Lymphoedema Awareness Week 6-12 March 2023

2 Mar

World Lymphoedema Day is Monday 6 March 2023 and March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month

Here at arc Wellness Studios, we are acknowledging Lymphoedema Awareness Day, Week and Month 2023 by letting you know what we are doing in the name of all those affected by Lymphoedema in the Wellington Region. We are currently running a Give a Little Campaign to raise money to purchase a SOZO Machine to be housed at arc Wellness Studios. Read more about SOZO Machines and our campaign; and Lymphoedema below that.

Tools for Early Detection and Ongoing Management of Lymphoedema: The SOZO Digital Health Platform by ImpediMed

(So what’s a SOZO Machine anyway?)

SOZO is a machine that uses bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) technology developed by ImpediMed, to measure and assess fluid levels and tissue composition in those looking to confirm a lymphoedema diagnosis, or in support of a lymphoedema management plan. SOZO uses non-invasive, fast technology to provide results immediately following a 30-second-test. This information provides accredited practitioners invaluable insight from detection, progression, monitoring and evaluation. The power of the related information is that it can inform the management plan, supporting the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Currently there is one SOZO Machine in the Wellington Region which is located at Bowen Hospital in Churton Park.

Give a Little for toward Lymphoedema Management today

arc Wellness Studios is campaigning to raise funds to purchase a SOZO machine to be located at our premises in 89 Upland Road Kelburn, with a view to making SOZO more readily available to everyone experiencing lymphoedema. Please consider donating toward our funding this week during lymphoedema awareness week, or at any time in the future. Donations of any size are gratefully received.

DONATE TO OUR Our givealittle SOZO Machine Campaign here>>>

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a medical condition affecting the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system, part of your immune system, has many functions. They include protecting your body from infectious invaders, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats and removing cellular waste. Most people are familiar with having swollen neck glands when they are unwell with a upper-resipiratory infection, for example. That is your lymphatic system working to protect you! Equally, blockages, diseases or infections can affect your lymphatic system's function.

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system doesn’t function well and the body accumulates excessive amounts of fluid in the body’s tissue. This results in swelling in one or more places in the body. Lymphoedema often affects the limbs, but can also involve the torso, breasts, head, neck or genital area. These areas are most likely to be affected as they are considered lymphatic territories (lymphosomes).

What causes lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system cannot keep up with drainage demands of the body. This could be because the lymphatic vessels or nodes have been damaged, or didn’t form correctly in the first place.

There are two types of lymphoedema, Primary and Secondary.

Less common, primary lymphoedema is a condition (meaning someone is born with it). Primary lymphoedema is found when there is abnormal development of the lymph vessels. Primary lymphoedema may present at birth (congenital), or develop at the onset of puberty , or not become apparent for many years into adulthood. It can occur in any part of the body and may also affect other body systems.

Secondary lymphoedema is the most common type of lymphoedema and occurs following damage to the lymphatic system. This damage could occur as as result of cancer treatment such as radiotherapy or removal of the lymph nodes by surgery, or can even develop with progression of cancer itself. Onset of lymphoedema swelling may occur relatively soon after the damage, but sometimes not for many years.

Secondary lymphoedema may also arise without a cancer diagnosis. More common reasons could be trauma and soft tissue damage, chronic inflammation or with infections such as cellulitis. Obesity and related complications can also cause lymphoedema.

Much less commonly in New Zealand, lymphatic filariasis is s major cause of lymphoedema in tropical areas of the world. The cause of lymphatic filariasis is parasites which are introduced to the body through mosquito bites!

More information can be found on the WHO web site: http://www.who.int/tdr/diseases-topics/lymphatic-filariasis/en/

Why early diagnosis is important

Lymphoedema cannot be cured completely, but it can be managed with appropriate intervention from an qualified lymphoedema practitioner. At arc Physio Pilates both Janna Hawkins (Oncology Physiotherpist) and Rebecca Simes (Registered Nurse) are accredited lymphoedema practitioners.

Early identification and intervention are important to minimise the risk of disease progression. With time, the volume of lymphoedema can increase and develop from a milder presentation to a more advanced presentation which places individuals at an increased risk of complications. The aims of lymphoedema treatment are to prevent the progression of the condition, to reduce the swelling (oedema or edema), to provide relief to associated symptoms, to prevent infection and most importantly to improve the quality of life of those affected.

Sometimes with cancer related secondary lymphoedema, swelling may develop several years after cancer treatment. Many cancer services now offer pre-treatment assessments and monitoring for early detection of lymphoedema, but self-awareness is an important part of early detection.

Signs to watch for

The early warning signs of lymphoedema can be intermittent. They may look like the following:

Temporary swelling of a limb or other region of the body. Swelling could be aggravated by hot temperatures, overuse, sustained positions, or even due to the fit of under garments. Symptoms can often become more obvious toward the end of the day
Recurrent or persistent cellulitis (a common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area of the skin)
Feelings of aching, heaviness, stiffness in the part of the body that is swollen. Sometimes accompanied with a decreased range in movement
A feeling of tightness at the affected body part – clothing, jewellery or shoes may feel tighter

Many conditions can cause the symptoms described above. It’s important to seek medical help and ensure an accurate diagnosis before seeking treatment for lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema Management with arc Physio Pilates

Complex lymphoedema therapy (CLT) is a conservative non-invasive therapy that aims to prevent lymphoedema progression, reduce oedema and maintain improvements. CLT also aims to alleviate associated symptoms, prevent cellulitis, and improve function and quality of life.

Best practice management is a holistic multidisciplinary approach provided by qualified lymphoedema therapists . Components of CLT for the upper limb, breast, trunk and lower limb include:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (lymphatic massage)
Compression therapy
Exercise
Skincare

Learn more or book your lymphoedema treatment sessions with us here>

TLDR/Summary:

Lymphoedema is a medical condition affecting many people. It can can occur at any time of life from birth and has many root causes. It often occurs following cancer treatment and can take many years to develop. Skilled management of lymphoedema is essential for better health outcomes. arc Physio Pilates offers lymphoedema management services from both our Hataitai and Kelburn locations. We are currently fundraising with Give a Little for a SOZO machine to assist with early detection and management of the condition.

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