For the numerous people who suffer from this condition, lymphedema therapy means the ability to return to a normal life. This is a debilitating condition for which there is no cure. It will progressively get worse unless the proper therapies are used for relief. If left untreated, lymphedema can result in amputation of limbs and death. Although, as mentioned, there is not a cure, there are methods that have been successful at relieving the pain and pressure of this condition.
What is Lymphedema Therapy?
Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the arms and legs. It is due to the lymphatic system failing to work properly. Lymphatic fluid builds up when the lymphatic system does not carry excess fluids to the lymph nodes for removal from the body. Lymphedema therapy, which is a relatively new treatment, uses a pump to simulate the lymphatic system and remove these fluids.
The pumps have a sleeve that attaches to a machine and is then placed on the affected area. The rhythmic inflating and deflating helps to get the fluid flowing away from the area that is swollen and into the lymphatic system where it can be flushed from the body. As a major breakthrough for those who are suffering from this condition, lymphedema therapy has provided the relief needed to perform everyday tasks.
The Benefits of Lymphedema Therapy
There are many benefits realized by people who use these pumps. They do not have to travel to a therapist for treatment several times a week. The pumps are quiet and can be used while reading, enjoying music, watching television, knitting or a number of other activities. They are portable and can be moved from room to room. In fact, they are so portable that they can even be taken on vacation, to visit relatives or anywhere else that people need to go.
Another major advantage is that most insurance companies cover the costs of the pumps. If a physician specifies that a lymphedema pump is medically necessary and verifies this in writing, the majority of insurance companies will pay for the pump. They are also used by many people to stimulate circulation. This is vital for helping wounds to heal.
Due to swelling from lymphedema, many people cannot perform routine tasks. Their legs or arms may become so swollen that moving is difficult. Walking from one room to another or dressing themselves and driving or grocery shopping becomes impossible. The mobility is just one issue. The pain from the swollen extremity is another problem.
Lymphedema therapy, in effect, gives people back their lives. The everyday tasks that most people take for granted can be performed again. They can do the things that they want to do and do not have to become consigned to sitting constantly. One of the recommended treatments for lymphedema is exercise. With the help of a pump to remove the excess fluid and reduce swelling, they can resume an exercise routine.
As a treatment option, lymphedema therapy has provided many people with relief, a new lease on life and the ability to enjoy the things they used to enjoy.
Video: Lymphedema Therapy - What Can It Do For You?
Dramatically improve the quality of your life and successful management of Lymphedema with Lymphedema Therapy.
We'll work with your doctor and insurance provider for you.
David Fred is CEO of LymphedemaPumpsDirect.com
Lymphedema can be treated, managed, and controlled. Although Lymphedema has afflicted the population for centuries, little was understood about the disease. Only in the past ten to fifteen years have clinicians begun to seriously focus on its treatment. Our Lymphedema Compression pump is designed by implementing the latest research and technology and can DRAMATICALLY improve the quality of your Life!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Leg Lymphedema – Managing the Symptoms of this Disorder
Although leg lymphedema is not curable, it is possible to manage the symptoms to provide relief from swelling and pain. There are approximately 140 million people who suffer from lymphedema in one form or another. However, lymphedema that occurs in the legs can be one of two types – primary or secondary. Primary typically affects the legs and feet and secondary affects the legs or arms.
What is Leg Lymphedema?
The swelling that is experienced by those who have leg lymphedema is one of the most common symptoms. It is usually confined to one side of the body, but can be on both sides. It may be caused by a trauma to the body or as a side effect of treatment for cancer. There are several stages of lymphedema. The first stage is when swelling in the leg is noticed and generally can be relieved if it is elevated. Pressing the skin on the leg with your finger will leave an indention.
The second stage includes swelling that is not relieved by elevating the leg. Pressing the skin does not leave an indention. The third stage includes permanent swelling and there is generally scarring and the skin becomes hard. As mentioned previously, the condition is not curable, but it can be managed by elevating the leg and the use of a lymphedema pump to remove the fluid, similar to what the lymphatic system does when it is working correctly.
