lymphedema « Lymphedema Blog

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

Complete Decongestive Therapy in the Treatment of Lymphedema

By Joachim Zuther, on July 3rd, 2012

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

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

The Role of Complete Decongestive Therapy in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

By Joachim Zuther, on March 23rd, 2012

Lymphedema is considered one of the most distressing and debilitating complications of breast cancer treatment and affects at least three million Americans. The underlying problem of lymphedema is a lymphatic dysfunction, resulting in abnormal accumulation of water and proteins primarily in the subcutaneous tissues, which can cause the onset of visible and palpable . . . → Read More: The Role of Complete Decongestive Therapy in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

A Message from the Lymphedema Treatment Act

By Joachim Zuther, on March 1st, 2012

As of this writing, HR 2499 has 62 cosponsors! Please help us reach our goal of getting to 100 this year. At the end of this newsletter you’ll find the cosponsor list as of this publication – if you do not see your Representative’s name please write again at your earliest convenience, using the . . . → Read More: A Message from the Lymphedema Treatment Act

The Role of Short-Stretch Bandages in the Management of Lymphedema

By Joachim Zuther, on January 12th, 2012

Compression therapy, like manual lymph drainage (MLD), exercises and skin care, is a main element of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). In most cases of lymphedema, the elastic fibers in skin tissues affected by lymphedema are damaged and unable to provide adequate resistance against the musculature working underneath, and the blood and lymph vessels . . . → Read More: The Role of Short-Stretch Bandages in the Management of Lymphedema

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

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

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?

Update on the Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010

By Joachim Zuther, on June 1st, 2011

I would like to share with you an update from Heather Ferguson on the recent stakeholder’s meeting in Washington, DC regarding the latest version of the “Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010” (former Bill HR 4662). I am glad that the meeting was extremely productive and that a high level of . . . → Read More: Update on the Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010

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Complete Decongestive Therapy in the Treatment of Lymphedema

The Science behind Manual Lymph Drainage in the Treatment of Lymphedema

A Message from the Lymphedema Treatment Act

The Role of Short-Stretch Bandages in the Management of Lymphedema

Lymphedema Affecting the Breast and Trunk

Options of Care for Compression Garments

When is it Lymphedema?

Update on the Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act of 2010

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