New Book for Patients and Caregivers

In It’s Not Just a Swelling! – LYMPHEDEMA Joachim Zuther provides an up-to-date and comprehensive guide for specifically geared towards individuals affected by Lymphedema, their caregivers, and family members. 133 Images. Paperback and Kindle version

Topics include:

  • Self-Management of Lymphedema (Self-MLD, Skin Care, Compression Therapy, Exercises); includes Instructions for Self-Care with images
  • Nutritional Aspects
  • Lymphedema Risk Reduction, Do’s and Don’ts for Lymphedema
  • Complications of Lymphedema, such as Infections, Cellulitis, Leakage
  • Lymphedema and its Impact on Quality of Life
  • Traveling with Lymphedema
  • Prevention of Lymphedema
  • Treatment and Management of Lymphedema
  • Causes of Primary and Secondary Lymphedema and their Stages
  • Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
  • And Much More

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Lymphedema Products

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The Author

Joachim Zuther, Lymphedema Specialist. Read more

Lymphedema Book for Patients

 

Dear Friends in the Lymphedema Community!

I am very happy to report that the publication “It’s Not Just a Swelling! Lymphedema” is a big success; many of you who already read and use it have reported back to me indicating that the contents are very useful and a great help in dealing with . . . → Read More: Lymphedema Book for Patients

The Science behind Compression Therapy in Lymphedema Management

It is important to understand that the elastic fibers in the tissues affected by lymphedema are damaged. These fibers lose their elasticity and tend to harden, which is particularly the case in untreated lymphedema present over a long period of time and progressed stages of lymphedema.

Although the swelling in lymphedema may be reduced . . . → Read More: The Science behind Compression Therapy in Lymphedema Management

Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) – an Effective Tool for the Assessment of Lymphedema

 

Chronic primary or secondary lymphedema is a progressive condition, which cannot simply be described as an accumulation of protein-rich fluid as a result of inadequate lymphatic drainage. It is a chronic degenerative and inflammatory process affecting the soft tissues, skin, lymph vessels and lymph nodes, often resulting in severe and disabling swelling. It . . . → Read More: Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) – an Effective Tool for the Assessment of Lymphedema

Why Exercises should be Part of Your Lymphedema Treatment Regimen

The positive impact a well-tailored regular exercise program can have on a healthy lifestyle, improvement of general well being, increased energy level, and stress and weight management is well known. Additional benefits of exercises for those individuals at risk of, or have lymphedema include improved limb flexibility, range of movement, and most importantly increased . . . → Read More: Why Exercises should be Part of Your Lymphedema Treatment Regimen

Suction Assisted Protein Lipectomy (SAPL) For The Treatment Of Chronic Lymphedema

This article is a follow up to the discussion of the role of surgical procedures, in this case suction assisted protein lipectomy (SAPL), as an additional treatment option for lymphedema. SAPL is a surgery technique to remove harmful inflammatory tissues present in stage 2 lymphedema and is different than standard liposuction. Other lymphedema surgeons . . . → Read More: Suction Assisted Protein Lipectomy (SAPL) For The Treatment Of Chronic Lymphedema

How do Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices (IPC’s) work and what are the Contraindications?

 

An IPC is an intermittent pneumatic compression device that is composed of an inflatable garment consisting of multiple pressure compartments that wraps around the arm or leg, and an electrical pneumatic pump that fills the garment with compressed air. The garment is intermittently inflated and deflated with cycle times and pressures that vary . . . → Read More: How do Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices (IPC’s) work and what are the Contraindications?

Lymph Nodes and Metastases

 

In metastasis, cancer cells break away from where they first formed (primary cancer), travel through the blood or lymph system and form new tumors, known as metastatic tumors in other parts of the body. The metastatic tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor.

The lymphatic system consists of the . . . → Read More: Lymph Nodes and Metastases

Lymphedema Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)

 

A number of patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in combination with breast cancer surgery experience postoperative pain and limited range of motion associated with a palpable cord of tissue extending from the axilla into the arm on the same side. This condition is known as Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), or . . . → Read More: Lymphedema Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)

Decongestive and Breathing Exercises for Lymphedema

 

Unlike the heart in the blood circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have an active pump to propel lymphatic fluid back to the bloodstream. Effective lymph flow depends on sufficient muscle and joint activity, especially if the functionality of the lymphatic system is compromised. Decongestive exercises are most effective if performed while . . . → Read More: Decongestive and Breathing Exercises for Lymphedema

Lymphedema Risk Reduction

 

The surgical procedures performed on individuals affected by breast cancer may be mastectomy, partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy. Along with the actual breast surgery for cancer, axillary lymph nodes are removed and/or radiated. As a result of axillary lymph node clearance, the normal lymphatic drainage from the extremity is impaired, and some patients experience the onset . . . → Read More: Lymphedema Risk Reduction

Debunking Lymphedema Risk Reduction Behaviors: Not So Fast

I would like to thank Dr. Judith Nudelman for writing this article on the importance of practicing appropriate risk reduction for individuals affected by, or at risk of developing lymphedema.

Dr. Nudelman is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Clinical at Alpert Medical School, Brown University. She is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), . . . → Read More: Debunking Lymphedema Risk Reduction Behaviors: Not So Fast