MLD for Lymphoedema
What is Lymphoedema?
There are two types of Lymphoedema, Primary and Secondary.
Primary Lymphoedema is usually determined from birth and arises due to some failure of the lymphatic system itself - usually with the under-development of the lymphatic system. It may develop without any obvious cause at different stages in life, particularly in adolescence.
Secondary Lymphoedema is the result of some problem outside of the lymphatic system that prevents it working properly. This includes:
- Surgery, particularly when lymph nodes are removed after treatment for cancer
- Radiotherapy
- Cancer itself may also result in a blockage of the lymphatic system
- Accidental trauma/injury or infection that may damage the lymph vessels
- Reduced mobility/paralysis - muscle contractions are important to help lymph movement
Unfortunately, most of the underlying causes of lymphoedema are irreversible and, there is currently no known cure. However, appropriate treatment can reduce the swelling and keep it to a minimum, dramatically improving quality of life.
How Does Lymphoedema Progress?
Initially, lymphoedema maybe very slight and not always noticeable. It may also be intermittent, for example, the swelling may be minimal in the morning, but become more apparent as the day goes on, especially in warm weather. It is often possible to use simple measures to resolve the swelling at this stage so treatment should always be started as soon as possible, preferably in the 'latency' stage.
If left untreated, the swelling over time becomes more permanent, doesn't subside overnight and the area will begin to feel increasingly hard and solid. This is due to the build up of proteins as well as fluid in the tissues. As drainage cannot be 'encouraged' to the lymph nodes which have been removed or damaged (because they aren't there or they can't work anymore), MLD promotes lymph flow to alternative drainage routes.
Treatment for Lymphoedema
The first appointment will include a full consultation and examination, and discussion regarding treatment protocols, including whether MLD is appropriate for you, how frequent the appointments should be, and how long each session will take.
The standard treatment for lymphoedema is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). There are four cornerstones of CDT
- Compression (bandages or garment)
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD)
- Exercises
- Skin care
Treatment consists two phases, intensive and maintenance. The intensive phase involves frequent treatment with MLD and bandaging.
The maintenance phase begins when there is no further reduction in the oedema, usually after 2-3 weeks. Then a compression garment may be recommended. This is an important part of swelling control. The garments work by compressing the swollen tissues and stopping fluid from building up. At the same time, they help to move the fluid to an area that is draining well. The support allows the muscles to pump fluid away more effectively. The design of the garments means that more pressure is applied in certain areas to encourage the fluid to drain.
If you are a lymphoedema sufferer and would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07977 883141 or via email at Lesley@phoenixholistictherapy.com.
Customer Comments
"I have been having regular MLD sessions with Lesley for arm lymphoedema and found MLD very effective in its on-going maintenance. The combination of MLD and the Hivamat treatment has also completely sorted the cording that came after lymph node removal. It is amazing that so gentle a treatment can have such a beneficial effect. With her warm, bubbly, friendly manner, Lesley is a skilled MLD therapist who cares about her clients. In fact, she goes out of her way to be helpful and to find information and solutions for anything that crops up (taping scars, self bandaging, what to do in case of cellulitis ...) Lesley inspires trust, because it is obvious that she is very committed to her work and has high professional standards. She derives enormous pleasure from treating people and seeing the very positive results that MLD can have."
Helen, Patient with Arm Lymphoedema