The document discusses the lymphatic system and lymphedema. It describes the components of the lymphatic system including lymph vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, tonsils, and lymphocytes. The main functions of the lymphatic system are to transport proteins and fluid through the body and fight infection. Lymphedema is swelling caused by a failure of the lymphatic system and can be primary or secondary. Complete decongestive therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging, is an effective treatment for lymphedema management.

1. Shivangi Dave, MS,OTR/L, CLT

2. Lymphatic system
Components & Functions
Components of Lymphatic System:
 Lymph vessels
 Lymph nodes
 Spleen
 Thymus gland
 Tonsils
 Lymphocytes

3. Lymphatic system
Components & Functions
Functions :
 Transports proteins and fluid from
the tissues to cardiovascular
system
 Transports fat from intestinal
lymph vessels to cardiovascular
system
 Has important immunological
functions
Re: Benjamin Cummings

4. Lymph Vessels
Re: Kublik Re: Weissleder

5. Lymphatic drainage
Picture: Kublik

6. What is Lymphedema?
 Lymphedema is the swelling
of a body part(s), most often
arm(s) or leg(s) as a result of
lymphatic failure.
 It is an abnormal
accumulation of proteins in
the body’s tissue ( unlike
dependent edema).
 Over the period,
lymphedema causes tissue
proliferation of the affected
areas.
Re- compressionstore.com

7. Types of Lymphedema
 Primary lymphedema-
Born with insufficient or compromised lymphatic system
 Secondary lymphedema-
May be a result of : Surgery and/or radiation for cancer,
Cancer, Filariasis, Trauma, Infection, Chronic Venous
insufficiency or Obesity

8. Signs and Symptoms of
Lymphedema
 Swelling starts gradually and may be preceded by a
feeling of heaviness or fullness in the affected area
 Rings, bracelets, clothing or a watchband may feel
tighter than normal
 Pitting Edema
 Decreased ROM/ mobility
 Recurrent cellulitis infections

9. Early detection and lowering risk
for Lymphedema
 Educate about lymphedema- “ spread the word”
 Specialized clinicians can diagnose on the basis of clinical
examination
 Early assessment of unilateral UE Lymphedema with use of
L-DEX
 Eat healthy and strive to be as normal body weight as
possible
 Be active and exercise; if uncertain about the right kind of
exercise, check with your CLT

10. Management of Lymphedema
 Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as the method of
choice- includes two phases
 Decongestion phase
 Maintenance phase
 Blue indicates Phase I
= intensive phase
 Green indicates Phase II = maintenance phase
Re-FÖLDI M., FÖLDI E., KUBIK S., Textbook of Lymphology

11. Components of CDT
 Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
 Compression Bandaging
 Exercise
 Skin and nail care
 Instructions in self care

12. About MLD
• lymphatic uptake
•  lymph vessel pulsation
• Promotes movement of fluid from
edematous areas to regions
of normal lymphatic drainage
• Promotes relaxation
• Analgesic effect
Re-klosetraining.com

13. Does it work?
Pictures: Providence St. Peter Hospital,
Lymphedema Clinic, Olympia, WA

14. Short Stretch bandaging &
MLD (CDT)
Re-klosetraining.com

15. Compression garments
 Essential after decongestive treatment
 Custom Made vs. Ready to Wear Garments
 Various compression grades and styles
 Flat knit, circular knit, cut & sew
 Prophylactic benefit
 Proper compression grade
 Ensure good fit
Re-klosetraining.com

16. References
 Textbook of Lymphology by M. Foeldi, E. Foeldi, S. Kubik (EDS.)
Urban Fisher Verlag, 2003
ISBN: 0-9729535-0-7
 Lymphedema Diagnosis and Therapy by H. Weissleder, Ch.
Schuchhardt, 3rd Edition, Viavital Verlag, 2001
ISBN: 3-934371-24-8
 A Primer on Lymphedema by Deborah Kelly, Prentice Hall, 2001
ISBN: 0-13-022410-3
 Modern treatment of lymphoedema (5th ed.) by Casley-Smith J.R. &
Casley-Smith J.R.(1997). Adelaide Australia: The Lymphedema
Association of Australia
 Introduction and Treatments for Lymphedema by Sabrina S. Selim,
BA, Francine Manuel, RPT, Cheryl Ewing, MD, Ernest Roseenbaum,
MD
www.medsalsupplier.com/lymphguide.html
 Additional Website Links at: www.klosetraining.com

17. Infrastructure for Lymphedema Program
 Private Room- to make patients feel comfortable
 Hi-Low Table -to make therapist comfortable 
http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=getProduct&key=IF_921022485
http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=getProduct&key=IF_97701
 Disposable gowns/Medical gowns -
http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=getProduct&key=IF_921020678
 Disposable Gloves
 Arm bandages
 Compression garments- need to find local resources/fitters
 Eucerin/ Aquaphor
 Micropore Tape
 Bolster
 Hoyer lift if legs to be treated

18. Questions ?