ABOUT
Lymphedema
Lymphedema can be a challenging and painful condition for cancer patients who are already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of their disease. At Geaux Fight, we understand the unique needs of lymphedema patients and are here to help.
Cancer and the treatments used to fight it can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to lymphedema. This is why we take into consideration the inflammatory process of cancer and recruit multiple systems, such as the neural and myofascial systems, as well as the superficial and deep lymphatics, to decrease tissue congestion.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that requires proper treatment and monitoring. It can be caused by various factors, such as cancer treatments, obesity, and diseases affecting the lymphatic system. Unlike edema, which is a symptom and resolves once the underlying cause is treated, lymphedema is a disease that needs to be managed long-term. Our experienced therapists are trained to modify techniques based on the phases of healing, taking into account the acute and delayed side effects of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. This approach helps optimize function and decrease pain and tightness throughout daily activities, providing much-needed relief to lymphedema patients.
At our practice, we believe that education is key. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will work with you to understand your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. We are committed to empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their lymphedema and live their lives to the fullest.
If you or a loved one are struggling with lymphedema, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to help you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our lymphedema treatment options.
FAQs
Secondary lymphedema is the most common form of lymphedema in the United States.
- Cancer-induced lymphedema
- Phlebolymphedema
- Lipedma
- Lipolymphedma
- Obesity-induced lymphedema
- Plus more
Whatever the name, the definition of lymphedema surrounds a chronic condition which much be addressed and then monitored. Just like any other condition, it can get out of hand, but doesn’t have to.
If someone has trouble seeing things, the person goes to the eye doctor to get prescription lenses or contacts and wears them daily. The person then has a check up every so often to make sure their vision is the same. The same should be true for lymphedema.
One of my goals is for people to respond to chronic, pitting edema the same as they would as managing high blood pressure or diabetes.
Lymphedema is characterized by a high protein edema that stagnates within the tissues. Tissues in this case can be observed by increased girth of a limb, in which the tissues are the largest organ in the body – the skin. Swelling can occur from mainly 2 mechanisms…
High output failure
In this case, the lymphatic system is functioning properly, however it cannot handle the excess fluid. This is not high protein edema and can typically be reversed once the underlying stimulus is addressed.
Low output failure
If there is compromise to the lymphatic system, such as after lymph node removal or changes in the structure of the lymphatic vessels due to disease, then the lymphatic fluid stagnates in the limb and becomes lymphedema.
(The Transport Capacity (TC) of the lymphatic system is normal, but the Lymphatic Load (LL) is excessively high. The Lymph-Time Volume (LTV) is a representation of how much lymphatic fluid the body is able to transport and is limited by the transport capacity of the lymphatic system itself.)
What’s the difference between edema and lymphedema, then?
Edema is a symptom and consists of fluid accumulation in the extracellular space. After treating the underlying cause of the swelling, there is complete resolution. Treating the swelling itself will not fix the issue.
Lymphedema is a disease. There is a high protein fluid accumulation that triggers secondary tissue changes such as fibrosis and fatty tissue deposition. There is an increased risk of infection due to the amount of protein stagnant in the tissue. The swelling will remain if all underlying potential causes are resolved. Lymphedema can be classified by a particular stage and can be defined as Primary (unknown cause) or Secondary (known cause that triggers the limb to swell).
Lipdedema is something a lot of people confuse with lymphedema. Lipedema is not necessarily a disorder of the lymphatic system, however lipo-lymphedema may occur if obesity becomes a problem. Lipedema is characterized by extra adipose tissue in the lower legs, typically affects women, and is symmetrical.
How is Lymphedema treated?
The best and most effective way to treat this chronic condition is called Complete Decongestive Therapy, or CDT. This is the gold standard of treatment and consists of 2 phases and 4 components.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression bandaging
- Exercise
- Self care
The first phase is the Intensive Phase followed by the Maintenance Phase. This is a lifelong, chronic condition and this model of care sets you up to reduce the swelling, then manage it.
I treat the German way, which is the most effective. This means 5 times a week for the first few weeks then 2-3 times a week while we fit you for your garments. This sounds very intense, however studies show it reduces healthcare costs by decreasing the number of visits required. Plus, unlike typical therapy which lasts a few months, you are in your garment and back to living your best life quick!
