Effectively manage lymphedema with diet and exercise therapy

1. Effectively Manage Lymphedema with Diet and Exercise Therapy Medical science has long established a long list of lymphedema causes, but there is still no cure for this condition. Treatment focuses on preventing complications, reducing the swelling, and lifestyle changes involving proper diet and exercise. Who’s at risk? ● Lymphedema is classified into two types: primary and secondary. The latter is the most common and caused by cancer, surgery, radiation treatment, or infection. In contrast, primary lymphedema is inherited and is rare. People with cancer or receiving cancer treatment and the older population are at a higher risk of developing secondary lymphedema. Other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and excess weight may also increase the risk of improper lymph fluid drainage. Can eating healthy help manage lymphedema? ● Dietary changes are essential in lymphedema therapy. Patients need to learn how to choose foods that won’t contribute to the swelling. This means cutting back on sodium-rich foods, as too much salt causes fluid retention and can result in higher blood pressure and worsening lymphedema symptoms. Therapists also advise patients to avoid fast food, packaged and processed foods, and most condiments. Staying hydrated is another solution that is recommended for lymphedema patients. Dehydration makes the body retain more fluid, so people with lymphedema need to drink plenty of water to help flush the sodium out of the body. Minimizing the swelling also calls for reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, as these can dehydrate the body. There is no special diet for the disease, but most physicians recommend combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity to promote weight loss and maintain an ideal weight. Excess weight strains the lymphatic system more, so weight control is essential. Can lymphedema be managed by exercise therapy? ● Exercise helps reduce swelling and the severity of lymphedema as it boosts circulation. Fairly moderate lymphedema exercises are ideal, but patients should stop if redness or swelling occurs on the active limb. They also need to wear compression sleeves to minimize swelling during exercise.

2. Does Medicare cover lymphedema? ● Medicare guidelines for lymphedema treatment regularly change. Right now, Medicare offers coverage for physical therapy/occupational therapy visits for medical necessity and manual lymphatic drainage to relieve the pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by the disease. It does not cover medically necessary compression supplies that lymphedema patients use daily, citing that these supplies do not fit under any of the Medicare benefit categories. Other crucial treatment elements including garment fitting, garment measurement, and patient instruction are not billable, either. Help the lymphedema community ● If you are interested in helping lymphedema patients manage their condition, consider pursuing a lymphedema therapy certification so you can become a certified therapist. Aside from learning all the basics—from lymphedema causes to viable treatments—you will also learn more about Medicare guidelines for lymphedema therapy to become a better therapist. An estimated 5 million Americans are suffering from lymphedema. Many patients need your help. Earn your lymphedema therapy certification and learn from the best at Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Additional source: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=52959#:~:t ext=There%20is%20no%20Medicare%20coverage,CPT%C2%AE%2029581%20or%202958 4. https://www.oncolink.org/support/side-effects/lymphedema/lymphedema-what-you-need-to -know/insurance-and-lymphedema-treatment http://lymphactivist.org/comments_on_ta.php