Self management tips

Joe Zuther posted this, and the article is written by Guenter Klose--the major teaching groups have formed a new alliance for quality and this cooperation is great: there are links in the article

http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/5-lymphedema-therapy-tips-for-self-treatment-4856374.html

Lymphedema is a serious medical condition that can be a painful experience. Applying the 5 tips listed below will help you manage and control certain aspects of your condition.

Tip #1- Apply self massage techniques to the areas that need it.

Professional lymphedema therapists are trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy, applying the skills necessary to reroute the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels which drain into the venous circulation. It is beneficial to schedule MLD or CDT sessions when possible, but many things prevent lymphedema patients from being able to do so. When you are unable to schedule sessions with certified therapists, self massage is a helpful alternative.

A very smart thing to do is to schedule one session with a professional therapist to gain knowledge in self massage training. Getting trained will help you know which directions to massage in, how much pressure to apply, and what types of massage strokes to use.

Once you feel confident about how to apply self massage, you may find the actual applications of the techniques to have greater benefits.

Tip #2- Gain the knowledge and skills to do self bandaging.

Having the skills of self bandaging is useful when professionals are not accessible or your insurance provider won't reimburse your lymphedema treatment. In the case that you need to do self treatment, follow some basic steps (recommended from the www.srmconline.com "Upper & Lower Extremity Lymphedema" document.)

Tip #3- Exercise.

One very unfortunate thing about lymphedema is that it never goes away. It's very important and sometimes imperative to exercise in conjunction with a complete decongestive therapy program. If you exercise, you will find that it will help with increasing the likelihood of limb decongestion.

With the approval of your medical doctor, the right amounts of exercise can improve health parameters and overall quality of life. Exercise is helpful in reducing the amount of stress people experience, as well as increasing the feeling of well-being.

Lymphedema patients can benefit from certain types of exercise. Specific movements in the muscles and joints can increase the rate of lymph flow; and at greater rates than when resting. Exercise also has an impact on reducing the amount of swelling in an area affected by lymphedema. Reducing the amount of swelling may reduce the amount of pain experienced by the condition.

Tip #4- Nutrition.

It's important to consult your primary physician regarding your dietary or nutritional concerns. Many people with lymphedema also experience diabetes or heart disease, so it is important to have a customized nutritional plan.

Healing can be more successful when a person provides their body with an adequate amount of nutrients and calories. Obtaining daily doses of multi-vitamin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc are helpful for lymphedema treatment. Lymphedema patients often ask if they should eliminate proteins from their diet because the condition has high levels of protein in the lymph fluid. However, it is not recommended to reduce your protein intake.

Maintaining a balanced healthy diet is important to do. Eating daily recommended amounts of Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fish will help you maintain and optimal weight and have a positive impact on your overall mood and state of well being.

Tip #5- Keep a health journal.

A health journal helps you record and track changes and improvements to your overall health. Health journals are similar to a diary. Every aspect of your health can be documented in your journal.

Written documentation of your health (history, progression, etc.) is vitally important for contributing to improvements in lymphedema treatment. Carry your health journal everywhere you go. Having this information stored in a journal will help you communicate to your doctor exact information about your health.

By following the five tips listed above, you will be able to positively improve your lymphedema therapy and treatment. Also, these five tips will help you improve your overall health

Guenter Klose
Guenter Klose - About the Author:

Klose Training offers the highest quality lymphedema course ,lymphedema training and Continuing lymphedema education courses in the U.S. and abroad.We are a long-standing CE provider for physical,occupational and massage therapists.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/5-lymphedema-therapy-tips-for-self-treatment-4856374.html#ixzz1OY7ixcqg

Guenter mentions a self care document--it looks good: you can download it from this page:

http://www.srmconline.com/Rehabilitation/Pages/Lymphedema.aspx