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
Click Here to Buy
The Author 
Joachim Zuther, Lymphedema Specialist. Read more
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By Joachim Zuther, on December 1st, 2025
Lymphedema is caused by a blockage or dysfunction of the lymphatic system, causing a disruption of the normal flow of lymph fluid, which may result in swelling affecting various parts of the body. Lymphedema most commonly presents in soft tissues of arms and legs; however, it may also affect the trunk, abdomen, head . . . → Read More: Complications of Lymphedema
By Joachim Zuther, on August 1st, 2025
Compression bandages (and compression garments – see below) used in the management of lymphedema should be properly washed on a regular basis to avoid skin cells and oils becoming trapped in the fibers of the bandages and damage the integrity of the textile. Compression bandages may be machine or hand-washed; machine wash is . . . → Read More: How to Care for Short-Stretch Compression Bandages
By Joachim Zuther, on July 1st, 2025
The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is an important chronic complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Another condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) may develop following a PTS, which in some cases can be the cause for the onset of lymphedema.
To better understand the mechanics of these conditions, a brief discussion of the . . . → Read More: Deep Vein Thrombosis and Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
By Joachim Zuther, on May 31st, 2025
Certain activities may trigger the onset of lymphedema or may exacerbate the symptoms of existing lymphedema. Individuals affected by lymphedema and those at risk for developing it (everyone who has undergone lymph node excision and/or radiation treatments) should observe the following precautions. The “Dos” and “Don’ts” below are based on decades of experience . . . → Read More: Dos and Don’ts for Lymphedema of the Leg
By Joachim Zuther, on December 4th, 2024
Unlike the heart in the blood circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have an active pump to propel lymphatic fluid back into the bloodstream. Effective lymph flow depends on sufficient muscle and joint activity, especially if the functionality of the lymphatic system is compromised.
Abdominal (diaphragmatic) breathing exercises are a . . . → Read More: The Benefits of Abdominal Breathing Exercises in the Management of Lymphedema
By Joachim Zuther, on October 28th, 2024
The term “swelling” is used to describe an enlargement of a body part and can be used to describe edema, as well as lymphedema. While the initial causes for the formation of the swelling are different, both involve the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues of the skin due to some form . . . → Read More: How Lymphatic Insufficiencies Result in Edema or Lymphedema
By Joachim Zuther, on July 15th, 2024
The positive impact a well-tailored regular exercise program can have on a healthy lifestyle, improvement of general well being, increased energy level, and stress and weight management is well known. Additional benefits of exercises for those individuals at risk of, or have lymphedema include improved limb flexibility, range of movement, and most importantly increased . . . → Read More: Why Exercises should be Part of Your Lymphedema Treatment Regimen
By Joachim Zuther, on February 4th, 2024
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
By Joachim Zuther, on January 1st, 2024
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
By Joachim Zuther, on November 2nd, 2023
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
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Disclaimer The information on this web site is not intended to give medical advice and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of any physicians, nor is it guaranteed to be correct and complete. You should not rely on any information in this web site without seeking the advice of a physician or certified healthcare provider.
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