What is Lymphedema?

Primary Lymphedema is that which has no known cause. Milroy’s disease is a familial (genetically caused) lymphedema which is present at birth. Subsequently Meige’s disease is similar, but appears no later than puberty.

Lymphedema Praecox is the most common form of primary lymphedema. This begins in adolescence. Usually it is predominantly females who suffer from this condition. Seventy five percent of primary lymphedema is praecox.

Lymphedema Tarda is identical to Lymphedema praecox but usually occurs after the patient is 35 years old. Both praecox and tarda usually involve just the legs.

The pathological mechanisms which cause primary lymphedema are an absence of lymphatics (aplasia), inadequate lymphatic drainage, too few lymphatics or too few nodes. We offer Lymphatic Massage San Diego

Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is an acquired condition resulting from loss or obstruction or previously normal lymphatic channels. Furthermore the most common cause of secondary lymphedema is due to removal of the lymph nodes. Radiation can interupt lymph pathways as can surgery, injury or blockage with parasites.

Trauma or radiation can tear a major lymph trunk or cause the production of excess fibrous tissue, and as a result can later constricts the lymph vessel.

Lymphedema may also occur as a result of a chronic venous disease, which always involves the large lymphatic vessels that run beside the veins.

Treatment Problems

Lymphedema patients are usually frustrated, as they clearly face a major problem. Usually the most frequently given advice is to elevate the limb, wear an elastic sleeve or stocking, in additon avoiding salt and to take diuretics. Furthermore we sometimes recommended sequential pumps and, as a result, while they may give some relief, usually the benefits are short lived.

Furthermore surgery has never solved the problems of Lymphedema. Dr. Vodder’s Combined Decongestive Therapy offers a practical and long lasting solution. We offer lymphatic massage San Diego.

What is the Treatment of Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a serious condition, indicating that the lymph system is unable to handle the lymph load. After diagnosis treatment should begin as soon as possible.

The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and as a result facilitate the flow of the lymph fluid to the venous circulation of the affected area.

The most effective approach used by therapists in many European countries specifically is Combined Decongestive Therapy; a four step process, usually carried out over a 4 week period.

Individual elements are Manual Lymph Drainage, compression therapy, remedial exercises as well as breathing techniques and excellent skin hygiene. Our patient visits the clinic 2- 3 times a week according to the recommendations of your therapist.

Lymphatic massage San Diego in particular helps to reduce swelling for lymphedema.

Lipedema / Lymphatic Massage San Diego 

A Chronic Disease

Lipedema is a chronic disease of complex causes. It is a genetically mediated disorder of fat deposition that occurs almost exclusively in females. There is a symmetrical accumulation of fat in the legs, buttocks, and hips that extends down to the ankles. In 70% of cases, the swelling occurs in the arms and there is no foot involvement. A “cuff” can be found around the ankles and wrists. Patients often report a family history of “heavy legs”. It does not involve either the feet or hands until the onset of lymphedema. In severe cases, the trunk and upper body may be involved. This may lead to a situation where the patient may be either wheel-chair bound or even bedridden. Furthermore, weight gains can be up to or greater than 500 pounds.

Leaky Vessels

The swelling that occurs is due to an excess deposition of fatty tissue and fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue, leaky vessels, and fragility of the blood vessels. Typically it gets worse over time, pain may be present, and sufferers bruise easily. Thus, Lipedema is likely triggered by a large vessel disease with increased fragility of the blood capillaries.

The condition may progress to become Lymphedema in later stages.

Often Misdiagnosed

Lipedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity in its earlier stages but the symptoms are clear and distinctly recognizable. In its later stages, the condition progresses to Lymphedema.

Arterial Constriction

The blood vessels themselves are affected and venous stasis and vasoconstriction can occur. This accounts for the cold and often pale skin often found in Lipedema tissue.
Capillary Permeability

The increased capillary permeability then leads to protein-rich intercellular edema. In addition, the following stages inflammation sets in leading to perivascular fibrosis. Prominent mast cell recruitment and other inflammatory effects eventually lead to interstitial fibrosis. Patients bruise easily.

Lymphatic massage San Diego helps reduce the pain and as a result the swelling of heavy legs.

Lipedema / Lymphatic Massage San Diego

Symptoms of onset

The mean age of diagnosis is approximately 35-36 years although it can be clinically detectable in adolescence. Hormonal fluctuations such as menopause may bring on symptoms.

Cellulite, which is a very mild form of lipedema, usually occurs after puberty.

Lymphatic massage helps decongest the tissue and detoxify

Fat cells have a spherical shape and like any other cell contain fat deposits covered by the cell membranes. Groups of fat cells form lobes which are surrounded by fibrous tissue
Fatty tissue has an excellent blood supply but fat cell-associated lymph capillaries are not present.

Other Treatment Options Available as Well As Lymphatic Massage

Complex Decongestive Therapy

Firstly – patients receive Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) daily or every other day to remove excess fluid and protein. The MLD is performed to open lymphatics in the unaffected regions so these can help to drain the affected area. MLD stimulates the lymphangions to increase their activity, which results in decompression and emptying of obstructed lymphatic channels.

Secondly – Compression Therapy: Bandaging of the affected limb follows each MLD session. This is a precise and accurate procedure using specific bandages and interfacing materials.

Third -Remedial Exercises and Breathing: This promotes venous and lymphatic flow and as a result activates the muscle and joint pumps.

Finally – Skin Care and Hygiene: Cleansing with antibacterial washes and neutrally balanced pH lotions help to eliminate the possibility of infections.

What is Manual Lymph Drainage?

Developed in Europe in the 1930’s by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder.

Manual Lymph Drainage massage (MLD) is a safe, effective, yet gentle approach to cleansing the body’s tissues. Manual lymphatic massage drains excess fluid from the tissues and in addition, has a detoxifying effect. It can benefit a healthy person as well as be applied to more than 60 different conditions.

Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage

1. Removes metabolic wastes, excess water in addition to toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from the tissues.
2. Alleviates pain by greatly reducing pain signals that are sent to the brain.
3. Relaxes the sympathetic nervous system and as a result, relieving stress.
4. Supports as well as enhances the actions of the immune system
5. It helps the body to heal more quickly from injuries, surgical trauma in addition to chronic conditions, and edema.