Lymphedema Program in Wellington, FL

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue of the body that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. Lymphedema can develop when lymph vessels are missing, impaired, damaged or when lymph nodes are removed. The lymphatic system is the body’s drainage system responsible for immune defense and the return of substances from the interstitial space back into the blood circulatory system. Disturbance in the lymph transport system often leads to edema or lymphedema.

The lymphedema program at Wellington Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive lymphedema intervention. All therapists are certified lymphedema specialists.

Primary and Secondary Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a serious condition because of the long-term physical and psychosocial consequences for patients. If lymphedema is left untreated it will continue to progress. There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary.

Primary lymphedema represents developmental abnormalities of the lymphatic system, usually congenital or hereditary. Secondary lymphedema is usually due to a mechanical insufficiency. Some causes are surgery, radiation, trauma, infection, tumors, immobility and chronic venous insufficiencies.

Management of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a progressive disease process which can be easily managed by complete decongestive therapy (CDT). CDT focuses on restoring and optimizing the lymphatic system by combining four components: manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, decongestive exercises and skin care.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of massage that assists in opening lymphatic channels, mobilizing lymph fluid and softening fibrotic tissues. This technique, when combined with compression bandaging, produces a decompression and emptying of the lymphatic channels that ultimately decrease edema in the affected limb.

Exercise can also be effective in decreasing lymphedema in the involved limb. During the course of treatment, patients will learn self-MLD, self-bandaging, proper skin care and application of compression garments. When these treatment parameters are consistently utilized, patients will notice their results by a reduction of lymphedema and the ability to resume activities of daily living.