Lymphoedema is a condition caused by a blockage or damage to the lymphatic system, leading to a build-up of fluid usually in the ankles, feet and legs and sometimes arms. Along with a healthy diet and sufficient fluid intake, Endermologie for lymphoedema can help to relieve fluid build-up and in some cases, restore normal lymphatic function.
WHAT ARE THE TWO TYPES OF LYMPHOEDEMA?
- PRIMARY LYMPHOEDEMA:
Caused by a malformation or developmental disorder of the lymphatic system. It can occur at birth, at puberty or much later. It's most common in women (2/3 of cases).
It affects 1 in 10,000 people under 20 years of age.
- SECONDARY LYMPHOEDEMA:
Caused by an obstruction or degradation of the lymphatic vessels as a result of cancer, surgery or advanced venous insufficiency or obesity.
It's also a symptom of a parasitic infection called filariasis that affects 120 million people worldwide.
THE THREE STAGES OF LYMPHOEDEMA:
- Stage I:
Reversible, fluctuating oedema that can be relieved when the limb is elevated. Without secondary tissue damage.
- Stage II:
Permanent or spontaneously reversible oedema with fibrotic skin changes.
- Stage III:
Also known as 'elephantiasis'. This is permanent oedema that often has skin changes such as hyperkeratosis. This oedema can become quite disabling, both functionally and psychologically.
LYMPHOEDEMA TREATMENT OPTIONS - with a multidisciplinary team approach:
MEDICAL TREATMENT:
Prevention involves patient education (healthy lifestyle, weight control, etc.) and treating dermatological and/or infectious complications and preventing recurrences.
SURGICAL TREATMENT:
Must be discussed with your Doctor. Options include removal of lymphatic vesicles, liposuction of excess fat with/post reductive treatment, and lymph node transplantation.
COMPRESSION BANDAGES/GARMENTS:
Compression garments are adapted to the location and the stage of recovery of the lymphoedema. The level of compression should be gradually increased for greater effectiveness.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE:
Endermologie for lymphoedema or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) will stimulate the lymphatic system and improve quality of life. Some benefits of improved lymphatic drainage are:
- Reported quicker recovery, i.e. less bruising and inflammation, leading to improved mobility after trauma.
"Endermologie therapy for post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema induced both objective improvement in the form of decreased upper limb swelling and subjective improvements in the form of decreased pain and improved the mobility of the affected limb. Upon the results of the current study, Endermologie therapy can be recommended to patients with upper limb secondary lymphedema as a safe therapy without side effects."
