Trinity Health Lymphedema - Muskegon Campus

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein rich fluids in the tissues resulting in swollen, enlarged limbs or skin surfaces which develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed. It occurs most frequently in an extremity, but can be seen in the head, neck, abdomen and genitals. As lymphedema progresses, the involved areas swell and mobility can be severely impaired. Movement is restricted and painful, and the skin over the involved areas becomes taut and dry.

Treatment

Lymphedema can be managed and greatly improved through therapy. This consists of any combination of the following techniques:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Compression bandaging
• Skin care
• Patient-specific therapy exercises
• ADL training
• Compression garments