What is the lymph system?  Lymph vessels are similar to blood vessels but they are thin walled, one-way vessels controlled by one-way valves. They collect fluid, dead cells, protein and fat molecules from the space around individual cells of the body (interstitial space) and transport this fluid called lymph through a chain of lymph nodes towards the main junction of the veins at the neck. At this point the lymph is emptied into the blood vessel system just before it enters the heart.  

   What can cause a dysfunction of the lymph system? The ability to move lymph is largely dependant on the number of functioning vessels and nodes (pathways). These pathways can be damaged by surgery, radiation treatments, crush injury, infection, chronically increased pressure in the vessels, cancer or even strongly constrictive clothing. These conditions could lead to secondary lymphedema.  There are genetic conditions in which you are born with alterations in the structure or number of lymph vessels. In this case you would have primary lymphedema.

   Lymphedema is treatable but not curable. Symptoms can be greatly improved especially with early intervention. Complete Decongestive Therapy includes four  components:

1.Manual lymph drainage to facilitate the lymph system and reroute drainage through functioning lymph pathways through a unique, very light, manual technique done in a specific sequence and pattern.

2. Compression through specialized bandages or compression garments. A short intensive course of bandaging will decrease the girth of the limb, then compression bandages are used over the long term to maintain the reduction. With compression in place daily activities help to stimulate lymph flow through muscle pumping action.

3.Exercise done without resistance in a sequence that promotes clearing of the drainage areas from the main drains down to the affected area.

4. Education in the dos and don'ts to prevent trigger events and promote efficient lymph clearing. Training in independence in each of these components is key for continued effective self-treatment in a home program.

   What are treatment sessions like?  Depending on the limb/limbs involved treatments will last about 1 hour and include the 4 components of Complete Decongestive Therapy mentioned above. You leave a treatment session in compression; either bandages or a garment. Treatments are done 5 days a week with training to continue over the weekend. Sessions last 3-4 weeks for legs, 2-3 weeks for arms.  The goal is a stabilized size to the limb so garments can be fit for long term use and for the client to be independent in an ongoing home program including manual lymph drainage, compression, exercise and self care. 

   Simple techniques applied carefully and consistently are very effective in reducing size, preventing infections, resolving achiness, improving function, healing wounds, and improving quality of life.