Hand LE

Options
toomuch
toomuch Member Posts: 901
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Just this week I developed pockets of LE at the base of my fingers on the palm of my hand. The fluid seems trapped by the creases and even with wrapping, I can't seem to get it to move. I would greatly appreciate any advice. I so appreciate this board!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2011

    I don't know if this is true, but a LE therapist told me that the normal lymphatic pathway for the palmar surface of the base of the fingers is actually toward the back (dorsum) of the hand.  This seems consistent with drawings of the lymphatic pathways:

    http://www.netterimages.com/image/549.htm 

    The LE therapist told me that, for the palm, you should massage upward from the crease closest to the finger tips towards the base of the fingers.  Then work the fluid between the fingers toward the back of the hand.   KS

    Hopefully someone else will post and confirm this is right, as it is certainly contrary to the general "move fluid from distal to proximal" guideline 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited March 2011

    KS, I believe that's true, and the movement works for me. You hold both hands with palms facing and fingers slightly apart. Place the fingertips of the unaffected hand below the swelling on the affected palm and gently move the fingers of the unaffected hand up the palm and between the fingers of the affected hand, as though you were folding your hands together. Only keep the fingers of your affected hand straight, and "fold" with the unaffected hand. It's one very smooth, gentle motion moving the fluid from the top of the palm, between the fingers, and over to the back of your hand. Next step after that would be to continue with your MLD routine, moving the fluid out of the back of your hand and gradually up your arm.

    So you're not moving fluid from the palm TOWARD the fingers, but BETWEEN them to the back of your hand where it can continue "distal to proximal. Worth a try, anyhow!

    Was that totally confusing?Undecided
    Binney

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2011
    Photobucket" mce_src="Photobucket" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2011

    Sorry, photobucket always puts in two images: so you drive the fluid through the webspaces, with the exception of the middle finger, and then drive the lower palm down to the forearm--does that make sense? It's from the Foldi short book.

    Kira

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited March 2011

    Kira, is the "short" book you refer to a paperback called Foundations of Manual Lymph Drainage by Foldi and Strossenreuther? Do you recommend it?  KS

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2011

    KS--I bought it on Amazon--it's not the complete text--it's a review of MLD and unfortunately, I only found it minimally helpful. There's an assumption that you know the massage techniques. It's an okay reference.

    I just checked Amazon, and it is the one you referenced.

    http://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Manual-Lymph-Drainage-Michael/dp/0323030645/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300323838&sr=8-1

    Kira

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited March 2011

    KS1-My LE therapist touched briefly on the hand but since I had not forearm or hand swelling at the time, I didn't really focus on it.

     Binney-your discription of the action to drain the fluid between the fingers was perfect.

    Kira-Thanks for the photo. That helps a lot.

    I knew that you would all be along to help me. I'm off to try the MLD with palm drainage now. Then I'll wrap. I'll let you know how it turns out!

    Many thanks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories