Lymphedema Best Managed Through Exercise and Complete Decongestive Therapy

From Oncology Nurse Advisor

Self-care is an essential part of treating patients with lymphedema, with full-body exercise and complete decongestive therapy being the best ways to minimize symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Nearly 40% of breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema, which is a chronic condition that causes body limbs to swell from fluid buildup. It is a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy. No cure exists, so patients with the condition must find ways to manage the symptoms throughout their lifetimes.

The research team reviewed published literature about lymphedema self-management to determine which practices were most effective in managing the condition. Full-body exercise, such as weight lifting and stretching, was found likely to be effective in minimizing lymphedema symptoms. Additionally, complete decongestive therapy, which is a comprehensive treatment that incorporates skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging of swollen limbs, also helps patients to effectively manage the condition.

“There's a sense of empowerment—of autonomy—that comes from meeting the challenge of living with lymphedema,” said Jane Armer, PhD, RN, RAAN, nursing professor at University of Missouri and an author of the studies. “Some breast cancer survivors say that they've become a new person after cancer because they met a challenge, and they like the stronger person they've become. The challenge of lymphedema is similar. It's something that is pervasive in every part of life. It takes problem solving and persistence to manage the condition without letting it interfere with their goals.”

Dr. Armer added, “Previous research suggests that, the earlier the interventions, the better the outcomes. If patients can learn how to successfully manage the condition early on, then they can continue those processes throughout their lives, and their outcomes will be better than those of [persons] who resist participating in self-care.”

Our team at Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness is ready to assist you in managing your lymphedema.  We have a certified compression garment fitter who will trouble shoot and create a custom tailored plan to best treat and manage your lymphedema.  We also have certified massage therapists and treatment specialists who can assist you with MLD and limb bandaging.  Call us today at 713-623-4247 and set up a free consultation!

Vibration Exercise Improves Your Lymphatic Health

With every beat of the heart, subtle vibrations are sent through the body, the movement stimulating a higher degree of circulation and a higher level of overall health. Because this movement is conducive to achieving a healthier circulatory system, among others, it has been recreated throughout the cultures and ages of history in an attempt to heal illnesses and improve the overall quality of life. A practice that has been utilized for thousands of years, vibration exercise is said to amplify the effects of the vibrations made each time the heart beats. These vibrations produce a level of blood flow that is uninterrupted, allowing oxygen and other important substances to circulate freely. By constantly pumping blood through the many systems of the body, the modern vibration exercise machine also promotes the drainage of the lymphatic system, which acts as a network of pipes that pushes toxins out of the body.

Moving the various fluids of the body requires power, which is only achieved through muscle contractions (such as the contraction of the heart when it pumps). The vibrations created by a vibration exercise machine create small muscular contractions. This forces the fluids through the body in a way that is efficient, constant, and gentle enough not to cause any harm while being forceful enough to discard toxins and other potentially dangerous buildup.

Individuals that cannot get rid of their toxins are more prone to illness and do not feel as healthy as those whose lymphatic systems are capable of draining regularly. Exercise is certainly one way to achieve a high level of lymphatic draining, but not everyone has the ability (either physically or practically) to indulge in a great deal of physical activity. For this reason, whole body vibration, facilitated by a machine, is able to help combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and rid the body of the toxins that it has stored. This being said, individuals that don't have time for extensive exercise can greatly benefit from whole body vibration.

In addition to acting as a catalyst for lymphatic drainage, a vibration exercise machine also sparks the activity of the lymph nodes, which are key components of the immune system. Therefore, the movement allows individuals to both rid their bodies of toxins that they already possess and prevent them from contracting illnesses from new ones.

Another benefit, which many individuals enjoy, is weight loss. Though the loss is not drastic, using a vibration exercise machine allows the lymphatic system to push stored fats out of the body, resulting in a healthier, leaner figure. This smaller figure can also be attributed to the decrease in cortisol, which is a known agent of belly fat, due to an increase in serotonin.

The benefits of vibration exercise, particularly to the lymphatic system, have been enjoyed by people from several cultures over thousands of years. Modern medicine will most likely continue to study this technique and analyze its many effects on the body, but as the research is conducted individuals will continue to utilize the therapy and take advantage of their healthier circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Have questions about Lymphedema or need to schedule a free consultation with our custom compression garment fitter?  Email Kristen at kristen@hairandwellness.com

What Treatments Are Available for Lymphedema?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for lymphedema. However, with early intervention and proper treatment, the condition can be controlled and minimized, allowing the individual to lead a full and normal life.