How does a Lymphedema Pump Help?
A lymphedema pump has a sleeve that is attached to a machine. The sleeve is placed on the leg and it applies pressure that aids in draining the lymphatic fluid that has accumulated. The pump pushes air into the sleeve that is placed on the leg, inflating and releasing in sequence. This helps the lymphatic fluid to flow from the leg to the body in the same way the lymphatic system does.
The result is relief from the swelling that occurs in leg lymphedema. The machine that is used is quite portable and can be carried from one room to another or taken on trips, vacations or visiting relatives. It operates quietly and many people use it while watching television, reading or listening to music.
The Benefits for those Suffering from Leg Lymphedema
The benefits provided to people by using lymphedema pumps to manage the swelling and pain of leg lymphedema are many. For those with severe swelling, it is generally not possible for them to manage the everyday tasks that most people take for granted. They cannot walk very far. Often walking from one room to another within their home is quite painful. Exercise is recommended for lymphedema, but this is not possible because of the pain.
Another beneficial aspect is that most lymphedema pumps are covered by insurance. When your doctor writes a prescription for the pump for relieving the pain and swelling of leg lymphedema, it is considered a medical necessity. This means your insurance company will pay for most of the cost. There may be a small co-pay, but the major portion is covered.
Dramatically improve the quality of your life and successful
management of Leg Lymphedema with our Lymphedema Compression Pump.
We'll work with your doctor and insurance provider for you.
David Fred is CEO of http://www.LymphedemaPumpsDirect.com
What is Leg Lymphedema?
The swelling that is experienced by those who have leg lymphedema is one of the most common symptoms. It is usually confined to one side of the body, but can be on both sides. It may be caused by a trauma to the body or as a side effect of treatment for cancer. There are several stages of lymphedema. The first stage is when swelling in the leg is noticed and generally can be relieved if it is elevated. Pressing the skin on the leg with your finger will leave an indention.
The second stage includes swelling that is not relieved by elevating the leg. Pressing the skin does not leave an indention. The third stage includes permanent swelling and there is generally scarring and the skin becomes hard. As mentioned previously, the condition is not curable, but it can be managed by elevating the leg and the use of a lymphedema pump to remove the fluid, similar to what the lymphatic system does when it is working correctly.
How does a Lymphedema Pump Help?
A lymphedema pump has a sleeve that is attached to a machine. The sleeve is placed on the leg and it applies pressure that aids in draining the lymphatic fluid that has accumulated. The pump pushes air into the sleeve that is placed on the leg, inflating and releasing in sequence. This helps the lymphatic fluid to flow from the leg to the body in the same way the lymphatic system does.
The result is relief from the swelling that occurs in leg lymphedema. The machine that is used is quite portable and can be carried from one room to another or taken on trips, vacations or visiting relatives. It operates quietly and many people use it while watching television, reading or listening to music.
The Benefits for those Suffering from Leg Lymphedema
The benefits provided to people by using lymphedema pumps to manage the swelling and pain of leg lymphedema are many. For those with severe swelling, it is generally not possible for them to manage the everyday tasks that most people take for granted. They cannot walk very far. Often walking from one room to another within their home is quite painful. Exercise is recommended for lymphedema, but this is not possible because of the pain.
Another beneficial aspect is that most lymphedema pumps are covered by insurance. When your doctor writes a prescription for the pump for relieving the pain and swelling of leg lymphedema, it is considered a medical necessity. This means your insurance company will pay for most of the cost. There may be a small co-pay, but the major portion is covered.
Dramatically improve the quality of your life and successful
management of Leg Lymphedema with our Lymphedema Compression Pump.
We'll work with your doctor and insurance provider for you.
David Fred is CEO of http://www.LymphedemaPumpsDirect.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)