Primary treatment options to help manage lymphedema

Condition analysis:
The primary treatment for lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). The treatment can be divided into two phases:

Phase I: (also known as the treatment phase) has four components:
1. Meticulous skin and nail care should be maintained to prevent a portal of entry for infection that may result in cellulitis.
2. Manual lymphatic drainage massage. This gentle massage technique is designed to stimulate the lymphatic vessels to contract more frequently directing and channeling fluids towards near-by functioning lymphatic basins and finally back into the circulation.
3. Multi-layered short stretch bandage application. Short stretch bandages apply pressure during movement. The pressure of the bandages reduces the production of new lymph fluid and improves the efficiency of the muscle pump and can reverse the presence of skin fibrosis.
4. The bandaged patient is then directed in a series of lymphedema specific exercises.

Typically, phase I can be completed in 1-4 weeks.

Phase II: (also known as the maintenance phase)
This phase focuses on maintaining the results of treatment which consists of fitting the patient for a compression garment to be worn during the day and instructing the patient in application of the short stretch compression bandages which are worn at bedtime. The patient will continue to perform the lymphedema specific exercises and continue with a meticulous skin care regimen.

Instructions:
1. Juicing – By extracting the juice from fruit and vegetables, we are able to get access to the vital enzymes, vitamins and minerals that are essential to health.

2. Cut OUT ALL processed and highly acidic foods – Removing pro-inflammatory and processed foods such as dairy, cakes, biscuits, bread, sugary snacks and sweets.

3. Add IN green plant foods – which are anti-inflammatory, alkalise the body which is important for pH and help to cleanse and detoxify the body.

4. Dry skin brushing – This is an excellent tool to wake up and stimulate the lymph system which is responsible for filtering and removing the toxins and excess fluid from the body. (A sluggish lymph system will struggle to remove the fluid that is creating the lymphedema. Depending on your condition, be very gentle with the limb that is affected as brushing too hard may damage the lymph nodes which sit just under the skin.)

5. Drink plenty of quality water – Consuming enough water is vital to flushing the body of toxins and hydrating every cell to help it work efficiently.