Lymphedema Treatment
The lymphatic system works alongside the blood system to help filter and transport waste products out of the body. The lymph system transports water, large proteins, cells, and fat through the body with the movement of adjacent muscles.
When the lymphatic system is not able to adequately drain lymphatic fluid from an area of the body, the accumulation of fluid and accompanying swelling is known as lymphedema. There are two types of lymphedemas:
- Primary lymphedema is due to a congenital or hereditary lymphatic system abnormality. Symptoms of this rare condition, which affects one in 100,000 Americans, can occur at any time over the course of a lifetime.
- Secondary lymphedema is much more common, affecting one in 1,000 people in the United States. This type of lymphedema is caused by damage to the lymphatic system. The most common causes of secondary lymphedema include the surgical removal of lymph nodes due to cancer, radiation, trauma, infection, malignant tumors, or chronic venous insufficiency.
Treating Lymphedema
Starting treatment and symptom management early prevents lymphedema from progressing, improves limb shape and skin condition, and reduces the risk of infection. Treatment is personalized based on the location of the issue, the condition of the affected tissue or joint, and the patient's general health. Other variables to consider include the time elapsed since surgery, precautions recommended by the surgeon, and the patient’s goals and functional requirements. Treatment starts with patient education to explain risk reduction and the importance of healthy habits, including at home lymphatic drainage techniques. Other treatment may include:
- Manual lymphatic drainage, a specific muscle movement technique that helps direct lymphatic fluid from the swollen area to functioning, undamaged lymph channels.
- Therapeutic exercises to encourage lymph circulation and address range of motion, strength, and stability deficits
- Compression bandaging and/or garments
- Specialized skin care
- A home compression pump for long-term management
Learn more about lymphedema and treatment options by listening to this short podcast featuring MarinHealth’s Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs).
Lymphedema Treatment at MarinHealth
MarinHealth has been the North Bay’s primary resource for the treatment of lymphedema and cancer-related dysfunction for more than 30 years. Treatment is offered at our outpatient Physical Therapy Department and our Integrative Wellness Center. Our experienced, highly skilled Certified Lymphedema Therapists work closely with each patient’s medical team of physicians, nurses, patient navigators, physical therapists, and integrative wellness clinicians to provide personalized care and education for every patient. Patients who follow through with their therapists’ instructions usually experience decreased swelling, improvements in range of motion, strength and stability, reduced pain, improved function and mobility, and a reduction in scar tissue.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
We’re pleased to offer
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage at our Integrative Wellness Center. This highly specialized and gentle
massage is especially useful for people who have had surgeries, radiation,
or are currently undergoing Complete Decongestive Therapy with a Physical
Therapist or dealing with the side effects of cancer. This treatment relaxes
the entire body, reduces pain and stiffness, and opens up pathways for
lymph fluid to move more freely and reduce swelling. For more information
or to schedule an appointment, call
MarinHealth’s Integrative Wellness Center at
1-628-336-7689.
Living with Lymphedema Education Series
MarinHealth offers an in-person seminar series, “Living with Lymphedema,”
quarterly at our Integrative Wellness Center in Greenbrae.
Learn more about this series.
The Lymphatic System and Lymphedema Risk Reduction
Watch the following video to learn more about the Lymphatic System and
help reduce your risk of Lymphedema: