← LYMPHATIC THERAPY →
WHAT IS LYMPHOEDEMA
Lymphoedema occurs due to a failure of the lymphatic system and occurs when the demand for lymphatic drainage is greater than the body’s ability to clear it. Lymphoedema involves the accumulation of excess amounts of fluid high in protein in the tissue, resulting in swelling, pain and fibrosis. Lymphoedema usually affects the limbs but can involve the torso, breast, head, neck and genital area.
The lymphatic systems functions is to assist the immune system in detecting and destroying pathogens, removing waste products from the tissues and maintaining the volume and protein concentration of extracellular fluid in the body.
Lymphoedema is classified into Primary and Secondary categories.
->Primary Lymphoedema: due to a genetic malformation of the lymphatics. Onset of swelling may not present until adolescence or adulthood.
->Secondary Lymphoedema: due to damage or destruction of lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels. This may occur with surgery and/or radiotherapy related to cancer treatment, recurrent cellulitis, or following injury (trauma or surgery to other organs or structures in the body).
Those experiencing lymphoedema require education, monitoring and support. It is a condition that should not be ignored and requires treatment that is individualized and for some ongoing. It can be a lot to deal with in the beginning stages, especially if you have other health issues going on, with therapy tailored to you we can offer a sensitive understanding approach.
