What treatments do you find most effective for lymphedema?

Posted by kit75 @kit75, Jul 28 5:10pm

I was diagnosed with lower extremity lymphedema earlier this year. First I was wearing compression, and then was treated by a lymphedema therapist who did manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and wrapping with short-stretch bandages. The therapist gave me some exercises (including belly breathing) to do and told me to stay hydrated and wear my circular-knit compression stockings except when sleeping at night. Then a pneumatic pump was ordered and I use it.

I know there are other possible treatments - dry brushing, flat-knit garments, night-time garments, pool exercises, diet, weight loss, re-bounder (trampoline), vibration plate, kinesiology tape, red light therapy, surgery and more.

As we know, daily at home treatments take time, so I want to know what people find most effective to minimize the swelling? Are there other treatments that may be more effective? Which ones do people find less effective (and not worth the time)?

Thank you.

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I wear a compression wrap on n my head at night. Following my surgery, once incisions were healed, I wore it day and night. My favorite is from Design Veronique made in California. They make a variety of compression garments. I buy directly from them. I use it with a "chip bag" from my OT. Its a, little bag of irregular foam chips that helps with swelling, lymph flow, and scar healing.

http://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/facial

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Compression wraps and pump. I also go to a lymphedema massage therapist.

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