BOOK ALERT! Living Well with Lymphedema by Ann B. Ehrlich, Alma Vinji-Harrewijn, Elizabeth J. McMahon Living Well with Lymphedema is the comprehensive resource for those with, or at risk of developing, lymphedema. This easy-to-read, generously illustrated, 280 page book contains the information necessary to understand what is lymphedema, what causes it, how it is treated, self-management steps to control your condition, practical suggestions on how to master the emotional challenges that accompany living with a chronic condition, plus an illustrated guide to understanding the lymphatic system. Massage & Bodywork June/July 2005 page 18 states "The fear that touch modalities will cause metastasis is no longer an issue in the oncology community, even if the bodywork has a circulatory or mechanical aspect" Tadpole to help in the fight against Lymphedema Contact: Ann Van Gysel ann.vangysel@vib.be 32-92-446-611 VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-08/vfii-tst081205.php |
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| http://www.abreastinthewest.ca/active2.cfm?Num=61 Flying in the future, read this article about flying! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ELYMPHNOTES I'm the new forums coordinator on ELymphnotes, drop by to say hi! http://www.elymphnotes.com/forums.asp?fn=dis&cn=qa I'm also a part of the LAF Community Network and will be around in chat to set up times to talk to those who need help, come to the Lymphland chatroom. I'm also writing articles for ELymphNotes and was interviewed by a national magazine called Beyond which will come out in late May. |
| UNTIE MASSAGE THERAPY TECHNIQUE: UNTIE UNTIE was developed in the United States in the early 1980s as an alternative to exerting force into soft tissues that may already be painful to the touch. It is basic to UNTIE that soft tissue dysfunction, no matter how deep within the body, can be felt in the skin. These patterns of dysfunction are palpable once the proper awareness and sensitivity have been developed. Patterns are infinitely variable expressions of soft tissue dysfunctions that are synergistically related to the dysfunctions. The skilled practitioner can readily access even the deepest layers of soft tissue by working with the associated patterns. Changes in the patterns are stimulated by the presence of the practitioner’s fingers and determined by the body’s natural desire to reach homeostasis. The fingers respond to the changes without any application of force, will, or preconceived routine. The hands move gently in concert with the changes. Once the patterns release, the soft tissues are re-evaluated to confirm they have normalized and musculoskeletal integrity has improved. Although other approaches may not specifically address soft tissue patterns, the patterns are affected, since there is contact with the skin as soft tissues are manipulated. The more thorough the method used, the more likely it is that the patterns will be released, allowing for more complete, long-term change. Because the foundation of UNTIE is sensitivity, it readily deals with the unique patterns of the individual. It is a procedure for working “with” the body, not “on” the body. In conjunction with manual lymph drainage therapy, scar tissues can be helped dramatically. More details coming on this new therapy technique.... |
| LYMPHLAND |
| Bubonulus
1. An abscess occurring along the course of a lymphatic vessel. 2. One of a number of hard nodules, often breaking down into ulcers, which form along the course of acutely inflamed lymphatic vessels of the dorsum of the penis. |
| Data Synopsis: Early Diagnosis and Treatment Intervention for Lymphedema
By NL Stout Gergich, MPT and PW Soballe, MD, Breast Care Center, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD LA Pfalzer, PT, PhD, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI CL McGarvey, DPT, MS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, Physical Therapy Dept Relevance 2.3 million women are survivors of breast cancer (BC)1. Incidence of lymphedema (LE) 33% axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and radiation therapy (RT)2 14% after sentinel lymph node biopsy and RT3 LE impacts quality of life; range of motion (ROM), strength and function2 LE is a chronic condition that is progressive if untreated Diagnosing Lymphedema Traditionally, the diagnosis of LE occurs after the condition becomes clinically apparent resulting in delayed treatment and progression of the condition Current Valid/Reliable Measurement Techniques Circumferential limb girth4 Water displacement2&5 Infrared optoelectronic5 Bioimpedence devices 6&8 Early detection and treatment prevents the progression of LE to an advanced stage Purpose To investigate the efficacy of a prospective PT screening method to accurately diagnose sub-clinical lymphedema and to evaluate the effectiveness of an early intervention in patients recently treated for breast cancer Methods Design: A subset analysis of a cohort of women from a large IRB approved study* Pre-operative and follow-up bilateral arm volume measurements taken at 80% of limb length measured from ulnar styloid to tip of acromion at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months by optoelectronic volumeter (Perometer®)6 from 1999-2006. Diagnostic Criteria: 34 women 34-85 years old (mean=55.4) reported symptoms of LE including heaviness or increased limb volume Intervention was introduced if the volume change equated to approximately 100 ml or 3% volume change compared to the pre-op inter-limb measures Intervention: Diagnosis of LE - a Jobst Ready-Made Compression Class I sleeve and gauntlet issued for daily wear and advised to follow up in 4-6 weeks Volume assessment was repeated on follow up Upon confirmation of volume decrease, continued garment wear was prescribed with Strenuous exercise Lifting The appearance of visible swelling Sensations of heaviness, fullness, aching Follow up in 3 months for repeated measures Results Volume increase in the AA at intervention was significant (p=0.001). Baseline to intervention averaged 6.9 mos. A significant (p=0.0000) mean volume decrease of 111 ml (7.6%) in the AA using the sleeve. Time to post intervention avg= 4.4 weeks Limb volume was maintained through follow up. Avg = 5.8 months Conclusions Pre-operative assessment, prospective surveillance and early intervention may have prevented the onset of irreversible LE in this small cohort The garment significantly reduced affected limb volume to nearly that of the unaffected limb and therefore provides effective treatment when sub-clinical LE can be detected. Further research is warranted to confirm the long term effectiveness and cost effectiveness of this preventive model compared to a traditional impairment based model. References: American Cancer Society (ACS). “Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2006.” Retrieved from the World Wide Web on July 19, 2006 at http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2005BrF.pdf Petrek JA, Pressman PI, and Smith RA. Lymphedema: current issues in research and management. CA Cancer J Clin. 2000 Sep-Oct;50(5):pp:292-307. Haid A, Koberle-Wuhrer R, Knauer M, Burtscher J, Fritzsche H, Peschina W et al. Morbidity of breast cancer patients following complete axillary dissection or sentinel node biopsy only: a comparative evaluation. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2002; 73(1):31-36. Armer J, Radina M, and Culbertson S. “Predicting Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Using Self-Reported Symptoms.” Nursing Research. Volume 52, No.6 (2003):pp. 370-379. Hayes S, Cornish B, and Newman B. “Comparison of methods to diagnose lymphedema among breast cancer survivors: 6 months follow-up.” Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Volume 89 (2005):pp.221-226. Stanton AW, Northfied JW, Holroyd B, Mortimer PS, and Levick, JR. Validation of an optoelectronic limb volumeter (Perometer). Lymphology. 1997 vol:30 (2): pp:77 -97. Cheville AL, McGarvey CL, Petrek JA, Russo SA, Thiadens SR, Taylor ME. “The Grading of Lymphedema in Oncology Clinical Trials”. Semin Radiat Oncol. 2003 Jul; 13(3): pp: 214-25. American Cancer Society (ACS). “Lymphedema: What Every Woman With Breast Cancer Should Know.” Retrieved from the World Wide Web on July 01, 2006 at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_7_2x_Lymphedema_and_Breast_Cancer.asp *http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00027118?order=5 |
