These vessels are channels of the lymphatic system, through which lymph fluid flows on its way to the
bloodstream. The vessels themselves contain colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph is made up of white
blood cells, water and protein, and waste products from lymph tissue. The nodes are “the filtering
stations” of the Lymph system. All lymph fluid passes through these nodes which act as waste purifiers
and bacteria and virus fighters, cleaning the fluid as it moves along its path.
Lymph tissue is also found in other areas of the Body including the tonsils, spleen, intestinal wall and
bone marrow. Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid accumulates in the arms, legs, and or abdomen.
There are several possible causes for lymphedema. It is considered PRIMARY when no aggravating
source is found. Primary lymphedema can be found at birth (congenital), appear during adolescence, or
develop later in life. SECONDARY lymphedema can occur after infection, a traumatic injury or cancer
treatment (radiation or surgery).
Lymphedema Caused by Cancer Treatment
Radiation Therapy can cause damage to otherwise healthy lymph nodes. This damage can hinder the
normal pathway of the lymph fluid, resulting in pooling of the fluid and subsequent swelling in the arms,
legs or abdomen. Cancer itself can spread to the lymph nodes causing the fluid to back up and
accumulate.
Symptoms
At the beginning you may notice swelling in a hand or foot. A ring may seem tighter or shoes may fit more
smugly. Sometimes you may sense a feeling of “pins and needles “ or “heaviness” in the affected arm or
leg, which may be accompanied by aching or pain. Unusual or persistent swelling in an extremity
should always be evaluated by a physician prior to treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema offers the best chance for reversing and/ or controlling the
condition. When lymphedema goes untreated, the lymph vessels and surrounding tissue become harder
and less elastic. Substantial and painful swelling may result. Lymphedema itself can cause infection.
When lymph fluid accumulates in the tissue of a limb, the protein rich fluid created a favorable enviroment
for growth of bacteria.
Protection Against Lymphedema
If you have had lymph nodes removed surgically, or have received radiation therapy, it is important that you
protect your limb closest to the treatment area.
In general, an affected limb should be protected from any activity that might break the skin, exposing the
area to possible infection. Lymphedema patients should also avoid wearing restrictive jewelry, tight
clothing or elastic bands around the affected area.
Contact us for further information. Also see the National Lymphedema Network.
bloodstream. The vessels themselves contain colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph is made up of white
blood cells, water and protein, and waste products from lymph tissue. The nodes are “the filtering
stations” of the Lymph system. All lymph fluid passes through these nodes which act as waste purifiers
and bacteria and virus fighters, cleaning the fluid as it moves along its path.
Lymph tissue is also found in other areas of the Body including the tonsils, spleen, intestinal wall and
bone marrow. Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid accumulates in the arms, legs, and or abdomen.
There are several possible causes for lymphedema. It is considered PRIMARY when no aggravating
source is found. Primary lymphedema can be found at birth (congenital), appear during adolescence, or
develop later in life. SECONDARY lymphedema can occur after infection, a traumatic injury or cancer
treatment (radiation or surgery).
Lymphedema Caused by Cancer Treatment
Radiation Therapy can cause damage to otherwise healthy lymph nodes. This damage can hinder the
normal pathway of the lymph fluid, resulting in pooling of the fluid and subsequent swelling in the arms,
legs or abdomen. Cancer itself can spread to the lymph nodes causing the fluid to back up and
accumulate.
Symptoms
At the beginning you may notice swelling in a hand or foot. A ring may seem tighter or shoes may fit more
smugly. Sometimes you may sense a feeling of “pins and needles “ or “heaviness” in the affected arm or
leg, which may be accompanied by aching or pain. Unusual or persistent swelling in an extremity
should always be evaluated by a physician prior to treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema offers the best chance for reversing and/ or controlling the
condition. When lymphedema goes untreated, the lymph vessels and surrounding tissue become harder
and less elastic. Substantial and painful swelling may result. Lymphedema itself can cause infection.
When lymph fluid accumulates in the tissue of a limb, the protein rich fluid created a favorable enviroment
for growth of bacteria.
Protection Against Lymphedema
If you have had lymph nodes removed surgically, or have received radiation therapy, it is important that you
protect your limb closest to the treatment area.
In general, an affected limb should be protected from any activity that might break the skin, exposing the
area to possible infection. Lymphedema patients should also avoid wearing restrictive jewelry, tight
clothing or elastic bands around the affected area.
Contact us for further information. Also see the National Lymphedema Network.
| BROOKSIDE PHYSICAL THERAPY |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Benefits of MLD include:
- Reduces swelling
- Alleviates pain
- Removes metabolic waste
- Enhances immune system
- Minimizes scarring
- Relaxes nervous system
- Reduces stress
- Restores function
| MLD should NOT be applied with these conditions: |
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition caused by an accumulation of
lymphatic fluid most often seen in the legs, arms and
abdomen. Brookside Physical Therapy has skilled therapists
that specialize in management of lymph disorders. Manual
Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a very effective technique to reduce
swelling and improve function.
About the Lymphatics System
The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels, nodes, fluid,
and tissues. It is part of the normal circulatory system which
also includes veins and arteries, The purpose of the
lymphatic system is to produce lymphocytes which play
an important role in our body’s immune system. These cells,
primarily produced in the spleen, help fight bacteria and
viruses.
Lymphedema is a condition caused by an accumulation of
lymphatic fluid most often seen in the legs, arms and
abdomen. Brookside Physical Therapy has skilled therapists
that specialize in management of lymph disorders. Manual
Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a very effective technique to reduce
swelling and improve function.
About the Lymphatics System
The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels, nodes, fluid,
and tissues. It is part of the normal circulatory system which
also includes veins and arteries, The purpose of the
lymphatic system is to produce lymphocytes which play
an important role in our body’s immune system. These cells,
primarily produced in the spleen, help fight bacteria and
viruses.
Active Cancer
Acute Inflammation
Congestive Heart Failure
Thromobosis (blood clots)
Cellulitis (skin infection)
Acute Inflammation
Congestive Heart Failure
Thromobosis (blood clots)
Cellulitis (skin infection)
| © 2006 Brookside Physical Therapy -- 8859 Fox Dr. -- Thornton, CO -- Phone: 303.428.4646 -- Fax: 303.429.6255 |