MLD After Chemo
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a condition that can affect 1 out of 5 people who received treatment for breast cancer. Your lymphatic system plays an essential role in your immunity.
During chemo treatment, medical professionals often have to remove lymph nodes near the cancerous region. However, this prevents lymph, a fluid in your body from circulating, increasing the risk of suffering from lymphedema.
It can occur right after the chemo treatment. However, there are cases of it happening months or years after the life-saving procedure. This condition can have a significant negative impact on the quality of your life.
How do you know if you have BCRL?
You may notice swelling on your arm closest to where the medical professionals removed the lymph nodes during treatment. The extent of the selling differs from patient to patient. Some people experience mild swelling.
It can also develop slowly over months. In this case, you will not notice any improvement without any treatment. Other ways to know if you have BCRL is the feeling of tightness or fullness in your armpit, chest, or arm.
Your skin starts to change or become thick near the area of treatment.it can become difficult to move the affected part of the body. Also, you may experience weakness in your arm.
What should you do when you have BCRL?
When you observe any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical treatment immediately. Most healthcare professionals will recommend Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
It consists of a series of procedures you need to follow which will help manage and prevent this medical condition. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is part of this treatment process to help improve your quality of life.
What is MLD?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a form of therapy where a licensed massage therapist will clear out the excess fluid buildup from the swollen limb.
It is common for people to confuse this procedure with a conventional massage. MLD is different as the focus is on your lymph vessels. Through this procedure, the licensed massage therapist will target the unaffected regions first.
How does MLD help with BCRL?
This allows the excess fluid to move away from the affected part. As a result, the remainder of the lymph collectors in your body can function properly.
MLD is essential as it helps reduce the swelling in the affected region. Not only is it safe, but you will also find it beneficial when suffering from mild to moderate symptoms of BCRL.
It improves blood flow in your superficial and deep veins. When you combine this treatment with other CDT procedures, you will see optimal improvement in your quality of life.
Who should you approach for MLD?
When it comes to MLD, you should always approach a licensed massage therapist. These medical professionals require hours of extensive training to become highly skilled in their field of expertise. The skill of the licensed massage therapist determines the effectiveness of the treatment. If you are looking to treat BCRL and get your life back on track, contact Lymphatic Drainage Massage Clinic today!
Contact Lymphatic Drainage Massage Clinic – We Will Come to You
In Home or In Office Massages by Jacqueline in the Greater Orlando / Central Florida area. Certified for many different massages and treatments. Specializing in Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) post surgery recovery massage.
To schedule an appointment with Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, Jacqueline Bosco LMT, please call (813) 298-5603. We believe nothing is more important than human touch.
Providing massage services to patients in The Villages, Florida, Sumter County, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Leesburg, Tavares, Mount Dora, Wildwood, Bushnell, and surrounding areas.