What is Lymphedema?
It is a common and serious condition affecting approximately 10 million Americans. Your lymphatic system is a vast network of lymph nodes, lymph vessels and lymphatic tissue/organs returning lymph fluid to your heart. Lymphedema can occur when your lymphatic system develops abnormally, or is damaged, in such a way that it can no longer transport lymph fluid back to your heart. When you have lymphedema, fluid and protein molecules begin to abnormally accumulate and can lead to increased swelling, infection, and skin changes. Unfortunately, lymphedema will continue to progress if left untreated.
What is IN lymph fluid?
Lymph fluid is a clear fluid that consists of water but also contains solid proteins (not the kind you eat, but rather particles that provide nutrition to your cells, fight disease and involve blood coagulation). Lymph fluid also consists of white blood cells (involved in fighting disease), bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, foreign particles/toxins, and fatty acids. Clearly, your lymphatic system is a large part of your immune system, clearing toxins, transporting disease fighting cells and managing your body’s fluid.
Lymphedema Treatment
The most effective treatment for Lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy, also known as CDT. CDT consists of a combination of hygiene/topical skin care, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), bandaging/compression, and remedial exercises. During CDT, patients will undergo two phases of treatment.
1. Intensive phase
This will consist of 3-5 weekly treatments for 2-6 weeks to get the limb swelling back to its normal or closest to normal size. This will include skin and nail care, MLD, bandaging, and exercises.
2. Maintenance phase
This will consist of compression garments during the day, meticulous skin and nail care, exercises, and MLD as needed. See our Compression Therapy page for more information on compression garments.
Q: Will my health insurance cover this?
If you have an “out of network plan”, you are eligible for reimbursement, although please check with your health insurance provider before beginning treatment. We do not bill insurance companies, we will provide you with a receipt for reimbursement.
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