Lymphedema is a chronic, lifelong condition that cannot be cured but can be managed. It is caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid that leads to tissue swelling, most commonly in the hands/arms, feet/legs, or trunk of the body. At Haley Rehab all of our therapists are lymphedema-certified. We help clients with primary or secondary lymphedema manage their condition and prevent it from progressing. We also work with clients with cancer to help reduce their risk of developing secondary lymphedema.
About the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is an important part of your immune system, helping to remove toxins from your body and
fight infection. It is made up of a complex network of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph tissue
throughout the body, with clusters of lymph nodes in the neck, head, armpits, groin, and stomach. Lymph fluid
transports toxins to the lymph nodes, where they are filtered and removed. White blood cells are also
transported in the lymph fluid, to help the body fight infection.
Causes of lymphedema
There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary (or acquired) lymphedema. In Canada, secondary
lymphedema is more common than primary lymphedema.
Primary lymphedema is usually genetic and occurs in people who are born with a faulty lymphatic system.
Secondary lymphedema is acquired by people whose lymph nodes or vessels have been damaged as a result of
vascular disease, surgery, injury/trauma or treatment for some cancers (including breast, ovarian, colon,
prostate and others). The leading causes of secondary lymphedema in Canada are lymph node removal and
Lymphedema can come on gradually or suddenly, sometimes many years after treatment for cancer. We offer a preop
assessment to people diagnosed with cancer, to help monitor for secondary lymphedema. We also recommend
that people who have had lymph nodes removed or damaged watch out for early signs of lymphedema.
Signs of lymphedema
It is possible to have some of these signs before any visible swelling is present.
- A new feeling of tightness in the skin.
- A sense of fullness, heaviness or discomfort in an arm, leg or other area.
- Clothing or jewellery feeling tighter than usual on an arm, leg or other area.
- A new onset of numbness or tingling.
- Visible swelling.
Finding lymphedema early
The early detection and treatment of lymphedema can help to improve or manage the condition and prevent it
from progressing to an advanced stage. When it is detected early, lymphedema treatment is far less complex and
costly than if the condition has progressed. Lower rates of secondary lymphedema have been found in people who
exercise regularly and seek the advice of a lymphedema-certified physiotherapist.
Lymphedema is treated with a combination of therapies and self-care approaches:
Manual lymphatic drainage is a special type of massage that is designed to promote the movement of lymph
fluid. All of Haley Rehab’s therapists are trained in manual lymphatic drainage. We also have staff who are
specialized in compression therapy and can work with you on the important self-care approaches of good skin
care and regular exercise.
- Manual lymphatic drainage massage by a certified lymphedema therapist.
- Compression garments or bandaging.
- Practicing good skin care.
- Regular moderate exercise.
The purpose of good skin care is to reduce the risk of infection. Ways to achieve this include:
Regular moderate exercise is also an important part of lymphedema management. During exercise, deep breathing
and the contraction of your muscles help to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid. Exercise to manage
lymphedema is a balance between stimulating lymphatic flow and not overloading the body with excess fluid. Our
therapists can work with you to achieve this balance. Regular exercise can also help you achieve a healthy
body weight, improve your flexibility, and boost your overall well-being and quality of life!
Our goal is for you to get back to doing the things you love, with the best quality of life possible. Our
lymphedema-certified therapists can help you manage your condition. To learn more about Haley Rehab, or to
schedule an initial assessment, call us at 613-422-5061. No referral is required. Contact us today to see how
Haley Rehab can help you achieve wellness.
- Careful nail and cuticle hygiene to prevent entry points for infection.
- Applying antibiotic cream straight away to small cuts or skin abrasions.
- Using a skin moisturizer.
- Wearing gloves to garden or clean the house.
- If possible, having bloodwork, injections and blood pressure monitoring on the other side from where your cancer was treated.
- Redness of the skin, swelling or heat in the affected area could be a sign of infection. If you notice this,
please call your doctor or seek medical help right away.