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What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema impacts millions of people in the United States and occurs when the body cannot effectively transport lymph fluid. When the transport of lymph fluid is disrupted and lymph fluid cannot drain properly, swelling occurs. This swelling can be in any part of the body, most often in the arms and legs, but also the breast or chest wall, head, and neck, or genitals. While there is presently no cure for lymphedema, it can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care.
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INDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT

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WHO IS AT RISK FOR LYMPHEDEMA

There are two forms of lymphedema. Primary lymphedema can occur from birth due to an impairment in the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedema occurs from an insult to the lymphatic system and can occur at any age. These are the major diagnoses that are at risk for developing secondary lymphedema:

LEFT UNTREATED

When lymphedema is left untreated, swelling continues, which can lead to the hardening of the skin. This can lead to skin problems and infections such as cellulitis, which may require hospitalization. In the long term, leaving lymphedema untreated can also permanently affect the limb’s range of motion and flexibility. These challenges may promote the chance of the patient adopting a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to a decline in the patient’s health and functional ability. For these reasons, lymphedema must be treated as quickly as possible and maintained chronically.

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OUR TREATMENT APPROACH FOR LYMPHEDEMA

Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy, or CDP, is considered the gold standard treatment for lymphedema and includes both a decongestive phase and a maintenance phase. In the decongestive phase, non-surgical treatment includes inelastic compression, exercises, skin care, and manual lymph drainage (MLD). This helps reduce fluid retention, improves flow of lymphatic system, and improves functional mobility. The maintenance phase of CDP includes intermittent pneumatic biocompression, which has been proven to help edema.

“Between 3 and 5 million people in the United States suffer from lymphedema, which in a significant number develops from cancer and its treatment.”

-Leslie Bagay MD, in Essentials of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation (Fourth Edition), 2020″

“Lymphedema may affect as many as 140 to 250 million people hroughout the world.”
– Arin K. Greene MD, MMSc, … Sumner A. Slavin MD, in Plastic Surgery Secrets Plus(Second Edition), 2010
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Do you have lymphedema or would like to refer someone to Axiom for Lymphedema Therapy?

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