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Come in and see one of our Lymphoedema Therapists
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema can be defined as an accumulation of excessive proteins, oedema, chronic inflammation and fibrosis secondary to the impairment of the lymph vessels.
Are there different kinds of Lymphoedema?
Yes, Lymphoedema can either be primary or secondary.
Primary Lymphoedema
Primary lymphoedema is usually due to either a congenital absence of or
abnormalities in, lymphatic tissue. It can be hereditary (Milroy
Disease), lymphoedema praecox (onset during puberty), or lymphoedema
tarda (onset later in life). Primary lymphoedema is more prevalent in
females than males.
Secondary Lymphoedema
Secondary Lymphoedema is generally caused by an obstruction or
interruption of the lymphatic system, usually caused by malignancies,
infection, trauma, excision or post-radiation fibrosis.
The removal of lymph nodes brings about a disruption of the superficial
and deeper lymph drainage pathways on the side they were removed from.
This results in a predisposition to, or the immediate formation of the
condition called lymphoedema. If left untreated, it will become worse
over time.
A hardening of tissues as fibrosis or sclerosis will occur.
What is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?
CDT has been shown to relieve Oedema fibrosis
and the accompanying pain and discomfort of these conditions.
CDT is a combination of manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression
bandaging, exercises and skin care. It may also involve breathing
exercises, compressive garments and dietary measures.
Abstract: Improvements using the Sun Ancon Chi
Machine Aerobic Exerciser - N. Pillar
A significant proportion of those who survive lower torso cancer treatments will go on to develop clinically discernible bilateral or unilateral leg lymph edema. Although beneficial treatments exist for this condition, many are expensive and involve visits to outpatient clinics or allied health professionals - making the patient dependent upon others for treatment and maintenance. This clinical trial tested the efficacy of the Sun Ancon (R) Chi Machine Aerobic Exerciser, a home based therapy that delivered both elevation and passive exercise to the legs.
This machine was used in the participant's home
according to a set regime with measurements being taken immediately
before trial commencement, at weekly intervals and then 1 month after
treatment cessation. After a three week treatment period there were
statistically significant reductions in total leg volume and fluids,
whole body extracellular fluid, weight and subjective leg symptoms.
Lymphscintography in a sub-group of patients suggested an increase in
lymphatic transport in some individuals. Although some of the fluid and
symptoms had returned at the 1 month follow up, none of the parameters
had returned to pre-treatment levels.
This finding
indicates that this equipment may have ongoing beneficial effects. This
clinical trial demonstrates that the Sun Ancon (R) Chi Machine Aerobic
Exerciser is an effective adjunct therapy that can be used in
the patient's own home.
What our clients say
"Thank you for the treatments - they have given
me immense relief.
It is hard to even recall now the heaviness that was in my arm a few
weeks ago."
Katrina Britton (Feb 2010)
"After lymph node removal and radiation for
melanoma I experienced discomfort and swelling in my left arm. I have
had treatment with Catherine and have found great improvement. I have
no hesitation in recommending Interactive Healing Therapies as a
professional, caring clinic. Their support and advice has been very
worthwhile and knowledgeable."
Gren Parry
Read more testimonials
Interactive Healing
Therapies has the only Lymphstar Pro/Fusion machine in Auckland
We have been working with one of our clients using a protocol for
lymphoedema that differs from the current CPT that is given within
hospitals. This technique is Lymphatic Enhancement Technology, which
utilises electronic and manual stimulation for fluid acceleration, and
is a new and innovative approach to treating the lymphatic system.
Combining both the Lymphstar Pro/Fusion® and manual stimulation techniques, Lymphatic Enhancement improves lymph fluid acceleration. The Lymphstar Pro/Fusion® provides various fields of low vibration energy provided by radio frequency waves, with the intention of stimulating the lymphatic capillaries to increase fluid flow as well as break down protein-rich fluid in the tissue space.
Over a recent one year study, conducted by
Desiree De Spong, Aetiology Ltd, it was found that when treating three
post breast cancer lymphoedema cases, using impedimed XCA measure, the
baseline improved after six treatments and has continued to maintain
with a one six weekly treatment over the one year period. As part of
this research Desiree was awarded a research fellowship with Flinders
University in Adelaide to work alongside Prof Neil Pillar to explore
the short term impact of gentle mild frequency vibration delivered to
the chest wall and axillary area in patients with clinically diagnosed
breast and chest wall lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer surgery.
The results for this trial are currently being compiled and will be
available for publication in the near future.
For more information on Lymphoedema visit the Vodder web site: Vodder School
Book an appointment, email us today or call us on 09 368 94 96