COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY
Email: iamchristinamitchell@gmail.com
Highly trained and certified to treat a variety of swelling disorders from lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, burns, lipedema, breast pain, and swelling from orthopedic and aesthetic procedures.
I provide a complete manual lymph drainage program as well as skin care, edema specific exercise programs, compression garments and compression bandaging for volume reduction.
I provide a complete program of preventative lymphedema care for oncology patients, as well as provide compression garments and stockings.
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymph fluid between the tissue layers. This presents as swelling or edema. Lymphedema can be present anywhere in the body. Chronic edema can cause a fibrosis is the tissues. The most common initial complaint is a heavy feeling and/or a pins and needles sensation.
Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping of the heart to circulate its blood flow, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units called (lymphangions) contracting throughout the body to propel lymph flow. These contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e., proteins, hormones, toxins, fatty acids, white blood cells) to lymph nodes, which can then process them. When lymph circulation stagnates, toxins accumulate, and cellular functioning is compromised.
There are two types of Lymphedema
Primary or Congenital -it is present from birth. This is a congenital form of lymphedema caused by a malformation of the lymph vessels or nodes. Although it may show up at birth, it can remain undetected, not manifesting until later in life.
Secondary lymphedema is caused after lymph vessels are destroyed or lymph nodes are removed. This form of lymphedema manifests through a number of sources: oncology care (including radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery), tumors, infection, compromise of the vascular system, burns, liposuction and general trauma.
MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE
MLD is a gentle, light-touch technique designed to move fluid to healthy lymph vessels and back to the circulatory system. MLD stimulates the immune system by increasing lymph function directly and blood circulation indirectly. Venous circulation is aided by the motion, and edemas can be reduced. In some cases, bandaging is required, followed by a fitted compression garment for the maintenance phase.
It is also recommended to receive a manual lymph drainage treatment about once a month to maintain your health by detoxifying the body.
I highly recommend Sweet Melissa’s Water Wellness
Melissa Storgion, RN, OCN, Personal Trainer, AEA ATRI & ARTHRITIS CERTIFIED. Aquatic Fitness & Therapy-Exercise in the Privacy of Your Pool. Call 513-284-1434.
The water provides compression against your skin and walking/exercises creates the pumping motion needed to assist fluid movement out of your legs/limbs. Hydrostatic pressure against lymphatic capillaries increases circulation and decreases pain.