Lymphedema and Lipedema Treatment in Pasadena, CA
Lymphedema and lipedema are complex conditions, but with the right care, relief is possible.
At Elite Post-Surgical Treatment Center, we offer proven treatment strategies for post-surgical patients and those living with these conditions.
Our specialists use gentle, evidence-based approaches, including complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), which are recognized as the gold standards of care for lymphatic conditions. Treatment is tailored to your condition and stage of recovery, with an emphasis on education and self care so you can maintain results and experience prolonged relief and comfort.
What Is the Difference Between Lipedema and Lymphedema?
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition in which swelling, typically in the arms or legs, is caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid. It is a chronic condition caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can result from any problem that blocks the drainage of lymph fluid, including surgery, cancer treatment, infection, injury, obesity, and more. Primary lymphedema is usually congenital or hereditary, whereas secondary lymphedema is typically caused by external factors such as surgery, trauma, or infection.
What Is Lipedema?
Lipedema is an abnormal buildup of subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin) in the lower part of the body. It most often occurs in the butt, thighs, and calves and is much more common in women than in men. Like lymphedema, lipedema is also related to lymphatic system dysfunction, but genetics, hormonal factors, trauma, obesity, and certain medications can also cause it. Lipedema is often misdiagnosed as obesity because it doesn’t respond to typical weight-loss strategies like diet and exercise.
What Is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?
Complete (or complex) decongestive therapy (CDT) is a composite, non-invasive treatment used to manage lymphedema, lipedema, edema, and similar conditions involving swelling. It consists of many smaller therapies, including manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), short-stretch compression bandaging, exercises, skin care, compression garments, intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPC), and self-care management.
What Are the Benefits of CDT for Lymphedema and Lipedema?
One of the biggest benefits of CDT and MLD is they simply feel good! In addition to relieving pain and discomfort caused by lymphedema and lipedema, CDT has the following benefits:
- Reduced swelling and pain
- Improved mobility and skin texture
- Reduced risk of infection
- Enhanced recovery post-surgery
- Long-term symptom management
Am I a Candidate for Complete Decongestive Therapy?
If you are struggling with swelling conditions like lymphedema, lipedema, edema, or similar ailments, you are most likely a candidate for CDT.
CDT is a suitable treatment for most patients with primary or secondary lymphedema, breast cancer-related lymphedema, and those who have undergone radiation therapy or surgery affecting the lymph nodes.
Aside from contacting your primary care physician, the best way to determine which treatments will benefit you is to schedule a consultation with Elite Post-Surgical Treatment Center. Our specialists can help draw up a treatment plan to best address your condition and bring you relief. To schedule an appointment, call (626) 566-1470.
What to Expect From Lymphedema and Lipedema Treatment With CDT
Treatment for lymphedema and lipedema with CDT consists of two phases: a treatment phase and a maintenance (or self-care) phase.
- Phase 1—the treatment phase—typically lasts two to four weeks and varies depending on individual factors, such as the amount of swelling and tissue firmness.
- Phase 2—the maintenance phase—may last years or the rest of your life. The goal of this phase is to maintain the benefits of phase one and to gain long-term control of your condition and lymphedema symptoms.
Our therapists will guide you through these phases seamlessly and prepare you for self-care when the time comes.
What Does CDT Treatment Involve?
Several tools and therapies make up CDT. Your treatment plan may involve some or all of the following:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This therapeutic massage technique stimulates the lymphatic system. The goal is to improve its ability to absorb and transport fluid, enabling decongestion of swollen body tissues.
- Compression Bandaging: Following MLD, multi-layered short-stretch compression bandaging is applied. This assists with the absorption and transport of lymph fluid into normal circulation.
- Exercises: Low-intensity, repetitive exercises are completed with bandages on the limb. The exercises encourage gentle muscle pumping and proper lymph movement, enhancing the decongestion process.
- Skin Care: Lymphatic blockages compromise the skin and tissues. This component of CDT includes education on caring for the skin and reducing the risk of wounds and infections.
- Compression Garments: A primary mode of compression therapy in CDT self-care, compression garments play a crucial role in maintaining the results achieved during phase one.
- Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy (IPC): The pneumatic sleeve is a device that inflates and deflates sequentially, encouraging fluid absorption and limb decongestion.
- Self-Care Management: This includes self-MLD, use of compression garments or bandages, exercise, skin care, and regular follow-up visits.
Learn More About Treatment for Lymphedema and Lipedema in Pasadena, CA
If you or someone you love is struggling with lymphedema, lipedema, or other uncomfortable swelling-related conditions, relief is within reach. To learn more about complete decongestive therapy and receive a personalized treatment plan, schedule a consultation with Elite Post-Surgical Treatment Center. Fill out our online contact form or call our office at (626) 566-1470.
We look forward to ushering you toward increased comfort and wellness.
