Breast Cancer related lymphedema, symptoms and conservative treatment

  For patients with upper body lymphedema (swelling) who have had treatment for cancer (breast, melanoma, sarcoma, lymphoma) including:  • Surgery  • Removal of lymph nodes  • Radiation This pamphlet explains:  • What is self-bandaging  • How does bandaging help with lymphedema  • When should I wear the bandages  • What should I do before I bandage  • How to bandage your fingers and arms What is the lymphatic system?  • Your lymphatic system removes extra fluid and waste from your body.  • Your lymphatic system plays an important role in how your immune system works.  • Your lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes that are linked by lymph vessels. Your lymph nodes are bean shaped organs that are found all over your body. Large groups of lymph nodes can be found in your neck, under your arms and in your groin (see picture to the right). Lymph nodes may be removed as part of cancer treatment. This can cause a type of swelling ...

  WHAT IS TELE-PHYSIOTHERAPY? Tele-physiotherapy is virtual physiotherapy, which uses telecommunications technology to conduct appointments at a distance. Tele-physiotherapy provides patient care including consultation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan. It uses techniques such as video calling, email, and various applications.  WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS TREATED VIA TELE-PHYSIOTHERAPY? Tele-physiotherapy is used to treat a variety of conditions which include:   Chronic pain in the  neck ,  shoulder ,  back ,  knee ,  ankle . Musculoskeletal conditions,  frozen shoulder ,  disc herniation,  etc. Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, GB syndrome, etc. Pediatric conditions like Delayed milestone. Geriatric conditions like  osteoarthritis . Women's  health problems like stress incontinence, pre, and postpartum weakness. Vestibular disorders like migraine,  vertigo , etc. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TELE-PHYS...

Lymphedema is a problem that may occur after cancer surgery when lymph nodes are removed. Lymphedema can occur months or years after treatment. It’s a chronic (ongoing) condition that has no cure. But steps can be taken to help keep it from starting, and to reduce or relieve symptoms. If left untreated, lymphedema can get worse. Getting treatment right away can lower your risk of infections and complications. What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is a network of tiny vessels and small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes that carry lymph throughout the body. Lymph is a clear, color less fluid that contains a few blood cells. It starts in many organs and tissues. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It helps protect and maintain the fluid balance of your body by filtering and draining lymph and waste products away from each body region. The lymphatic system also helps the body fight infection. How Lymphedema Happens During surgery for cancer, nearby lymph n...