Lymphedema may be a scary word that you may have heard in passing and simply nodded, pretending to know what it was. It could also be a word that was recently added to your regular vocabulary due to a doctors diagnosis. Perhaps you have a family member or friend who suffers from this chronic condition. Either way, lets learn about this under-discussed and misunderstood condition.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema simply put is a swelling that usually occurs in a person's arms or legs, sometimes both. Although not common, Lymphedema can affect other parts of the body as well. This condition happens when the lymph nodes or vessels have been damaged. Damage to the lymph system can be caused by trauma, burns, radiation, infections or tumors. The most common reason is the removal or damage to the lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. Sometimes the cancer itself or the medications taken causes this toxic fluid to stagnate as well and leak into the surrounding tissue. The actual swelling beneath the skin is the lymph fluid leaking out into the space between your skin and tissue. This blockage prevents the lymph fluid from draining the way it's supposed to. That fluid buildup can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. The affected areas can also feel heavy, restrict your range of motion and the skin may harden and thicken in advanced stages.
Lymphedema Treatment Options
Lymphedema sadly has no cure and often is a chronic condition many have had to find ways to live with in their day to day lives. Thankfully there are ways to help stabilize the effects of Lymphedema.
MLD or Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses gentle rhythmic motions to guide the fluid to the working lymph vessels so they can be pushed through the body and expelled through the urine. The result is a reduction in swelling in the affected areas as well as an increased amount of those amazing immune boosting white blood cells. This not only speeds up healing but also cleanses the lymph of all the unwanted waste. You can learn more about this specific treatment HERE.
In addition, utilizing compression garments is often very helpful in controlling Lymphedema. These tight fitting garments are made for specific parts of the body. The design and pressure of the fabric is able to keep fluid away from damaged or absent lymph vessels as well as the tissue to avoid the painful swelling. The very fabric of these garments are made with compression in mind since someone would need to get measured by a certified fitter to find the right option. Companies like Juzo, Jobst, Sigvaris and Lymphdivas are dedicated to making high quality items that offer many options. Socks, leggings, gauntlets, arm sleeves and gloves are common options depending on what area is affected. Learn more about compression garments HERE.
Amare Healing Arts is Here to Help!
Amare Healing Arts is excited to offer specialized treatment options for those who struggle with Lymphedema. Not only do we have MLD facials and full body MLD treatments, but certified fitters are happy to offer help with finding the right compression garments for your needs. Amare Healing Arts is also dedicated to the education of those suffering from Lymphedema. Support and resources are available to those who would like to bring their lifestyle in line with a more holistic approach to treating that painful swelling. Click HERE to set up a personalized consultation! During this consultation Individualized health plans will be created to work with Lymphedema patients to enhance healing and bring the body back to homeostasis.
About Amare Healing Arts, The Author
Amare Healing Arts Plastic Surgery Recovery Center and Holistic Clinic was founded in 2017 and is located at 24 N 3rd Ave Highland Park, NJ and 433 N Broad St. Elizabeth, NJ. We specialize in the European Vodder style of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for everything from post-op surgery recovery to cancer, autoimmune, and many other medical conditions resulting in side effects of edema, inflammation, and swelling. Amare’s Plastic Surgery Recovery Center not only offers MLD treatment for all surgeries, but provides full support for our clients through their post-op journey. Our Holistic Clinic offers natural healing modalities like medical massage, yoga, and Ayurvedic life coaching.
