What is Lymph Drainage?
Lymphoedema is longterm swelling of part or parts of a limb (or other
body part), due to stagnation of fluid and protein in the tissues.
(Diag swollen limb)
Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system does not work properly.
What causes it?
1. Congenital or Primary issues where a person’s lymphatic system
has been deficient since birth
.Lymphoedema develops at birth, at pubity or later in life
2. Secondary issues.
3. Lymphatics can be damaged by scarring that follows Injury, Infection,
Surgery or Radiotherapy. Most commonly Secondary Lymphoedema is related
to treatment for Cancer. Removal of lymph nodes surgically
?Radiotherapy has a tendency to block nodes with fibrous tissue
?Accidental injuries may tear lymph vessels. Excess fibrous tissue caused
by damage tends to shrink and constrict lymphatic vessels.
?Filarial worms may be injected into a human lymph vessel by a mosquito.
These grow very large and block lymphatic vessels.
How can I help?
I have over 10 years experience in getting alongside people who have developed
Lymphoedema, teaching and supporting you to manage your Lymphoedema.
I will measure and assess your Lymphoedema
I will make an individualized plan with you to control and reduce your
Lymphoedema.
Management of Lymphoedema involves a combination of modalities:
The Lymphatic System and how it works
The Lymphatic System circulates right throughout the body.
It has no pump.
It’s function is to transport garbage out.
The Lymphatics start in almost every tissue as tiny vessels which gradually
join together into bigger ones.
The lymph is pumped into and along them by contraction of adjacent muscles
and by contraction of the walls of the larger Lymphatics.
This pump is aided by valves inside the vessels which prevent backflow.
Finally the Lymph System empties into the Subclavian Vein at the base
of the neck or Terminus.
On it’s way along the Lymphatics the lymph is filtered in the lymphatic
Nodes (or lymph glands), to remove foreign matter and to start any immune
response.
Prevention
If you know you are at risk of Lymphoedema the following pointers might
assist you in preventing it from developing:
?Keep your skin well nourished and supple, avoiding dryness and cracking.
Massage an aqueous cream into your skin.
?Avoid injuries and cover any minor injuries that do occur in an at risk
limb to prevent infection occurring. Use antiseptic / antibiotic applications
as per doctor’s instructions
?Encourage free circulation in an at risk limb by removing potentially
constrictive clothing or jewellery
?Use an electric razor when shaving at risk areas (underarms or legs)
?Measure blood pressure on the unaffected arm
?Avoid straining your at risk limb by carrying heavy loads
?Build up slowly to regular exercise, avoiding strain
?Wear a good fitting compression garment on your at risk limb when flying
or travelling in high altitude
?If you are unsure about the risks which may affect you, contact your
trained Lymphoedema Therapist or the Cancer Society branch near you.
( Diagram of Lymphatic System)
Management of Lymphoedema:
Management of Lymphoedema involves a combination of the following therapies:
Compression
A suitable compression garment will be fitted for you to support lymph
drainage from your affected limb or body part
Skin Care
The skin is kept supple and moisturized to enable maximum nutriment to
the skin, preventing dryness and infection
Self Massage
A Self Massage plan to be performed daily, is taught. This promotes lymph
drainage from the the troubled area.
Exercises
An exercise routine has been designed to promote lymph drainage.
(Diag. of the Swollen Limb)
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