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Everything about Lymphedema Therapy

Lymphedema therapy aims to control and manage lymphedema, as this is a condition for which no cure has been found yet. The best tool for management of lymphedema is the Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Manual lymph drainage is the basis for this therapy which also includes the process of compression bandaging, exercise, use of compression garments and skin care. The technique itself was developed in 1930 by Emil Vodder. Today, there are various techniques being used for treating lymphedema but manual lymph drainage is considered to be the gold standard for the treatment.

A lymphedema patient is required to make frequent visits to a therapist who is trained in the art of lymphatic massage. The lymphatic ducts are manually manipulated around the blocked areas so that the excess fluids are drained into the venous system and are passed on for elimination. Unlike a regular massage, this is a gentle rhythmic massaging of the skin to stimulate the fluids. The lymphedema therapist will begin the massage to drain the neck region, the trunk and finally the affected extremity. This is to ensure that the pathways are clear to accept the excess fluids that will be moved from the swollen limb towards the trunk region.

There are numerous centers offering lymphedema therapy and they are usually staffed by trained professionals who specialize in lymphatic massage. LANA certified therapists are usually very competent to handle the massage therapy and often, patients experience good results. Most of the larger hospitals offer manual lymph drainage facilities. It is preferable not to travel long distances for the massage therapy, so patients need to find a center close to their residence. In order to plan the course of treatment, the therapist will first evaluate the patient’s medical history, range of motion and integrity of the skin besides taking circumferential measurement of the affected limb. Based on these factors, an individualized treatment plan is created to address the needs of the patient.

A typical plan for lymphedema treatment would include manual lymphatic massage to reduce the swelling and compression bandaging to maintain the reduction in swelling between the massage sessions. Sometimes the sequential gradient pump might be used to assist in the drainage of fluids. All treatment plans include patient education in self management of the condition along with guidance in skin care measures, instructions on special exercises as well as general care and precautions to be taken.

Lymphedema therapy training courses are open to doctors, nurses and physical therapists. The training program lasts for about two weeks and offers more than 130 hours of hands-on training and instructions. The massage technique and compression bandaging therapy is the main part of training. Specific exercises are also taught along with skin care measures to be taken by the lymphedema patients. Those who wish to train as lymphedema therapists must have a thorough understanding of the anatomy as well as the physiology and role of the lymphatic system in the body.

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