Am I at risk?
What does this mean for you?
Most research regarding cancer-induced lymphedema has been through breast cancer research. Geaux Fight is committed to contributing to research for all cancer types so we can translate this to any lymph node dissection.
Many thanks goes to Guenter Klose and his team at Klose Training Lymphedema Certification. Being able to compare to previous experiences, the training in this program rivals no others and I am honored to have studied with them. Pictures and graphs on this page are courtesy of him.
Secondary lymphedema is the most common form of lymphedema in the United States.
- Cancer-induced lymphedema
- Phlebolymphedema
- Lipedma
- Lipolymphedma
- Obesity-induced lymphedema
- Plus more
Whatever the name, the definition of lymphedema surrounds a chronic condition which much be addressed and then monitored. Just like any other condition, it can get out of hand, but doesn’t have to.
If someone has trouble seeing things, the person goes to the eye doctor to get prescription lenses or contacts and wears them daily. The person then has a check up every so often to make sure their vision is the same. The same should be true for lymphedema.
One of my goals is for people to respond to chronic, pitting edema the same as they would as managing high blood pressure or diabetes.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is characterized by a high protein edema that stagnates within the tissues. Tissues in this case can be observed by increased girth of a limb, in which the tissues are the largest organ in the body – the skin. Swelling can occur from mainly 2 mechanisms…
High output failure
In this case, the lymphatic system is functioning properly, however it cannot handle the excess fluid. This is not high protein edema and can typically be reversed once the underlying stimulus is addressed.
Low output failure
If there is compromise to the lymphatic system, such as after lymph node removal or changes in the structure of the lymphatic vessels due to disease, then the lymphatic fluid stagnates in the limb and becomes lymphedema.
(The Transport Capacity (TC) of the lymphatic system is normal, but the Lymphatic Load (LL) is excessively high. The Lymph-Time Volume (LTV) is a representation of how much lymphatic fluid the body is able to transport and is limited by the transport capacity of the lymphatic system itself.)
What’s the difference between edema and lymphedema, then?
Edema is a symptom and consists of fluid accumulation in the extracellular space. After treating the underlying cause of the swelling, there is complete resolution. Treating the swelling itself will not fix the issue.
Lymphedema is a disease. There is a high protein fluid accumulation that triggers secondary tissue changes such as fibrosis and fatty tissue deposition. There is an increased risk of infection due to the amount of protein stagnant in the tissue. The swelling will remain if all underlying potential causes are resolved. Lymphedema can be classified by a particular stage and can be defined as Primary (unknown cause) or Secondary (known cause that triggers the limb to swell).
Lipdedema is something a lot of people confuse with lymphedema. Lipedema is not necessarily a disorder of the lymphatic system, however lipo-lymphedema may occur if obesity becomes a problem. Lipedema is characterized by extra adipose tissue in the lower legs, typically affects women, and is symmetrical.
How is Lymphedema treated?
The best and most effective way to treat this chronic condition is called Complete Decongestive Therapy, or CDT. This is the gold standard of treatment and consists of 2 phases and 4 components.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression bandaging
- Exercise
- Self care
The first phase is the Intensive Phase followed by the Maintenance Phase. This is a lifelong, chronic condition and this model of care sets you up to reduce the swelling, then manage it.
I treat the German way, which is the most effective. This means 5 times a week for the first few weeks then 2-3 times a week while we fit you for your garments. This sounds very intense, however studies show it reduces healthcare costs by decreasing the number of visits required. Plus, unlike typical therapy which lasts a few months, you are in your garment and back to living your best life quick!
Am I at risk?
What does this mean for you?
Most research regarding cancer-induced lymphedema has been through breast cancer research. Geaux Fight is committed to contributing to research for all cancer types so we can translate this to any lymph node dissection.
Many thanks goes to Guenter Klose and his team at Klose Training Lymphedema Certification. Being able to compare to previous experiences, the training in this program rivals no others and I am honored to have studied with them. Pictures and graphs on this page are courtesy of him.