Lymphedema Therapy – Lymphatic Massage Houston The basic strokes used in massage (e.g., petrissage, effleurage, tapotement, vibration, and friction) are generally applied with more pressure than manual lymph drainage techniques. The effects of massage strokes are not limited to suprafascial tissues (e.g., the skin), but also cause reactions in subfascial areas such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage strokes can increase local arterial blood flow and venous and lymphatic return, and can also loosen subcutaneous adhesions. Many massage therapy publications list edema as one of the indications for these techniques. This statement, while correct, is often misleading if the distinction between edema and lymphedema is not established. Edema in suprafascial tissues can be caused by various problems, including inflammation or impaired venous return (valvular insufficiency, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting and/or standing). With edema, the lymphatic system remains intact but is overloaded. This condition, called dynamic insufficiency, results in the accumulation of water in the tissues. Massage therapy may be beneficial for some forms of edema but is contraindicated for others. It should not be applied without prior consultation with a physician. On the other hand, lymphedema is always caused by mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system; water and protein accumulate in the tissues. As discussed earlier, in the case of mechanical insufficiency, the transport capacity of the lymphatic system falls below the physiological level of water and protein load and is not able to appropriately respond to an increase in lymphatic loads. Negative Effects Of Massage Therapy On Lymphedema Most massage strokes cause an increase in arterial blood flow (active hyperemia) in skin areas where such techniques are applied. Active hyperemia is accompanied by an increase in blood capillary pressure and subsequent increase in ultrafiltration of water in the area of the blood capillaries. This process results in more water accumulating in the interstitial spaces. Water represents a lymphatic load. Due to mechanical insufficiency, the lymphatic system will not be able to manage this additional water load. If massage therapy to lymphedematous tissues, an increase in swelling may result. Additionally, superficial lymphatics are extremely vulnerable to external pressure. Traditional massage techniques can cause focal damage to anchoring filaments and the endothelial lining of lymph vessels.2 This possible damage to lymphatics, and the potential increase in arterial blood flow must be avoided. Lymphedema Therapy Specialists We are happy to serve you and all of your Lymphedema needs. We are located in central Houston, TX providing a convenient location for patients who reside in Houston or surrounding areas. If you are looking for Lymphedema treatment in Houston, TX, contact us now! We will do everything we can to treat you as soon as possible.

Tips For Lymphedema In Hand And Arm If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphedema, there are helpful, precautionary measures that can be taken in order to limit worsening of symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.      ●  Use your arm as you normally do as much as possible, including when styling your hair, washing, dressing, and eating.      ●  Start doing the exercises your lymphedema therapist showed you how to do. These exercises will help you regain your shoulder and arm range of motion.      ●  Try to avoid infection and burns. If you have an infection or burn, your body makes extra fluid to fight it. If you’ve had lymph nodes removed, it can be harder for your body to transport this extra fluid and this can cause lymphedema. Taking good care of your skin and practicing good hygiene can help reduce your risk of lymphedema by avoiding infection or a burn.      ●  If possible, have blood drawn, injections, IVs, and vaccinations given in your unaffected arm. You also can have vaccinations or flu shots given in another area on your body, such as your hip. Tell your doctor or nurse that you’re at risk for lymphedema.      ●  Moisturize your hands and cuticles regularly with lotion or cream. Push your cuticles back with a stick rather than cutting them with scissors. Avoid professional manicures.      ●  Keep your hand and arm clean, but don’t use harsh soaps that can dry out your skin. Wash and protect any cuts, scrapes, insect bites or hangnails. Use antibacterial cream or ointment on any open cuts or sores and cover them with a bandage.      ●  Wear protective gloves when doing your household chores such as washing dishes, general cleaning, or yard work.      ●  Use an electric shaver instead of a razor.      ●  Use insect repellents that won’t dry out the skin. Avoid brands that contain a significant amount of alcohol. (Any ingredient that ends in “ol” is a type of alcohol.) If you’re stung by a bee or wasp in the affected arm, clean the bite area, elevate your arm, apply ice and call your doctor if you think it might be infected.      ●  Use a thimble when you sew, to avoid pricking yourself.      ●  Protect your arm from sunburn with sunscreen. Use a product with a minimum SPF of 15.      ●  Wear oven mitts when handling hot foods.      ●  Avoid extreme hot to cold water temperature changes when you bathe or wash dishes.      ●  Don’t use heating pads or hot compresses on the arm, neck, shoulder, or back on the affected side. Also, be cautious of other heat-producing treatments provided by physical, occupational, or massage therapists, such as ultrasound, whirlpool, fluidotherapy, or deep tissue massage. Heat and vigorous massage encourage the body to send extra fluid into the compromised area.      ●  Try to avoid squeezing your arm. This can increase the pressure in nearby blood vessels, which can lead to swelling. Lymphedema also has been associated with air travel, possibly because of low cabin pressure.      ●  Avoid tight clothes and jewelry that restrain your movement.      ●  Don’t carry heavy shoulder bags on the affected side.      ●  Don’t carry heavy objects with your at-risk arm, especially with the arm hanging downward.      ●  Have your blood pressure taken on the unaffected arm. If both arms are affected, have your blood pressure taken on your thigh. Tell your healthcare provider that you’re at risk for lymphedema.      ●  Avoid alcohol. Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand and leak extra fluid into the tissues.      ●  Don’t smoke. Smoking narrows the small blood vessels, making it harder for fluids to flow out of your arm.      ●  Maintain a healthy weight. Extra fat in the arm needs more blood vessels, which puts more fluid in the arm and makes more work for the lymph vessels that are still there. Some research has shown that gaining weight after mastectomy is linked to a higher risk of lymphedema. Lymphedema Therapy Specialists For Hand and Arm We are happy to serve you and all of your Lymphedema needs. We are located in central Houston, TX providing a convenient location for patients who reside in Houston or surrounding areas. If you are looking for Lymphedema treatment in Houston, TX, contact us now! We will do everything we can to treat you as soon as possible.

