Hi my name is Amanda Hunt and I am the Dr.Vodder Lymphedema therapist at Synergistics Wellness Centre in Mt Maunganui,  New Zealand. I specialised in Manual Lymphatic Massage and Decongestive Therapies using compression bandaging.

I hope the following pages will help those that are affected by Lymphedema, i’ll be adding regularly more tips and answering any questions you may have.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Decongestive Therapy

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a rhythmical light massage that stimulates the Lymphatic system to collect the fluid (Lymph) lying in the tissues.

Swelling occurs in the surrounding tissues and left untreated may require massage and bandaging to stimulate the Lymphatic system. To work quicker this helps thin out the lymph fluid so the superficial vessels can collect it as the vessel spaces are only a cell width apart.  If the lymph fluid is too thick to be collected by the first collecting vessel the result is swelling around the affected region.  Lymphedema can occur if the lymph nodes or vessels are damaged or removed.

Decongestive Therapy is used for swelling that requires bandaging. Your therapist will use bandaging to soften the fibrosis that stops the Lymphatic system from picking up the fluid in the tissues. Bandaging and compression stockings are to be used to support the vessels to pump the fluid through the Lymphatic system.

What to expect after a massage 

• You may go to the toilet a lot more that day and the next day.
• Feel tired and sleepy as the Lymphatic system is working very hard to drain  the lymph.
• You should see a difference in the effected area, also colour and skin dryness will improve, in some cases.
• You may need to have more than one treatment to reduce the swelling depending on severity of Lymphedema.

Recommendations to patients with Lymphedema

• Try to sleep so your body weight is not pressing on the limb ( Slows circulation). If at all possible, sleep with arm above head, as the lymph pathways from the arm area will be more direct.
• Exercise is good, but for shorter, rather then longer periods so as not to over tire affected limb.
• Carry bags and heavy loads on the unaffected side.
• Use the unaffected limb for blood pressure measurements, injections and avoid all injuires to the limb, eg: if shaving be very carefull.
• Have any infections or unusual redness (inflammation) attended to immediately by a medical doctor.
• Have massage done immedicately on recent haematoma/bruising.
• Keep limb in the shade as much as possible and especially avoid sunburn.
• Clothing should be loose and comfortable with no tight constriction on affected side, eg: bra straps, elasticised socks or under graments.
• Keep the affected limb as clean and supple as possible by using cleansing lotions.
• When taking a shower or bath use tepid-warm rather then hot-warm temperatures as heat will make oedema worse.
• Wash the bangages or compression sleeves frequently, according to the manufacturer instructions and air dry away from direct sunlight.
• Report any chaffing, redness, indentaion, looseness or tightness of the sleeve to your therapist
• Keep your weight down as much as possible and try to loose weight if you are over weight.
• A low salt diet is recommended
• Wear a wristwatch only on unaffected side as it may trap bacteria or pitch the skin on affected side. Tight jewellery may have the same effect.
• Change limb position often rather than let it rest in one position too long.

If you wish to find a therapist in your region look up the website for Dr. Vodder below and then click on “Find a Therapist”. The list includes all therapist that have completed their training and also the reguired review every two years, to keep certified and practising as a Dr. Vodder therapist.

www.vodderschool.com