New Book for Patients and Caregivers

In It’s Not Just a Swelling! – LYMPHEDEMA Joachim Zuther provides an up-to-date and comprehensive guide for specifically geared towards individuals affected by Lymphedema, their caregivers, and family members. 133 Images. Paperback and Kindle version

Topics include:

  • Self-Management of Lymphedema (Self-MLD, Skin Care, Compression Therapy, Exercises); includes Instructions for Self-Care with images
  • Nutritional Aspects
  • Lymphedema Risk Reduction, Do’s and Don’ts for Lymphedema
  • Complications of Lymphedema, such as Infections, Cellulitis, Leakage
  • Lymphedema and its Impact on Quality of Life
  • Traveling with Lymphedema
  • Prevention of Lymphedema
  • Treatment and Management of Lymphedema
  • Causes of Primary and Secondary Lymphedema and their Stages
  • Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
  • And Much More

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Lymphedema Products

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The Author

Joachim Zuther, Lymphedema Specialist. Read more

New Lymphedema Book for Patients

 

Dear Friends in the Lymphedema Community!

I am very happy to report that the new book “It’s Not Just a Swelling! Lymphedema” is a big success; many of you who already read and use it have reported back to me indicating that the contents are very useful and a great help in dealing . . . → Read More: New Lymphedema Book for Patients

Lymphedema Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)

 

A number of patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in combination with breast cancer surgery experience postoperative pain and limited range of motion associated with a palpable cord of tissue extending from the axilla into the arm on the same side. This condition is known as Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), or . . . → Read More: Lymphedema Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)

Decongestive and Breathing Exercises for Lymphedema

 

Unlike the heart in the blood circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have an active pump to propel lymphatic fluid back to the bloodstream. Effective lymph flow depends on sufficient muscle and joint activity, especially if the functionality of the lymphatic system is compromised. Decongestive exercises are most effective if performed while . . . → Read More: Decongestive and Breathing Exercises for Lymphedema

Lymphedema Risk Reduction

 

The surgical procedures performed on individuals affected by breast cancer may be mastectomy, partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy. Along with the actual breast surgery for cancer, axillary lymph nodes are removed and/or radiated. As a result of axillary lymph node clearance, the normal lymphatic drainage from the extremity is impaired, and some patients experience the onset . . . → Read More: Lymphedema Risk Reduction

Debunking Lymphedema Risk Reduction Behaviors: Not So Fast

I would like to thank Dr. Judith Nudelman for writing this article on the importance of practicing appropriate risk reduction for individuals affected by, or at risk of developing lymphedema.

Dr. Nudelman is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Clinical at Alpert Medical School, Brown University. She is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), . . . → Read More: Debunking Lymphedema Risk Reduction Behaviors: Not So Fast

How to Care for Your Compression Garments

 

The primary role of compression garments in lymphedema management is to maintain the reduction of the swelling achieved during the intensive treatment phase of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). A high level of consistency in providing the appropriate compression is crucial in order to avoid re-accumulation of evacuated lymphedema fluid. This consistency is provided . . . → Read More: How to Care for Your Compression Garments

On the Importance of Lymphedema Screening for Upper and Lower Extremities Following Surgical Procedures

 

Pitting

Lymphedema is a very common and serious condition, affecting at least 3 million Americans. However, there is no consistency, as well as a lack of literature regarding the data on the general incidence of primary and secondary lymphedema. Incidence rates in the literature vary greatly, which results from the variety . . . → Read More: On the Importance of Lymphedema Screening for Upper and Lower Extremities Following Surgical Procedures

Reconstructive Surgery for the Treatment of Lymphedema?

 

Various surgical procedures for the treatment of lymphedema have been practiced for over a century and advancements in medical technologies have led to increased discussion of the role surgical treatment as an alternative or additional treatment option for a select group of patients affected by lymphedema. Recent research indicates that the surgical approach . . . → Read More: Reconstructive Surgery for the Treatment of Lymphedema?

When is it Lymphedema? Self-Check for Lymphedema

 

“After a day of sitting in the office my ankles are swollen.”

“During the last several months of my pregnancy, my legs practically doubled in size”

“My fingers and hand frequently get puffy following a long hike”

“My arm started swelling after I had surgery for my breast cancer”

“Following the removal of . . . → Read More: When is it Lymphedema? Self-Check for Lymphedema

Complete Decongestive Therapy in the Treatment of Lymphedema

 

Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), sometimes referred to as complex decongestive therapy, or combined physical therapy is the internationally recognized “gold standard” treatment system for the vast majority of patients affected by lymphedema.

Backed by long standing experience, CDT has shown to be safe and effective as the standard therapy for lymphedema. It is . . . → Read More: Complete Decongestive Therapy in the Treatment of Lymphedema

Lymphedema and its Impact on Quality of Life

 

Chronic lymphedema is considered to be a progressive condition, regardless of its classification of either primary or secondary, and cannot simply be described as an accumulation of protein-rich fluid. It is a chronic, degenerative and inflammatory process affecting the soft tissues, skin, lymph vessels and nodes of the extremities, trunk, abdomen, head and . . . → Read More: Lymphedema and its Impact on Quality of Life