamin supplements to make up for the deficiency.