Tips For Lymphedema In Legs and Foot If you recently had surgery, are receiving cancer treatment or have already been diagnosed with lymphedema, the following tips will help you lessen the risk of lymphedema or help to manage your existing lymphedema. Lymphedema In Legs – Protect Your Affected Skin One way to reduce the risk of worsening symptoms of lymphedema is to protect your skin from injury. This is because the cells that fight infection go to the injured area and cause swelling. Your legs may not be able to drain this added fluid. Care for cuts and scratches: Wash the area with mild soap and water. Apply a first aid ointment to the area. Cover it with a clean, dry gauze or a bandage (Band-Aid®). Care for burns: Wrap a cold pack in a towel and apply it to the burn for 15 minutes. You can also run cold water over the burn. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a first aid ointment to the area. Cover it with a clean, dry gauze or a bandage. Look out for symptoms of infection, which include: Redness Swelling Increased heat Tenderness If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor. Don’t wear tight clothing: Don’t wear clothing that is tight and leaves deep marks on your legs, such as socks or jogging pants with an elastic cuff. Wear loose clothing that doesn’t leave a mark on your legs. Compression garments that are made to reduce swelling work differently. They provide even pressure and help carry fluid up the leg. Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme heat and cold may cause fluid to build up in your leg and cause swelling. Avoid or limit your time in hot tubs and saunas. Air Travel With Lymphedema In Legs ●     Cabin pressure. The cabin pressure in planes is usually a little less than the pressure on the ground. This can cause your skin to stretch and make fluid build up in your legs. ●     Sitting still for long periods of time. When you don’t move for a long time, fluid may start to build up in your legs. ●     Lifting and carrying luggage, which may stress your muscles. ●     Dehydration (when your body doesn’t have as much water as it needs). ●     Ask for a seat with enough leg room, such as bulkhead seats. ●     Get up and walk up and down the aisle of the plane, if it’s easy to do so. ●     Do simple foot and ankle exercises while you’re sitting. Exercising throughout the flight will help with your circulation and movement of lymph fluid. You can try these exercises: Point your toes towards the ceiling and then back down towards the floor. Rotate your feet in circles and then reverse the direction. ●     Wear loose clothing. ●     Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. ●     Ask your doctor if you should have a prescription for antibiotics when you travel. Other Ways To Reduce Your Risk: ●     Don’t have injections (shots) or acupuncture in the affected leg(s). ●     Don’t use sharp tools for pedicures. Use cuticle-removing cream and file your nails instead of cutting them. ●     Moisturize your skin often to prevent chapping and chafing. ●     Keep the area between your toes clean and dry to prevent infections. ●     Don’t walk barefoot. ●     Make sure your footwear fits you well to avoid blisters. ●     Make sure any toe rings or ankle bracelets fit loosely. ●     Try to avoid crossing your legs as much as possible. ●     Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from sunburns. ●     Try not to gain weight because it’s a risk factor for lymphedema. Try to lose weight, if you’re overweight. ●     Minimize your salt intake. Salt can cause swelling, which may overwhelm your lymphatic system. Lymphedema Therapy Specialists We are happy to serve you and all of your Lymphedema needs. We are located in central Houston, TX providing a convenient location for patients who reside in Houston or surrounding areas. If you are looking for Lymphedema treatment in Houston, TX, contact us now! We will do everything we can to treat you as soon as possible.

