Lymphedema Therapy Source

  

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Education

Each month, classes are held to educate patients on lymphedema & related subjects.  Visit the “Patients” tab on our website for details.  We also offer seminars for medical professionals such as home health organizations.  Call 214-422-8265 for more information.

What is Lymphedema?

Imagine two lanes being removed from a major city highway. Traffic remains the same but cars will begin to back up. Or suppose lanes are intact but there’s a Cowboy’s game & an overflow of traffic. In either scenario, the roads can’t handle the demand of traffic. Removing or disrupting the lymphatics causes a similar problem with fluid backing up. When this happens, a cascade of events begins to occur. Protein-rich fluid accumulates. Chronic inflammation leads to hardening of tissue, increased risk for Cellulitis infections, tissue changes (color change, papules forming, fluid seeping out, etc.). This is Lymphedema.

In “Lymph-edema,” there is edema (swelling) involving the lymphatic system. Sometimes it is because the lymphatic system is impaired (intrinsically, called Primary Lymphedema; or by injury, called Secondary Lymphedema described above). True lymphedema is a chronic disease & compression must be worn for life in most cases. There are a variety of conditions that can lead to Secondary Lymphedema such as:

  • Cancer (lymph node removal &/or radiation treatment, tumors)
  • Trauma (surgery, scarring, disruption of lymphatic vessels)
  • Vascular Impairment (Chronic Venous Insufficiency, vein harvesting)
  • Poor mobility & dependent positioning (i.e. stroke or spinal cord injuries)
  • Lipedema, Obesity
  • Infections (such as Erysipelas – or what some refer to as “Cellulitis”)

How is Lymphedema Treated?

Lymphedema is treated by a therapist or other medical professional who is certified to do what is called Complete Decongestive Therapy (an approach involving 5 components: Manual Lymph Drainage massage, Compression Bandaging using short-stretch bandages, Exercise, Skin Care & Self-Care training which includes long-term compression garments.).  Sessions take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on a patient’s presentation & the number of extremities involved.  On average, a person is seen 3x/week for 4 weeks but this may vary depending on a patient’s need.

Where do I find a qualified therapist?

According to the Lymphology Association of North America, training schools providing certification should consist of a minimum of 135 hours of instruction with 1/3 of that time being devoted to anatomy & physiology of the lymphatic system & 2/3 being hands-on training in order for therapists to be qualified to provide Complete Decongestive Therapy.  To find a certified therapist, you can visit the website of the training schools below.  You can also search the Lymphology Association of North America’s therapist directory to find additionally certified LANA therapists.

  • Klose Training (http://klosetraining.com/)
  • The Vodder School (http://www.vodderschool.com/)
  •  Norton School of Lymphatics (http://www.nortonschool.com/)
  • Academy of Lymphatic Studies (http://www.acols.com/)
  • Casley-Smith (http://www.casley-smith-lymphedema-courses.org/index.html)
  • Lymphology Association of North America (http://www.clt-lana.org/index.html)

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Contact Us

1012 W Eldorado Pkwy
Suite 825
Little Elm, Texas 75068
214-422-8265
214-614-9352 fax
info@LTStherapy.com

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