The Importance of the Lymphatic System

And how it could matter to you, your friends, and your family.

A disruption of the lymphatic system that can cause swelling, slow down healing, and

increases the occurance of infection.

What IS Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can be life-changing.

Imagine having legs and feet so swollen you can’t put on a pair of shoes, or pull up a pair of pants.Imagine constant discomfort so severe you have trouble getting about, performing everyday activities.

Imagine being told there’s no cure…

There are different degrees of swelling.

Swelling can start out as just a feeling of heaviness and discomfort.You may hardly even notice any change in the appearance of the swollen area.Extreme swelling is also possible, with fluid leaking from pores or open wounds.

There is not yet a cure, but at Salutaris we can help. We can help bring back your quality of life.

There are Primary and Secondary Lymphedemas.

• Primary Lymphedema is congenital (present at birth). The root cause is not yet known, although we know that there are anatomical or functional problems with the lymphatic system. Primary usually shows up at three stages in life: infancy, puberty, and mid-thirties.

• Secondary Lymphedema can be caused by: Surgery Radiation Infection Injury Cancer

What causes Lymphedema?

Pathology of Lymphostatic edema (Primary & Secondary)

Primary:

Congenital anatomical or physiological dysfunction. Onsets at either 0 – 6 months, around puberty, or aroundage 35.

What is happening? :

• Both types result in a protein rich edema. The lymphatics are unable to eliminate large proteins from the interstitial fluid.

• Once protein concentration in the interstitial fluid exceeds protein concentration in the arterial blood osmosis occurs, resulting in edema.

• The problem is protein not fluid.• Reduction of overall health of the region due to increased distance between

cells and vascular system (time = distance squared). • Edema puts patient at risk for:

Infection Limited wound healing.

Secondary:

Significant dysfunction due to injury to the lymphatic system. Common causes include radiation, injury, surgery or burns.

How else can Manual Lymph Drainage be used?

Post-operative & Injury recovery:• When soft tissue is injured through accidents

or surgery it becomes inflamed and swollen. Cellular wastes can also accumulate in the local area.

• Additional interstitial fluid at the injury site increases the time it takes for nutrients to reach the cells requiring repair, and for waste to be removed from the damaged tissue.

• Stimulation of the lymphatic system increases the rate at which the body removes this waste and the reduction of swelling and bruising can be accelerated.

• Salutaris Centre uses the application of Manual Lymph Drainage techniques together with therapeutic massage to treat post-operative orthopedic, chronic pain, motor vehicle accidents and general injury recovery.

1. Post-op & Injury recovery• Salutaris Centre uses MLD together

with Therapeutic Massage to treat: Post-operative orthopedic,

Chronic Pain, Motor Vehicle Accidents and general injury recovery. Improved Immunity:

• The lymphatic system is the transportation component of the immune system. Think of it as the sanitary/storm sewer of the body.

• It transports bacteria, antigens (bad guys), waste and dead cell particles through our lymph nodes.

• It is at the site of our lymph nodes that the immune system can identify what kind of bug we have and build up immune cells to attack the intruders. Think an organic Star Wars.

• By stimulating lymph flow on a regular basis, the bacteria, antigens and waste reach the lymph nodes at a higher rate than normal.

2. Improved Immunity• By stimulating lymph flow on a regular basis

we can transport bacteria, antigens and waste to the lymph nodes at a higher rate than normal. This promotes a more effective and efficient immune system.

About Our Treatment:

• In treating lymphedema, post-operative conditions and injuries we need to do two things:

- determine the underlying cause- reduce the swelling

• We need to move fluid, wastes and protein away from the swollen site and allow it to drain naturally from your body. We know that diuretic drugs are not effective with Lymphedema – in fact they may do even more harm.

3. Treatment at Salutaris Centre• In treating lymphedema, post-operative conditions and injuries we need to do two things:

- determine the underlying cause- reduce the swelling

• We need to move fluid, wastes and protein away from the swollen site and allow it to drain naturally from your body. We know that diuretic drugs are not effective with Lymphedema – in fact they may do even more harm.

Combined Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an evidence-based treatment. It was originally developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and first presented at a Congress in Paris in 1936. It has been extensively practiced in Europe since then.

The protocol is now taught worldwide by the Vodder School.

Research into the treatment of lymphedema in Europe and North America over the last 20 years has defined Combined Decongestive Therapy as the Best Practice by the International Lymphedema Framework.

Unique in Alberta: The Salutaris CentreAt the core of our treatment is a specific massage technique.

Manual Lymph Drainage is a gentle rhythmical massage that acts on both the lymphatic and nervous systems.

It increases flow in the lymphatic channels by up to ten times normal levels – channeling the fluid into an effective drainage route.

How do we know it works?

Manual Lymph Drainage is part of our Combined Decongestive Therapy, which involves:

• Exercise: Specific and gentle rhythmical muscular contraction can help move the fluid into functioning lymphatic channels.

• Garments and bandaging: Providing compression over the site of the edema can help reduce the accumulation of fluid.

• Teaching skin care: Ensuring your skin is well looked after reduces the possibility of abrasions and infection.

Linda

“I was devastated when I first got lymphedema right after breast surgery. The swelling from my arm spread to my back, so I couldn’t do zippers up. I thought I wouldn’t ever be able to wear proper clothes again. The doctor said I didn’t have lymphedema, so I didn’t understand what was going on. I was very worried. But after the first Manual Lymph Drainage treatment I could feel the difference in my swelling.”

Janet

“Ian thoroughly explained to me how lymphedema works. He helped me understand the causes of lymphedema, different types of lymphedema, exercises that improve the condition, and activities that could aggravate the leg. Ian helped reduce the swelling of the leg as much as possible with Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy. He also provided information on compression stocking places. I can’t explain how much this has all helped me; I can never thank Ian enough.”

• The Salutaris Experience – An Oasis that nourishes and restores in a professional environment dedicated to personal attention and care. Through the skilled practice of Combined Decongestive Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Therapeutic Massage, We can minimize your pain and discomfort. We can help you lead a more normal life.

• The Salutaris Centre was opened March 1st, 2011 and is the first clinic of its kind in Canada. We are dedicated to delivering Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy to treat not only lymphedema clients but post-operative and accident recovery clients as well.

• Coverage:Private Health Plans often cover MLD/CDT

as massage therapy--up to $800.00 per/yrAHS does not cover MLD/CDT.

Our philosophy is quite simple:

“Working together we can improve the management of your lymphedema and aid in the healing of your injury.”

Our team of Vodder certified Therapists works under the direction of Ian Soles, a principal of Salutaris and our managing director. Ian has 17 years clinical experience treating lymphedema as a Vodder certified MLD/CDT Therapist and as a registered MTAA Massage Therapist.