![]() ![]() You'll also usually be advised to elevate the affected body part whenever possible. Your plan may involve specific exercises, depending on the body part affected, as well as gentle activities that involve the whole body, such as swimming, cycling and walking. ![]() ![]() Your exercise plan will be tailored to your requirements and ability. They'll also help you lose weight if you're overweight. Your lymphoedema care team will help devise an exercise and movement plan designed to strengthen and stimulate the muscles involved in lymph drainage. See preventing lymphoedema for more skin care advice. It's important to take good care of your skin to reduce your risk of developing an infection, such as cellulitis. You'll be taught how to correctly apply compression garments or Velcro wraps so you can continue using them during the maintenance period.Ĭompression bandages or garments may not be suitable for some people, such as those with arterial problems in their legs. Velcro wraps may be used instead of bandages or compression garments. The combination of exercise and compression encourages the fluid to move out of the affected limb.Ĭompression garments may also be applied after a massage session to prevent fluid accumulating in the limb again. This stimulates more effective lymph drainage. This is why exercise is important.Ĭompression bandages or garments, such as sleeves, gloves, stockings or tights, fitted over affected limbs act as a counterforce to muscles. Instead, it uses the massaging effect of surrounding muscles to move the fluid. Unlike blood circulation, the lymphatic system has no central pump, such as the heart, to move fluid to the lymph glands. You'll have reviews every few months to check how your treatment is progressing. This treatment phase aims to maintain the reduced size of the affected body part. You'll be encouraged to take over your care using simple self-massage techniques, wearing compression garments, and continuing to exercise and look after your skin. This is followed by a second phase called the maintenance phase. specialised massage techniques – known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) this stimulates the flow of fluid in the lymphatic system and reduces swellingĭLT is an intensive phase of therapy, during which you may receive daily treatment for several weeks to help reduce the volume of the affected body part.exercises – to use muscles in the affected limb to improve lymph drainage.skin care – to keep the skin in good condition and reduce the chances of infection.compression bandages – to complement exercise by moving fluid out of the affected limb and minimise further build-up.Although it takes time and effort, the treatment can be used to bring lymphoedema under control. The recommended treatment for lymphoedema is decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).ĭLT is not a cure for lymphoedema, but it can help control the symptoms. ![]()
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