What treatments do you find most effective for lymphedema?
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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My Lymphademia is in left arm and chesr due to breast cancer surgery. Lost 13 lymph nodes. I do manual lymphatic massage, but i recently talked my insurance company to chip in 80% toward a nuematic compression garment (LymphaPress). I do 2 one hour treatments a day and after 3 weeks am seeing progress. Im working toward getting upper arm down another big chunk so i can wear a compression sleeve most of the time and do shorter treatments.
I am 71 , a bit over weight and hopeful.
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