lymphedema treatment

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Hello Physiofit

Currently there is no standard protocol defined for treatment of lymphoedema and it is individualised or customised as per the patient's or client's need. The main aims that a therapist should have in mind while dealing with lymphoedema include conrolling and reducing accumulation of lymph (swelling), prevent skin infections and educate the client regarding same, maintain the surrounding joints in their highest degree of mobility, prevent deep vein thrombosis and improve overall quality of life.

This can be achieved using compression garments, elevating the affected limb(s), exercises - both passive and active, manual massage, skin care and use of faradic stimulations. combined together, this therapy is sometimes named as complete decongestive therapy.
Remember, use the principles of physiotherapy as per the symptoms that you find.

Good luck

[Physiofit]

Thank you very much for your input.

[psychophysio]

I did a literature review on Lymphoedema treatment in my final year that was published in the NZ Journal of physio. You can have a read here:

http://www.nzsp.org.nz/index02/Publi...5_p101-112.pdf

A combination of skin care, massage, exercises and bandaging or compression garments is the most effective treatment, although, as noted, these is no consensus on how much of each part and which part has the most effect.

Hope the article helps
Mike