Lymphedema Care

What is Lymphedema?

~ Localized swelling of the body caused by abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid. ~

Your lymphatic system is made up of lymph vessels (like veins) and lymph nodes located in the neck, armpits, abdomen, and groin.  Lymphatics are integral in immune function and circulation.  Lymphatic vessels collect lymph fluid that is made of water, proteins, and waste products from the tissue space.  Lymph fluid is transported to the regional lymph nodes for filtration, and continues into the bloodstream and back to your heart.


When this normal transportation of lymphatic fluid is disrupted, a backup of fluid occurs, and can lead to swelling.  This swelling is called lymphedema.  Clinical lymphedema is a chronic, life-long disease that is manageable, although does not yet have a cure.


There is higher risk of developing lymphedema following surgery, radiation, or removal of lymph nodes.  Symptoms may develop within a few weeks or even years after these procedures, or not at all.  Some types of cancer have a higher incidence of secondary lymphedema, including: breast, melanoma, and pelvic cancers (prostate, bladder, anal, rectal cancer, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, regional sarcoma).

How is Lymphedema Diagnosed?

Lymphedema is diagnosed by a medical doctor, often from review of your medical history and physical observation.  Diagnostic imaging including lymphoscintigraphy and ICG lymphography may be indicated to assist your doctor in diagnostics.  


Lymphedema PREVENTION

Heart of Gold Physical Therapy offers a unique screening tool using bioimpedance spectroscopy to detect lymphedema BEFORE it is noticeable.  Studies show that early detection and treatment have a significantly higher rate of preventing lymphedema from becoming a chronic, life-long condition.

Treatment for Clinical Lymphedema

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard of treatment once lymphedema becomes chronic.  There are surgical procedures performed by specialists that can supplement this treatment, as well.


CDT is safe and non-invasive.  It consists of two phases:

Phase 1: Decongestion







Phase 2: Maintenance

This phase includes fitting for a compression garment for daily wear, self manual lymphatic drainage, activity routine, self care and weight management.  In some cases, a compression pump may be recommended.

Lymphedema develops in stages

At-Home Monitoring for Lymphedema

Warning signals of a “stressed” lymphatic system:



If you feel any of these symptoms in a limb or body part, reduce general activity and contact your oncologist and a certified lymphedema therapist as soon as possible.  


Early intervention is the best way to prevent sub-clinical signs of lymphedema from advancing to a non-reversible state.


Heart of Gold Physical Therapy provides compression garment fitting.


Questions?

National Lymphedema Network (NLN) Position Papers