Frequent Ask Questions About Lymphedema Treatment and Symptoms   What is the Lymphatic Treatment – Manual Drainage (MLD)? MLD is a gentle type of skin stretch massage technique that promotes lymph to drain out of a limb into an area that drains normally.  It is mainly used for lymphedema.  In addition to improving lymph circulation, MLD also increases blood flow in deep and superficial veins. What is Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) also called Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is an intensive program that combines many different treatment approaches including manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercise, pumping, compression garments and more.  Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CDP for improving lymphedema symptoms. What is the purpose of being bandaged? Multi-layer compression bandaging provides meaningful external compression.  Lymphedema relies on muscular contractions, and sometimes gravity to help lymph drain out of interstitial spaces between cells and back into lymph vessels for re-circulation back to the center of the body.  As with veins of the circulatory system, there are even some valves to prevent backflow.  The goal is to manage symptoms and minimize the impact of the condition on your life.  Bandaging is one of the tools used to treat your condition consistently in order to limit or slow its progression. Why do I have to reduce my salt intake? Salt promotes fluid retention.  People who are sensitive to salt may exacerbate their symptoms if they eat high-sodium foods.  Current recommendations for salt intake are less than 2,300mg for healthy individuals and less than 1,500 mg for people with lymphedema. Why is hygiene so important? Meticulous hygiene is necessary to remove bacteria— cleanse the skin regularly and dry thoroughly. It is also important to check frequently for any cracks or rashes; as lymphedema patients are prone to infections. What is the length of  Lymphedema treatment? Lymphedema treatment with (MLD) and  (CDP) lasts anywhere from three weeks to three months depending on the severity and how the body responds to the treatment. Do I have to exercise? Exercise is important with lymphedema due to the lack of a “pump” for the lymph system. To help facilitate the removal of fluid, muscle contractions are required. Exercise should be performed slowly and rhythmically without vigorous or strenuous movements as those movements may cause pain and discomfort. What is a sequential vasopneumatic compression pump? A Vasopneumatic compression pump is a machine that has an inflatable sleeve or vest garment attached to multiple chambers which inflate alternately to stimulate the flow of lymph in the right direction. What is Cellulitis? Cellulitis is a painful skin infection that happens when bacteria enters a break in your skin.  It can become life-threatening if left untreated, so call our doctor ASAP if you have a red, swollen, tender and painful rash. What do I do once my treatment ends? Lymphedema is a life-long condition, but continuing to do what was taught by your Lymphedema therapist will help you successfully keep your lymphedema under control.  Continuing with your exercises, wearing your compression bandages at night, weight management and a healthy diet are all important to managing your lymphedema on your own.   Keeping your affected limb elevated when possible lets gravity help drain the fluid.   If you received a sequential vasopneumatic compression pump, continue to use it as instructed to keep your lymphedema under control, as well as continuing with your self MLD. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you. Lymphedema Therapy Specialists We are happy to serve you and all of your Lymphedema needs. We are located in central Houston, TX providing a convenient location for patients who reside in Houston or surrounding areas. If you are looking for Lymphedema treatment in Houston, TX, contact us now! We will do everything we can to treat you as soon as possible.

What to Look for In a Lymphedema Clinic Lymphedema is a condition in which swelling occurs in an area of the body, due to damage to the lymphatic system. While Lymphedema can be hereditary, it is most commonly associated with cancer treatment, infection or surgery. While there is not a cure for Lymphedema, it can be managed with appropriate treatment and care. To help avoid further complications, an early diagnosis and treatment with a certified Lymphedema therapist is extremely important. What To Look For In A Provider… When searching for Lymphedema treatment, it is important to find a therapist or provider who holds their CLT certification and has experience in Decongestive Therapy. What Treatments To Look for… Proper Lymphedema treatment is multi-faceted and each component is critical to achieving the most effective treatment. The critical components of Complex Decongestive Therapy include: Manual Lymph Drainage: Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a type of massage that encourages the flow of lymph fluid out of the affected area. Pneumatic Compression Therapy: Pneumatic Compression Therapy is based on the usage of a pneumatic compression pump which applies pressure to the affected area, directing the flow of lymph fluid to other parts of the body. Compression Bandaging: Compression bandaging is a technique of applying bandages in a way that aids better flow of lymph fluid and enhances the benefits of MLD. Compression Garments: In Lymphedema treatment, your therapist will help you find the right compression garments for your needs and will teach you how to wear them properly to help manage swelling. Compression Garments: In Lymphedema treatment, your therapist will help you find the right compression garments for your needs and will teach you how to wear them properly to help manage swelling. Remedial Exercise: Light movement or exercise of the affected limb improves lymph drainage from the area. These exercises will help you to manage daily tasks. It is always smart to do your research when looking for treatment. Reading this article is a great first step! Lymphedema Therapy Specialists We are happy to serve you and all of your Lymphedema needs. We are located in central Houston, TX providing a convenient location for patients who reside in surrounding areas. If you are looking for Lymphedema treatment, contact us now! We will do everything we can to treat you as soon as possible.