Head and Neck Exercises to Help Reduce Lymphedema Swelling
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that arises when the lymphatic system, a crucial part of our immune and…
Hydration & Lymphedema Management: Separating Myth from Medicine
Staying hydrated plays a crucial role in managing lymphedema by maintaining lymph fluid viscosity, enhancing the effectiveness of therapies, and preventing complications. The guide provides practical hydration tips for each lymphedema stage, clarifies misconceptions, and emphasizes recommended daily fluid targets, reinforcing hydration's importance alongside other treatment methods.
Breaking the Myths About Lymphedema and Compression Therapy
Despite advances in lymphedema awareness and treatment, misinformation remains widespread — even within healthcare settings. Patients often hear conflicting advice about swelling, exercise, compression, or whether their condition is curable. Clinicians, too, may encounter outdated or incomplete training that leads to confusion about best practices. Let’s explore and debunk some of the most common myths surrounding lymphedema and compression therapy.
Lymphedema and Acupuncture: Exploring Alternative Treatment Options
This blog explores the role of acupuncture as an alternative treatment for lymphedema, examining recent scientific findings, expert opinions, and practical considerations.
Lymphedema Surgery: Exploring Options Beyond Conservative Care
For patients living with advanced lymphedema, conservative treatments like compression and manual drainage may not always provide enough relief. In these cases, surgical options such as lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), and liposuction can offer new hope. Our latest blog explores when surgery is considered, how each procedure works, what to expect during recovery, and how long-term self-care remains essential to lasting results.
A Complete Guide to Lymphedema Exercises
When performed safely, lymphedema exercises encourage lymphatic flow, reduce swelling, improve strength, and restore mobility. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the importance of exercise in lymphedema management, safe practices, targeted movements, and professional guidance to help you live more comfortably.
Nighttime Compression: Why It Matters for Lymphedema Care
Lymphedema management is a 24-hour responsibility. For many people living with lymphedema, daytime compression garments—such as sleeves, stockings, or wraps—are part of their everyday routine. But what happens when the garments come off at night? Without proper support, fluid can accumulate, undoing the progress made during the day. This is where nighttime compression garments play a vital role.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind nighttime compression, the types of garments available, their benefits, and how they can make a meaningful difference in long-term lymphedema care.
Post-Surgery Swelling vs Lymphedema: When to Start Compression — Timelines & Options
After surgery, some swelling is expected—it usually peaks within 48–72 hours and eases over 2–6 weeks. Lymphedema is different: a persistent, sometimes progressive heaviness or tightness that may appear weeks to months later, especially after lymph node removal or radiation. This Norton School guide explains how to tell the difference, when compression is safe to start.
Compression Levels Explained (15–20 vs 20–30 vs 30–40 mmHg): Who Needs What—and Why
Compression levels explained—in plain language. If you’ve ever wondered whether 15–20, 20–30, or 30–40 mmHg is right for you or your patients, this quick primer breaks down what those numbers actually mean, how gradient pressure supports lymph and venous return, and when to step up—or down—based on stage, tissue quality, and daily demands.
Pitting Edema vs. Lymphedema: How to Tell Them Apart (and Why It Matters)
If you (or your patients) notice swelling in an arm, leg, or elsewhere, the first question is usually what’s causing it? Two common—but very different—culprits are pitting edema and lymphedema. They can look similar at first glance, especially early on, but their causes, clinical clues, and best treatments diverge. Getting the distinction right prevents delays in care, unnecessary tests, and the wrong therapies.
This guide breaks down the differences clearly, shows how clinicians tell them apart, and offers practical next steps—including when to seek urgent care and how to find a certified lymphedema therapist.