Lymphedema Therapy at ValleyCare

Lymphedema
Therapy at ValleyCare
Lymphedema occurs when there is
an abnormal accumulation of proteinenriched fluid (lymphatic fluid) within
the interstitial spaces. Lymphatic fluid
is made up of protein, water, fats and
wastes from cells. The lymphatic system
consists of lymph vessels and lymph
nodes that run through the body. The
lymph vessels carry lymphatic fluid to
the lymph nodes, which filter waste and
foreign products and then return the
fluid to the bloodstream. Lymphedema
occurs from an insufficiency of this
system. When the fluid cannot move
freely, a build-up occurs, resulting in
swelling of the affected body parts.
ValleyCare Medical Plaza
at W. Las Positas and Stoneridge
(upstairs from the Cancer Center at ValleyCare)
5725 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite 290
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Fax: 925 416-3697
Phone: 925 416-3667
ValleyCare Medical Plaza
at W. Las Positas and Stoneridge
5725 West Las Positas Blvd.
Pleasanton
ValleyCare Medical Center
5555-5575 W. Las Positas Blvd.
Pleasanton
ValleyCare
Medical
Center
ValleyCare Medical Plaza
at W. Las Positas
& Stoneridge
Valley
Memorial
Regional Cancer
Center, Women’s
Imaging Center,
ValleyCare Health
Library, Lymphedema
Clinic and Nutrition
Center
Lymphedema
Therapy at
ValleyCare
ValleyCare Livermore Campus
(Valley Memorial)
1111-1133 E. Stanley Blvd.
Livermore
www.valleycare.com
1008-1000
What is lymphedema?
LifeStyleRx
1119 East Stanley Blvd.
Livermore, CA 94550
Fax: 925 373-4055
Phone: 925 373-4019
What Causes
Lymphedema?
How is Lymphedema
Treated?
There are two types of lymphedema. Primary,
or inherited lymphedema, occurs when a person
is born without lymph vessels or nodes.
Treatment of lymphedema should begin as soon as
possible, since early treatment improves outcomes.
Administered by a specially trained therapist, the
length of treatment depends on the severity of the
lymphedema. There is no medication that will cure
lymphedema, however, your doctor may prescribe
anitibiotics to fight any infection that can worsen
with lymphedema.
The most common cause is Secondary
lymphedema, which is acquired through
the following situations:
• Lymph node dissection
• Surgery
• Trauma
• Tumors
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Liposuction
• Burns
• Radiation Therapy
• Filariasis (infection caused from the
nematode worm found in tropical and
subtropical climates by way of mosquitoes)
3 Bandaging and Compression. Following a
manual lymph drainage/massage session, short
stretch bandages are worn. These prevent the
re-accumulation of fluid in the tissues, and are
to be worn overnight until the next treatment
session. At the end of the course of treatment, you
will be fitted for a special compression “garment.”
4 Therapeutic Exercise. Special exercises can
benefit all lymphedema patients. Appropriate
exercise should help you resume activity without
risking the possibility of future swelling.
1 Skin Hygiene. Good skin hygiene is
important to eliminate bacteria and fungus,
as lymphedema can compromise your ability
to fight infection.
5 Low Level Laser Therapy. Laser Therapy
compliments the action of manual lymph
drainage by reaching tissue not easily accessible
by massage. It is FDA approved for treatment of
post mastectomy lymphedema and benefits may
include volume reduction, softening scar tissue,
stimulating the lymphatic vessels to pump faster,
stimulating growth of new lymphatic vessels,
reducing pain and improving quality of life..
2M
anual Lymph Drainage. Specific hand
movements or massage techniques will
facilitate lymph fluid flow and create new
pathways for lymph drainage.
With two locations to serve you, Lymphedema
Therapy staff at ValleyCare can teach you important
self-management techniques that will help you
lead a full and active life.
An effective and the least invasive approach
to managing chronic lymphedema is referred
to as Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy
(CDP), which involves a four step process:
What are
the Symptoms?
• Tightness, swelling or thickening anywhere
in your extremity. Initially the swelling may
fluctuate, but worsens over time.
• A burning or tingling sensation radiating
down your arm or leg.
• Complaints of heaviness or aching of
your extremity.
• Inability to wear rings, bracelets,
clothing or shoes because of swelling.
Lymphedema Therapy at ValleyCare
Livermore 925-373-4019
Pleasanton 925-416-3667