CONDITIONS
LYMPHOEDEMA
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes. They form part of your immune system, helping to deal with infection but just as importantly, they are responsible for cleansing your tissues and maintaining a balance of fluids in your body. It can be likened to a waste disposal system, taking tissue fluid, bacteria, proteins and waste products away from the tissues.
Once the fluid is inside the lymphatic vessels (not visible just under the surface of the skin) the tissue fluid becomes known as ‘lymph’ and is then transported in one direction, by increasingly larger and deeper lymphatic vessels back into your blood stream. Movement of lymph depends on muscle movement (exercise) and the contraction of the deeper vessels themselves. Gentle massage known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and deep breathing can also help to move the lymph more effectively.
On its way through the lymphatic vessels lymph fluid passes through lymph nodes. It is here that the lymph is filtered and cleansed, so that the waste matter, bacteria and harmful cells can be identified and removed by the body’s defence system. Having passed through these nodes, lymph finally drains back into the large veins of the body at a point just behind the collarbone, on each side of the neck. From here it travels in the blood back to the heart and is eventually removed from the body as urine through the kidneys.
Lymphoedema is the permanent (chronic) swelling of a part of the body due to a failure or disruption of the lymphatic system. Although is cannot be cured, Lymphoedema can be managed and controlled with treatment and compliance with daily self-care. Even severe and chronic lymphoedema will respond well to appropriate treatment over time.
Causes of Lymphoedema:
· Cancer or its treatment
· Injury, infection or surgery
· Paralysis or reduced limb movement
· Venous/vascular disorders
· Genetic lymphatic defects
· Obesity
Benefits of Treatment:
· A diagnosis and full explanation of your condition
· An individualised treatment programme of care
· Control of your swelling and improved comfort
· Improved range of movement, better posture/gait and greater independence
· Improved skin condition and less infections
· Reduced clothing/footwear limitations
· Increased confidence and self esteem
· Better quality of life
LIPOEDEMA
Lipoedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder (a fat disorder) which typically affects the thighs, buttocks and lower legs and sometimes the arms and can cause considerable tissue enlargement and discomfort. Typically affects women and people living with it can feel ignored and rejected by healthcare services as their condition is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema. Current treatment involves self-care, managing symptoms and improving function and mobility and preventing deterioration.
Cause of Lipoedema:
Although the mechanism for the development of lipoedema is unknown; numerous factors are thought to be involved, including a possible genetic disposition, hormonal links and significant weight gain
Clinical Features:
There are numerous characteristics present including a symmetrical disposition of subcutaneous fatty tissue in the limbs, and a disproportional body shape (narrow/smaller torso and wide hips/thighs). The shape and area affected may vary. The feet and hands are spared. Psychological distress (depression, anxiety and frustration) is common.
Management of Lipoedema:
care will be tailored to the needs of the individual patient, taking into account the severity of symptoms and degree of complexity.
They include:
· Psychosocial support
· Exercise and ways to improve physical activity
· MLD for Pain management
· Compression therapy (hosiery or micromassage leggings)
· Skin care and protection
POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY
Surgical procedures cause trauma to your body. In the early days and weeks after your procedure, your body goes through a number of phases of healing. It is the inflammatory phase when swelling occurs, that is most important. Swelling can have a negative effect on wound healing and have a detrimental effect on your final result.
If you want to optimise your healing process to enhance the outcome of your surgery, then it is vital that you give your body its best opportunity to heal optimally.
Manual lymphatic drainage reduces postoperative swelling benefiting recovery,
and optimising and enhancing the results of your procedure.
Lowlevel laser treatment, kinesiotapong and padding may also be used to aid the healing process.
SCARS, ADHESIONS & FIBROSIS
Like other cells in our body, scar tissue will respond and remodel when scar massage or stimulation using tools or devices is applied.
If you are starting to experience symptoms at or around your scar - the best action is to seek early intervention, rather than waiting for a problem to get really bad.
If you are living with symptoms from a historic injury or surgery, it is never too late to seek help.
Scar therapy can help with all of the following symptoms:
- Pain associated with the scar
- Sensitivity or numbness
- Persistent itching
- Reduced movement
- Puckering, tightness or stuck scar tissue
SPECIALIST BRA FITTING
Specialist bra fitting service for people during and after breast cancer treatment
and after cosmetic surgery.
Kerry stocks a range of Anita care and active garments to support your recovery
and rehabilitation.