Lymphedema Treatment
Complete Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage
are non-invasive, safe and reliable methods that show good long term results in Primary and Secondary Lymphedema as well as all other Swelling Conditions associated with Venous Insufficiency and Wound Care.
We also use the Vacuodermie TM mostly for the treatment of Head and Neck Lymphedema (HNL), Face and Neck swelling and Fibrotic/Scar Tissue.
All our therapists are certified in Complete Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage andtreat under Medical Prescription and Insurances as well as with private pay patients.
Complete Decongestive Therapy or CDT consists of 4 basic steps:
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD
This hands-on treatment begins when the skin is free of infection. The goal of MLD is to pick up and drain the accumulatedlymphatic loads from the congested region by using the remaining lymph vessels and/or other lymphatic pathways. The techniqueswill reduce the edema and decongest the limb and break down the fibrosis.
2. Skin and Nail Care
The skin and tissue in lymphedematous areas are extremely susceptible to infections dur to local immunity deficiency. The signs of an infection are Heat – Swelling – Pain – Redness – Weakness.
Two rules to proper skin care:
1. Keep the skin and nails clean at all times.
2. Apply low Ph lotion to reduce the bacterial population on the skin (Eucerin or Equate; no alcohol and no fragrances).
3. Compression Therapy
It is an essential part of the therapy and its goal is to secure the success of the therapy between the treatments by increasing the tissue pressure and allowing fluid reabsorption. It can be achieved either by using Short Stretch Bandages or Compression Garments (Elastic Sleeve or Stocking). The Compression in Phase I of the treatment is achieved with the use of Short Stretch Bandages and in the Phase II of the treatment with the use of Compression Garment.
4. Decongestive Exercises
The goals of these exercises are to assist with the limb decongestion, enhance the muscle and joint pumps and avoid secondaryproblems such as contractures. To have an optimal effect, the exercises should always be performed while wearing the CompressionBandages or Garments.
The Goals of Complete Decongestive Therapy
1. To utilize remaining lymph vessels and other lymphatic pathways.
2. To decongest swollen body parts and ipsilateral trunk quadrant.
3. To eliminate fibrotic tissue (stages II and III)
4. To prevent and eliminate the risk of infections.
5. To maintain normal or near normal size of limb or body part.
The Complete Decongestive Treatment is done in 2 Phases:
Phase I
Phase IIn Phase I, the goals are to mobilize the accumulated protein-rich fluid, to initiate the reduction of the fibrotic tissue if present and toinstruct the patients in techniques to improve and maintain the success of the treatment (skin care, bandages, etc…). The treatment consists of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Bandaging, Skin Care and Exercises. The average of Phase I ranges between 3 and 4 weeks and the treatments are preferably done 1x per day 5 days a week. Three times a week would be a minimum.
Phase II
In Phase II, the goals are to preserve and improve the success achieved in Phase I and too improve progressive reduction of fibrotic tissues. The treatment is mainly done by the patient at home with the use of Compression Garment, Skin Care and Exercises. But in a lot of instances, MLD is performed on a regular basis and it varies from twice a week to once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Before and After 3 weeks of CDT Treatments of 20 years of long standing Legs Primary Lymphedema
(Brother & Sister)
My brother and me have primary lymphedema. We were suffering with that condition since we were 12 years old. Unfortunately we haven’t been diagnosed properly so we took medications for circulatory system, diuretics, even my brother did a bypass surgery to lose weight, which he did but didn’t see any improvement on his legs. We never couldn’t find ready to wear pants or shoes but since we knew about MLD through internet we start searching for a professional in Florida and we found Healing The Generations. Since the first contact with Wouter by e mail we knew that he is a professional and he really knows about what he is talking about, and better of that he really knows about lymphedema and how to treat this disease. Always patient, he explains very exactly step by step what he is doing so you can learn from him how to take care of yourself. In just 3 weeks of everyday sessions we lost more than 20% of our swelling being able to start using ready to wear pants and shoes, now after 3 months of our treatment we are still losing sizes on our legs just using compression and doing everyday our MLD as we were tought by a professional teacher and PT, Wouter. Because we are from Venezuela we can’t go back regularly to sessions at the clinic but monthly he asks us how we are doing and if we need any help. He is always ready to help us! I think the secret of success of Healing the Generations is the professionalism but more of that is the love and passion that Nadine and Wouter do their work. They really love what they do and they love to help their patients who become their friends. We will be always thankful with Healing the Generations and specially with Wouter because they really changed our lives.
Joxelyn Caracas Venezuela, 2016.
Vacuodermie TM is used mostly for the treatment of Head and Neck Lymphedema (HNL), Face and Neck Swelling and Scar/Fibrotic Tissue from post Cancer Surgeries and Radiation
Vacuodermie uses plastic cups to create suction on the body surface. These cups are moved over the skin while gently pulling it up. The suction can reachdeep into the soft tissue and bring the excessive fluid superficially back into the lymphatic system for decongestion and elimination.Scar and Fibrotic Tissue from the Radiation and Surgeries released quickly with the Vacuodermie regardless of the age of the Surgery/Injury.Consequently, it allows for renewed blood to reach the dehydrated tissue and enhance the healing process resulting in a changed ofskin elasticity, motility and color from dark brown to pink.
