Primary Lymphoedema

This is a condition often known to be hereditary. Primary Lymphoedema (lymphedema) presents itself with swelling of a limb or in some cases bi lateral limbs.

The cause of Primary Lymphoedema is often UNKNOWN !! 

Unlike Secondary Lymphoedema where the cause of the lymphoedema is KNOWN !!

When a baby is born with a swollen limb, this is called Congenital Lymphoedema. This is an example of a young lady born with a swollen right leg.

What is M.L.D.T.?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (M.L.D.T.) is a type of gentle massage which encourages the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. The lymph system depends on contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts which return lymph to the cardiovascular system.

Primary Lymphoedema (Lymphedema) can also present itself when a child reaches puberty and this is called Praecox Lymphoedema. Hormonal changes in the body can often be the reason why there are changes within the lymphatic system causing the limb to swell. 

Another hormonal change in the lymphatic system occurs in pregnancy. Women sometimes notice swelling in their legs or arms during pregnancy and find it is very hard to reduce that swelling after they give birth. This can also be known as Primary Lymphoedema called Tarda Lymphoedema.

A lot of woman around the age of 30+ are at risk of Tarda Lymphoedema.

For most people with this condition, it is treatable, not curable. A professionally trained Lymphoedema (lymphedema) Therapist can help reduce the swelling, returning the limb to a near normal size again. The treatment may take quite a few days to obtain good reduction after which often a compression garment is required to maintain and prevent the limb from swelling. The after care management program is essential to maintain the reduction.