Treatment begins with a physicians referral to a lymphedema trained massage therapist. The therapist performs a thorough evaluation to determine a baseline of the individuals sensation, pain, range of motion, strength, skin integrity, and extent of swelling.

A treatment plan to decrease the swelling and improve the individuals ability to function may include:

• Lymphatic manual drainage, or MLD, is a specialized lymphatic "massage," to move the extra lymph fluid through intact lymphatics and create new pathways for the lymph fluid to flow.
  
• Compression bandaging to reduce swelling.
  
• Exercise to improve functioning of the lymphatic system, range of motion, and strength.
  
• Establishment of a good skin care program to decrease the chances of infection.
  
• Recommendation of a compression garment and instruction for wear and care.
  
• Thorough patient education regarding all of the above to promote independence with self-management of lymphedema.

Not all therapists have received special training to treat lymphedema, so it is important to select a therapist that is qualified to treat individuals suffering with the condition. At Ricky Knowles Hair & Wellness, we have several qualified therapists who have been trained and certified to treat lymphedema.  We have a BOC, ABC certified garment fitter, who is constantly troubleshooting to find clients the best solution in compression garments.  Our team would be happy to help you develop a customized plan to help you improve your mobility. Our insurance specialist will even submit your claims and serve as your patient advocate, ensuring that you receive your full insurance benefits.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 713-623-4247.

Is it OK to exercise with lymphedema?

Yes, exercise is safe and beneficial for individuals with lymphedema, as long as a few standard guidelines are followed.

1. Always wear your compression bandages or garments when exercising – Compression garments help to move your lymph fluid from your limbs, trunk or face.  Without the garments, lymph fluid will collect in the affected area and increase swelling.
   
2. Get clearance from your doctor – As always, it’s a good idea to discuss your exercise goals with your physician and to make sure that you are in good overall health before starting an exercise program.
   
3. Start slowly – Your exercise program should include stretching, strengthening and endurance.  Some good examples of exercise programs are: Yoga, walking, swimming or cycling.  It is NOT advised to engage in high-speed activities like tennis, water skiing or football.
   
4. Hydrate – Hydration is super important to maintaining a healthy body, and even more important for people with lymphedema, as it aids in your body’s ability to expel lymph fluid.
   
5. Pay attention to your body – It is important that you feel good after exercising!  If you notice increased swelling, then you will want to choose a different activity for that day (i.e. swim instead of walk).

We want to assist you in reaching your exercise goals.  With our dedicated staff on your team, we can ensure that your custom compression garments will support you in your exercise program.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment options.  Our certified lymphedema specialists will be happy to answer your questions about how we can help you or someone you know who have lymphedema.  Call today at 713-623-4247, or email us at Kristen@hairandwellness.com

Is MLD massage right for me?

We are often asked this question from our lymphedema and edema patients. In most cases the answer is YES!  

MLD, or Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps your body's lymphatic system to drain and aids in removing wastes, toxins, bacteria and fluid build-up from your body's tissues.

The lymphatic system is a natural detoxification system. Your lymph nodes, in your armpits and groin, are responsible for filtering out waste, which plays an extremely important role in your immune system. The lymph system produces lymphocytes to kill bacteria, which helps you prevent and fight off infection. If MLD is applied correctly, it can have profound effects on your body. Having an MLD massage can help with the following:

• Lymphedema

• Muscoloskeletal problems

• Increase effectiveness of detox following a dietary detoxification (usually recommended by a Naturopathic doctor)

• Reduce pain signals sent to the brain

• Help post-surgical recovery

• Reduce scar formation

• Decrease general fatigue and "sluggishness"

If your lymphatic system has been compromised, due to a trauma or surgery, you may be at risk or have lymphedema. MLD is a proven primary tool in the treatment of this condition. Combined with compression therapy, MLD will help your lymphedema so you can achieve better mobility and a better quality of life.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Manual lymphatic drainage is not an appropriate treatment if you have the following:

• Active cancer

• Inflammation (infection)

• Congestive Heart Failure

• Thrombosis

If you have additional questions about Manual Lymphatic Drainage, please call us at 713-623-4247 and book a consultation with one of our certified massage therapist. We will help you understand how MLD can improve your mobility and well-being.