What is Lymphedema?

Client-Centric Treatment Plans with Gold Standard Hands-On Therapy

To understand the logistics behind gold standard lymphatic treatment, it is important to discern the roles of both the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.

The heart is the “motor/engine” of the cardiovascular system. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues, providing nutrients and oxygen. Veins carry the deoxygenated blood and tissue waste back to the heart. The lymphatic system is responsible for “lightening the waste load” for the veins, carrying and distributing a portion of that waste material back as well.

The lymphatic system is a hierarchical branched system, comprised of organs, lymph nodes, vessels, and tissue. Immunologically speaking, it creates and circulates white blood cells throughout the body and aids in detecting and combating foreign cells. The lymph system helps provide a balance (homeostasis) within the tissue space by transporting fluids, tissue waste and proteins. An additional important role of the lymphatic system is the absorption and distribution of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system.

The lymphatic system is comprised of many “little motors” called lymphangions “lymph-hearts.” Gold standard Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD is an important component to lymphatic treatment. When this technique is performed properly, the autonomic nervous system is stimulated to create a pumping effect within the lymphatic pathways, known as lymphangiomotoricity. The purpose of MLD is to effectively facilitate lymphangiomotoricity, which in turn, moves lymph fluid. 

Lymphedema occurs when areas of the lymphatic system are damaged or blocked, causing a back-up of fluids and proteins within the tissue space. For varying reasons unique to each person, the lymphatic system is not able to effectively return the lymph fluid back to the central venous system. 

There is a progression in damage that takes place with lymphedema. The stage of lymphatic damage and symptoms lays the groundwork on the type of lymphatic treatment that is warranted. 

A thorough assessment of the individual is key in understanding the progression of lymphatic disease as well as combining factors that may be attributing to swelling. Therefore, a comprehensive medical history is imperative.