Sebastian, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/17/2014 -- Lymphedema is a medical condition where lymphatic fluids, proteins and cellular wastes are accumulated in the arms, legs and other areas of the body that causes swelling. People suffering with lymphatic obstruction are at high risk of infection and currently there is no cure, medication or surgical treatment available.

Most patients with lymphedema depend on the help of physical therapist with lymphedema therapy certification. These therapists provide patients with decongestive therapy including manual lymphatic drainage massage, compression bandaging, exercise, skin care and teaching basic self-management of lymphedema.

A Good Dose of Exercise
Lymphedema therapy usually comprise of exercises to help the patient restore motor skills and reduce pain. Exercise helps lymph fluid move through the lymphatic system. Muscle contraction when working out also pushes lymph through the lymph vessels that aids in preventing inflammation. New studies revealed exercise on both upper and lower extremities not only helps reduce swelling but also make patients feel better with the release of endorphin, a brain chemical that help lessen the perception of pain.

Helpful types of exercises used in therapy include are cycling, swimming, and gentle aerobics or water aerobics. An everyday walk is also a great way to exercise without the need of fitness equipment.

Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can help clear the lymphatic system in your body. This form of breathing exercise allows lymph to flow into the lymph system in the chest from the area with lymphatic obstruction. It works by changing the pressure in your abdomen and chest, which encourages lymph to flow back into the blood making it helpful to all existing types of lymphedema. Simple breathing exercise can be done by relaxing the shoulders and upper chest before taking a deep breath in holding it for a few seconds before breathing out. Do this breathing technique ten times before working out.

Proper Posture
Posture encourages proper lymph drainage. When sitting down, raise the arm using a pillow to help reduce swelling for arm lymphedema. For legs, put the legs up on a stool or another chair. When lying down, raise the legs using a pillow slightly lower than the head. For lymphedema of the head or neck, use 2 or 3 pillows to raise the head and help the fluid drain.

Other ways to prevent swelling includes the use of lymphedema products; compression garments, lymphedema sleeves and bandages. Compression garments are worn by patients suffering with lymphedema on the affected area. It is worn to maintain edema reduction and to compress the area, arm or leg and encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of the affected area. It is important for patients to get a right fit compression garment to prevent discomfort and pain. Bandages and sleeve provide the same result but are mostly used on specific areas garments do not cover.

Health organizations are raising awareness lymphedema and promoting a healthy lifestyle for patients to help improve their lives while waiting for a permanent cure.

About Academy Bandages
Academy Bandages is the leading supplier of lymphedema treatment supplies and training courses. It has a comprehensive list of supplies of lymphedema products including bandages, padding, bandage kits, compression garments, wound management, skincare and educational materials.