Lymphedema

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluid that collects in the arm, leg or genital area when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are blocked or removed. The lymphatic system is part of the body's circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system. The Lymphatic system runs parallel with the veins and removes cellular waste, bacteria, proteins and excess water from the tissues.
Bean shaped structures called lymph nodes filter lymph fluid and fight bacteria. When these nodes are insufficient, damaged or removed by surgery, lymph fluid backs up and becomes stagnant. The surrounding tissue then swells, thickens and becomes painful. Bacteria in this environment can multiply and greatly increase the risk of infection.

What Are The Types And Causes Of Lymphedema?

There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary:

Primary Lymphedema of an "unknown cause" occurs in 1 in 10,000 people. Women are more commonly affected by primary lymphedema than are men.

There are three clinical classifications of primary lymphedema:
- Congenital Lymphedema which appears shortly after birth
- Lymphedema Precox which has an onset around puberty
- Lymphedema Tarda which usually begins after age 35

Secondary Lymphedema may result from the surgical removal of, or permanent damage to the lymph nodes. Nodes near the area may be removed or irradiated as part of the treatment of breast, prostate, cervical or uterine cancers. In a minority of cases, the chronic swelling may occur.

Can Lymphedema Be Controlled?

With early identification and proper intervention, the condition can be treated and controlled, allowing the individual to lead a full and normal life.

Who Provides Your Treatment?

The Lymphedema Center provides effective, compassionate treatment by state licensed and nationally regulated occupational and physical therapists. All therapists hold a Bachelor of Science degree in their respective medically based rehabilitation fields. Additionally, many of our therapists have received advanced university degrees and several have conducted research and lectured nationally on the topic of edema and the lymphatic system.

All lymphedema therapists have earned advanced treatment certifications including the Leduc method of lymphedema management. The Leduc method is the result of more than 30 years of laboratory and clinical research at Brussels University, Belgium. Leduc's treatment is effective and highly respected by the International Society of Lymphology.

How Can We Help You Or Someone You Know?

A typical treatment program would include:

· Evaluation to determine the proper and individualized course of treatment for the patient. Evaluation includes education regarding the precautions and warning signs of lymphedema.

If treatment is necessary it may include the following:

· Manual Lymphatic Drainage (a gentle massage) stimulates collateral lymphatic channels to alleviate chronic symptoms including swelling, pain and loss of function.
· Medical compression bandaging facilitates lymph flow and prevents refilling of the limb between treatment sessions while encouraging the skin to reshape to a smaller size.
· Individualized exercise program (used with compression bandaging) can enhance lymphatic drainage and also restore strength, flexibility, endurance and function.
· Sequential pumping used as needed according to the conservative protocols established by Leduc.
· Patient Education in skin care, self-massage, exercise and precautions.
· Optional ergonomic assessment of home or workplace to suggest adaptations necessary to reduce the aggravation of lymphedema.

A Bit About Us!

UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center's Lymphedema Center was established to provide effective and compassionate treatment for people affected by lymphedema and chronic edema. Our holistic approach focuses not only on reducing your pain and swelling but also on restoring function in your daily life. Ultimately, we teach you to independently manage your condition.
We are affiliated with one of the largest lymphedema treatment facilities in the United States. The Lymphedema Center clinics are dedicated to the prevention, control and treatment of lymphedema. The size and focus of our organization allows us to provide specialized therapy and help you meet your scheduling needs. Through our well-satisfied patients and their measurable results, The Lymphedema Center has achieved an outstanding reputation and is continually raising the standard of excellence in this field.

Where is this comprehensive treatment approach available?
Lymphedema therapy is provided at UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center' Rehabilitation Department.

How Do I Get Help?

Anyone can contact us at (920)262-4220 for information and assistance. The specialized therapy we provide is medically based; we therefore require a physician's referral to initiate treatment. Our friendly, professional staff can assist you in this process. We accept Medicare and most commercial health insurance policies.