Lymphedema Management
Lymphedema is a chronic failure of the lymphatic system to remove lymphatic fluid. In the United States, lymphedema is most frequently caused by cancer treatment. While this condition is lifelong, knowing how to manage the symptoms independently can help prevent lymphedema progression. Complete decongestive therapy is the gold standard treatment for lymphedema management and consists of compression, a light
massage called manual lymphatic drainage, and compression with exercise.
massage called manual lymphatic drainage, and compression with exercise.
Lymphatic vessels closely mirror the venous system and pick up “lymph fluid,” a clear fluid full of proteins, waste, fats, and water that your veins cannot or do not absorb. These vessels eventually drain the fluid back into your circulatory system near the base of your neck. In a healthy system, one to two liters of fluid is picked up by the lymphatic system each day. Lymphedema is a failure of the lymphatic system to remove lymph fluid from between your tissues. The lymphatic system is also responsible for a big part of the immune system, and failure of the lymphatic system often results in skin infection or wounds if not properly managed.
In the United States, lymphedema is most frequently caused by cancer treatment (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery). Unfortunately, it is a lifelong diagnosis, but with the proper knowledge and follow through by the patient, it can be managed well. Some of the same techniques used to treat lymphedema can be very helpful in treating other swelling conditions, such as venous disease.
In the United States, lymphedema is most frequently caused by cancer treatment (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery). Unfortunately, it is a lifelong diagnosis, but with the proper knowledge and follow through by the patient, it can be managed well. Some of the same techniques used to treat lymphedema can be very helpful in treating other swelling conditions, such as venous disease.
Expert Training
Antara Quiñones, DPT, CLT-LANA is nationally accredited to provide Complete Decongestive Therapy. She attended the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, the premier training school in the United States for lymphedema treatment training. Following more than 135 hours of training, she took the Lymphedema Association of North America’s board examination to obtain her Certified Lymphedema Therapist credentials.
Clinic Model
The gold standard treatment for lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy, (CDT). Treatment consists of two phases: an intensive phase and a maintenance phase. During the intensive phase the focus is reduction of the swelling and patient education. This phase lasts from two to six weeks and requires consistent therapy attendance. During the maintenance phase the patients must independently manage their swelling, with occasional check-ins with their therapist.
There are three components of complete decongestive therapy (CDT). These include manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, and exercise. Manual lymph drainage is a gentle directed massage technique used to milk the fluid back to where it belongs. Following MLD, the patient is bandaged with non-elastic wraps to prevent the fluid from returning. This wrapping is tailored to meet each patient’s needs. After compression bandaging, exercises are carried out while wearing wraps to encourage the activity of the nearby muscles to move further fluid back to the heart.
Any of these stand alone approaches will typically not be adequate to treat lymphedema; all three must be included in treatment to see the most beneficial results. Additional appropriate diagnosis for Complete Decongestive Therapy include:
1. Chronic venous insufficiency
2. Lipedema
3. Phlebo-lymphostatic edema
4. Post-surgical edema (uncontrolled)
5. Post-traumatic edema (uncontrolled)
There are three components of complete decongestive therapy (CDT). These include manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, and exercise. Manual lymph drainage is a gentle directed massage technique used to milk the fluid back to where it belongs. Following MLD, the patient is bandaged with non-elastic wraps to prevent the fluid from returning. This wrapping is tailored to meet each patient’s needs. After compression bandaging, exercises are carried out while wearing wraps to encourage the activity of the nearby muscles to move further fluid back to the heart.
Any of these stand alone approaches will typically not be adequate to treat lymphedema; all three must be included in treatment to see the most beneficial results. Additional appropriate diagnosis for Complete Decongestive Therapy include:
1. Chronic venous insufficiency
2. Lipedema
3. Phlebo-lymphostatic edema
4. Post-surgical edema (uncontrolled)
5. Post-traumatic edema (uncontrolled)
What to Expect
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Wear loose fitting clothing that will allow easy access to the involved area(s). Examination will include measurements of your mobility, circumference and examination of your skin. Photos may be taken to document progress.
After an assessment, the therapist will discuss your treatment options and will tailor a treatment plan to fit your needs.
After an assessment, the therapist will discuss your treatment options and will tailor a treatment plan to fit your needs.
Additional Resources
Get Started
1. Call our North Clinic at 406-541-2606 to schedule either a consult or an evaluation.
2. Arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment.
2. Arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment.
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