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The Risk of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Over Time

By Joachim Zuther, on September 8th, 2012

I am very grateful to Carol Doeringer, lymphedema patient and advocate, who submitted this interesting and very insightful contribution on the risk factors contributing to breast cancer related lymphedema. The material is excerpted from a self-study course Carol has developed with the support of friends and experts in the lymphedema and nursing communities. . . . → Read More: The Risk of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Over Time

The Science behind Manual Lymph Drainage in the Treatment of Lymphedema

By Joachim Zuther, on April 18th, 2012

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a gentle manual treatment technique based on four basic strokes, which were initially developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Emil Vodder, a PhD from Denmark. These basic strokes known as the “stationary circle”, “pump”, rotary” and “scoop” techniques are designed to manipulate lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels with . . . → Read More: The Science behind Manual Lymph Drainage in the Treatment of Lymphedema

Comparison of Blood and Lymph Vessels

By Joachim Zuther, on February 15th, 2012

The heart and blood vessels represent the main components of the circulatory system, which consists of an elaborate network of tubes throughout the body. The circulatory system involves the combined functioning of the heart, blood and blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients to organ systems and tissues, and to remove waste products . . . → Read More: Comparison of Blood and Lymph Vessels

Lymphedema Affecting the Breast and Trunk

By Joachim Zuther, on October 5th, 2011

Lymphedema affecting the chest, breast and posterior thorax, also known as trunkal lymphedema, is a common problem following breast cancer surgery, but is often difficult to diagnose, especially if the patient does not also present with lymphedema of the arm, or it may be dismissed as a side-effect of breast cancer surgery, which . . . → Read More: Lymphedema Affecting the Breast and Trunk

Measuring for Compression Stockings

By Joachim Zuther, on September 15th, 2011

Compression garments are the most important tool to ensure preservation and improvement of the therapeutic success achieved during treatment with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). To select the correct garment (ready-made or custom made), compression level and, if necessary, fastening systems, the patients age, physical abilities (and limitations), lifestyle, type of lymphedema and any . . . → Read More: Measuring for Compression Stockings

Measuring for Compression Arm Sleeves

By Joachim Zuther, on August 23rd, 2011

Compression sleeves are the most important tool to ensure preservation and improvement of the therapeutic success achieved during treatment with Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). To select the correct garment (ready-made or custom made), compression level, and, if necessary, fastening systems, the patients age, physical abilities (and limitations), lifestyle, type of lymphedema and any . . . → Read More: Measuring for Compression Arm Sleeves

Options of Care for Compression Garments

By Joachim Zuther, on July 29th, 2011

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: Options of Care for Compression Garments

Pharmaceutical Options in the Treatment of Lymphedema

By Joachim Zuther, on July 5th, 2011

The use of drugs in the treatment of lymphedema in the Western Hemisphere is generally limited to antibiotics, which are used to prevent and treat infections commonly associated with lymphedema. As stated in the Position Paper of the National Lymphedema Network, lymphedema should not be treated exclusively with drugs or dietary supplements. Following . . . → Read More: Pharmaceutical Options in the Treatment of Lymphedema

When is it Lymphedema?

By Joachim Zuther, on June 23rd, 2011

“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?

Compression Garments for Lymphedema – Custom or Ready-Made?

By Joachim Zuther, on May 12th, 2011

Although lymphedema can be reduced to a normal or near normal size using proper treatment techniques, the lymphatic vessels are never normal again after lymphedema was present. In addition, once lymphedema has been reduced, skin elasticity may never be regained completely since the elastic fibers in the skin are damaged from the swelling . . . → Read More: Compression Garments for Lymphedema – Custom or Ready-Made?

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The Science behind Manual Lymph Drainage in the Treatment of Lymphedema

Comparison of Blood and Lymph Vessels

Lymphedema Affecting the Breast and Trunk

Measuring for Compression Stockings

Measuring for Compression Arm Sleeves

Options of Care for Compression Garments

Pharmaceutical Options in the Treatment of Lymphedema

When is it Lymphedema?

Compression Garments for Lymphedema – Custom or Ready-Made?

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