In our previous blog, we talked about what lymphoedema is, the general aspects of this condition and how MLD helps to treat it. Today, on the other hand, we want to share with you the contraindications of using MLD. In other words, when not to use it or wait for your general practitioner’s permission before starting your lymphatic drainage treatment. Let’s have a quick view of  these contraindications!

1.Infection

Lymphedema patients are more prone to infections due to the swelling and skin changes that can lead to open sores and cracks, providing entry points for bacteria, so manual techniques are avoided during infection treatment, here three reasons why:

1. In patients with an active infection,  MLD or other  lymphedema treatments can not be performed. The reason why is because MLD increases lymph and blood flow and it could allow infectious pathogens to disseminate and spread the infection through their body.
2. As infections need antibiotics to treat them, MLD should be avoided because it might interfere  with the efficacy of your meds. Lymphatic drainage increases the expelling rate of medication, lowering the needed concentration.
3. Massage in swollen nodes could be painful for lymphoedema patients, that is another reason to avoid MLD during infection treatment.

Note: Lymphedema treatments should only be performed once any underlying infections have fully resolved.

2.Cancer

Lymphoedema is a common side effect of cancer (specially breast cancer or those where lymphatic nodes are removed) and cancer treatments, but don´t worry! Cancer itself is not a contraindication for lymphoedema. On the other hand, some  types of cancer and cancer treatments significantly increase the risk of developing lymphoedema.

It is key that your lymphatic drainage therapist carefully manage the lymphatic system during cancer treatment to reduce the risk and impact of this chronic condition. I t is key for you to know that, before booking your appointment, the permission of your oncologist or GP will be required.

3.Thrombosis and DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Lymphatic drainage on areas with Thrombosis (blood clot) or DVT could push the clot into the bloodstream and where it could break off, causing a life-threatening embolism (artery obstruction).

Symptoms of thrombosis:

•  warmth sensation,
•  tenderness, 
• redness,
•  pain over a vein

If any of these signs are present, lymphatic drainage should be avoided in that area until the clot has resolved and your GP authorizes the treatment. What I recommend to my patients with conditions affecting blood and lymphatic flow (obstructions)  is to postpone MLD until the underlying circulatory issue is addressed, I can share more info if needed.

4.Other contraindications are:

5.Acute inflammation: Manual Lymphatic Drainage may exacerbate acute inflammatory conditions, so it is generally avoided till the inflammation is reduced.

6.Cardiac edema: If a patient has edema due to heart failure or another cardiac condition, MLD may not be appropriate without proper medical supervision.

7.Malignant diseases (when cancer is active): In some cases of active cancer or malignancy, MLD may not be recommended without consulting your oncologist.

In short, Manual lymphatic drainage is a key part of lymphoedema treatment, however, as we explored in this blog, there are few contraindications that only need time to be resolved or the authorization  of your GP before booking your first appointment. Last, but not least, always look for the best and experienced Manual Lymphatic Therapist. Remember your general well being is in her hands.

We hope this information was useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652571/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16737666/

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/lymphedema

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571332/

The post Lymphoedema Treatment: 7 contraindications of MLD appeared first on Perea Clinic.

What is DVT?

DVT is an acronym for deep vein thrombosis which essentially is a blood clot also known as thrombus which forms in one of your veins. Most common area for the blood clot formation is the calf, which is your lower leg, however, the clot can form in any part of your body. Thrombus usually forms due to lack of movement in a particular area of the body or increased blood viscosity which could be due to high cholesterol or diabetes. This could be due to sedentary lifestyle, occupation or immobilisation after an injury or an operation.

Can working from home cause DVT?
There are few variables which can influence the formation of DVT, but in short, yes it can. If you work at a desk for many hours throughout the day without moving much, you increase your risk of developing the DVT because the circulation is reduced particularly in the lower limbs. 

Can desk based jobs cause DVT?

Yes, it can, regardless if you work from home or in the office, if you spend many hours at your desk without moving, you increase the risk of developing the DVT.

What are the symptoms of DVT?

DVT may present several symptoms. Most common symptom is pain in the affected area which usually is the calf. In the vast majority of cases DVT forms in one limb, it is quite rare to have DVT developing in both. If you have DVT, pain usually worsens with activity because during an activity, muscles need more blood supply, however, blood clot restricts the blood flow resulting in pain. You may also feel tenderness and pain while touching the affected vein. Area around the DVT may also swell up and become red and hot. You may also experience a throbbing sensation in the affected limb.

How to prevent Block Clot?

To reduce the risk of developing the DVT it is suggested to make some lifestyle changes. Be more active throughout the day. Having regular walks is one way of reducing the risk of DVT. If you are working from home or at an office and spend many hours at a desk, ensure to have regular breaks where you can stand up and move about even if it is for a few minutes. Doing it multiple times throughout the day will reduce the risk of development of DVT. Also, try to manage your weight and reduce or quit smoking if you can. Try not to exceed recommended alcohol intake and moderate eating foods which are high in saturated fats which are usually deep-fried fast foods. Ensure to drink plenty of water as dehydration can increase the risk of developing the DVT.

Can I continue working with DVT?

If you suspect that you have Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), it’s important to seek medical advice from Functional Medicine Associates promptly. DVT, if left untreated, can pose a life-threatening risk if the blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs. Upon a proper diagnosis by your GP, an appropriate treatment plan will be devised to help dissolve the blood clot, which may take several weeks and require you to stay at home. Learn more about the importance of early detection and treatment of DVT by paying a visit to your trusted medical professional for more advice.

Is DVT life threatening?

In most cases, where it is diagnosed in good time, DVT can be treated well. However, if the thrombus would dislodge, it may travel through the blood vessels and move into your lungs causing a condition known as pulmonary embolism which is a life-threatening emergency. 

Does DVT go away on its own?

If you think you have the DVT and it causes you symptoms named above, you will need a special medical treatment to dissolve the clot. However, having small blood clots is normal and they usually disappear by themselves without causing any symptoms.

What are the other risk factors for DVT?

Common risk factors for DVT are:

• Being overweight. 
• Having an increased cholesterol level.
• Smoking.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Poor diet high in saturated fats.
• Inactivity.

Can I exercise with DVT?

If you are suffering from DVT, you should consult your GP regarding any exercise that you would like to do. In general, it is suggested that gentle exercise can improve the symptoms of DVT and reduce the swelling, however, in order to ensure that exercises are performed safely, you should seek medical advice.

We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always glad to help.

References:

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/01.RES.14.1.1 

fmed-02-00062.pdf 

https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(05)66860-2.pdf

The post Blood clot: Can working from home cause DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)? appeared first on Perea Clinic.