Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Theresa Lynch, M.S., OTR/L, C.L.T.
Breast cancer statistics remain high with both invasive and noninvasive diagnosis. 1.7 million women in the world are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. While we hear fewer statistics about men, they still can and do develop breast cancer, but at a much more infrequent rate.
With so much focus on survivorship, we sometimes forget what it’s like to suffer through the treatments. Whether the breast cancer treatment entails surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, reconstructive surgery, or alternative therapies, the bottom line is that these individuals are tired and unwell! They are not feeling healthy, and many times find it entirely overwhelming to function at all.
One major side effect of cancer surgery scar tissue and lymphedema.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a build-up of lymphatic fluid throughout the body, and it is usually a secondary issue that arises after cancer treatment or lymph node removal; it can also be a critical indicator for individuals that an illness or adverse reaction is occurring in their bodies.
Lymphedema is a threatening disorder that needs to be treated and properly managed. The fluid must be safely guided through the body to remove the excess. Lymphedema can happen to anyone, but women are more susceptible to the disorder and often, are unfortunately underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed altogether. Lymphedema can cause physical debilitations and physiological and emotional distress.
Lymphedema disposes the affected area to an ongoing inflammatory process that, if untreated, can progress to skin fibrosis, adipose tissue accumulation, and further accumulation of fluid, causing disfiguring swelling, disability, and infections such as cellulitis.1
Lymphedema: causes, risks and treatment:
• Associated with radiation and chemotherapy treatment, scar tissue, lymph disorders and cancers
• Affects mostly women
• Being overweight makes it more severe
• Requires a trained therapist to increase the flow fluids through the body correctly
Many women develop lymphedema after breast cancer surgery due to the removal of lymph nodes in the armpit. The certified lymphedema therapist will use trained techniques to clear the lymphatic channels and direct buildup fluid to the lymphatic system. This allows the correct movement of the fluid through the body to naturally drain. This technique is safe and provides for the inflammatory response to calm down and decreases residual effects of the disorder.
Lymphedema Treatments Include:
1. Complete Decongestive Therapy
2. Post-Surgical Edema
3. Scar Tissue Mobilization Using Graston Technique
4. Kineseotaping
5. Fitting for Compression Sleeves, Stockings, Bras, and Garments
Theresa Lynch,
M.S., OTR/L, C.L.T.
Theresa Lynch received her BA in 1992 from Western Michigan University and received her Master of Science degree for Occupational Therapy in 2006 from Western Michigan University. In 2010, she became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
Theresa successfully earned her certification in Complete Decongestive Therapy including Manual Lymph Drainage from the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. This is the gold standard for treating Lymphedema according to the Lymphedema Association of North America (LANA) and in Germany where the technique was developed.
Theresa has experience in almost every setting as an Occupational Therapist including sub-acute rehabilitation, homecare, inpatient rehabilitation, in-patient acute care, long-term acute care, outpatient care, lymphedema, and home modifications.
Along with lymphedema care, Theresa specializes in chronic venous insufficiency, lipedema, wounds, and post-surgical edema management.
She is also certified in LSVT, a treatment program for Parkinson’s Disease, and other neurological conditions. She is also a Graston technique therapy provider. Theresa has extensive training in kineseotaping and is a certified compression garment/stocking fitter.
Conditions Treated
• Lymphedema
• Swelling and changes due to chronic venous insufficiency (helps to heal and prevent wounds)
• Cardiac related edema
• Scar tissue treatment/managment
• Decreased range of motion related to scars
• CVA/paralysis related edema
Theresa Lynch, Certified Lymphedema
www.lynchlymphedema.com
239-776-4001
Theresa Lynch, Certified Lymphedema
Therapist, LLC
1044 Castillo Dr., Suite, 213
Naples, Florida 34103
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5665410/
