This is a 5-minute read.
How lymphedema is handled at home has a huge impact on its severity. When someone with lymphedema follows their doctor’s orders for an at-home treatment plan, their lymphedema tends to be less symptomatic.
In this spirit of staying on track with a lymphedema treatment plan, let’s look at how the disorder can be addressed at home. Here are three priorities for doctors and patients who are looking for effective lymphedema home treatment options.
1- Address Swelling and Symptoms as They Arise
Early intervention is critically important in identifying and treating lymphedema. Patients shouldn’t ignore their symptoms and should instead pursue a medical evaluation as quickly as possible. The condition can quickly move through the stages of lymphedema and worsen from fluid accumulation to permanent and irreversible swelling.
One of the best ways to address early lymphatic swelling and pain is through moderate daily exercise. Through gentle bodily movements, the lymphatic system has the opportunity to move fluids through the body and bring restorative blood flow.
Another way to get lymphedema swelling down is through manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) from a qualified lymphedema healthcare professional. MLD is a light skin-stretching technique that stimulates fluid movement and addresses lymphatic swelling.
Compression garments also provide lymphedema symptom relief when worn as instructed by a lymphedema doctor or therapist. These garments apply pressure to targeted zones of the body that are most at risk for flare-ups of lymphedema symptoms, like the arms and legs.
2- Explore Pneumatic Compression Options
Clinical trials support the use of pneumatic compression devices in lymphedema home therapy plans. Pneumatic compression uses mechanical action to assist with lymph fluid movement, helping relieve symptoms and preventing lymphedema from worsening.
A lymphatic drainage machine can be used to support the treatment of lymphedema as well as other diseases like phlebolymphedema, lymphostatic fibrosis, and lipedema. These machines are excellent post-surgical options for people who are recovering at home from recent lymphedema surgery.
3- Seek Input From Lymphedema Specialists
While pursuing lymphedema home treatment options, it’s important to include the advice and insight of a lymphedema specialist. This is one of the seven critical tasks of lymphedema treatment because it incorporates cutting-edge knowledge that might not otherwise be available to the average person.
Many of the world’s top lymphedema professionals recommend a holistic approach to treating lymphedema that brings together an effective combination of home treatment options. For example, a lymphedema doctor might recommend exercises that promote lymphatic drainage, a compression garment, and the regular use of a pneumatic compression device.
Learn More About Lymphedema Home Treatment
When you need lymphedema home treatment options, look to Lympha Press for innovative compression pump home therapy. Our equipment helps people successfully manage the symptoms of lymphedema and live active, healthy lives.
