LYMPHEDEMA

If you’re living with persistent swelling—especially in your arms or legs—you’ve probably heard the term lymphedema tossed around. And if you’re in Houston, dealing with the heat, humidity, and daily grind can make it feel even worse. That discomfort? That heaviness or tightness you just can’t shake? It’s not in your head. Lymphedema is real, it’s common, and most importantly—it’s manageable with the right care.

At Neurability Therapy, we specialize in helping Houstonians not just live with lymphedema—but take control of it. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or you’re just tired of swelling slowing you down, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. No jargon, no fluff—just real talk and actionable steps.

WHAT EXACTLY IS LYMPHEDEMA?

Lymphedema is considered a long-term condition where excess fluid collects in the tissues of the body causing swelling. The fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system is called lymph. When excess lymph fluid accumulates, swelling occurs and can cause discomfort such as heaviness or achiness to the extremities.

Lymphedema treatment encourages the immune system to operate well through the normal process of cleaning and nourishing all the cells in the body, regardless of their function.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Think of your lymphatic system as your body’s plumbing and filtration network. It’s made up of a network of organs, cells, ducts, lymph nodes, and fluid (called lymph) that carry immune cells and remove waste. When this network gets blocked, damaged, or overwhelmed, fluid starts building up where it shouldn’t. Untreated lymphedema can lead to complications such as cellulitis, a skin infection, or sepsis, a bodily infection that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

WHY DOES LYMPHEDEMA HAPPEN?

There isn’t just one reason lymphedema develops. It’s usually a mix of underlying conditions, past injuries, or even lifestyle factors.

Here are the most common causes:

• Cancer Treatment: If you’ve had surgery or radiation for breast, prostate, or pelvic cancer, you may have had lymph nodes removed or damaged. That disruption can cause swelling months—or even years—later.
• Injury or Trauma: Severe injuries, burns, or surgeries unrelated to cancer can also mess with your lymphatic drainage.
• Infections: Repeated infections, particularly cellulitis, can damage the lymphatic system permanently.
• Obesity: Excess body fat puts pressure on lymphatic vessels and makes circulation less efficient.
• Genetics: Some people are just born with poorly developed lymphatic systems. This is known as primary lymphedema, and it can show up anytime from birth to adulthood.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): When veins can’t return blood efficiently, fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, sometimes leading to lymphedema.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting or lying down too much—common during recovery or due to mobility issues—can make it worse.

If you’re dealing with any of the above and start to notice swelling that doesn’t go away, it’s time to pay attention.

HOW IS LYMPHEDEMA TREATED?

Good news—lymphedema isn’t curable, but it’s very treatable. The earlier you start, the better the results.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

CDT takes place in two phases: 1) Intensive therapy and 2) Maintenance therapy. During the intensive phase of CDT, the goal is to reduce swelling including compression bandaging, promote healthy skin, and provide education. During the maintenance therapy phase of CDT, the goal is to build upon the success of the first phase and maintain achieved reduction from the intensive phase with use of sleeves and/or garments, continue exercises, and skin care.

CDT Components

• Skin Care: Proper hygiene, wound care, and moisturizing is an important component to CDT to prevent skin infections which is a potential and common complication to lymphedema particularly in the later stages.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): MLD is a highly specialized form of gentle massage techniques and sequences that stimulates the lymphatic system to drain fluid along very specific pathways to return to the circulatory system.
• Compression Bandaging: Compression bandaging is an essential component of CDT by utilizing specially designed bandages that apply pressure to the affected area(s) by promoting fluid drainage and reduction.
• Exercise: Remedial exercises are an important part of the intensive and maintenance phase of CDT. Regular exercise helps to improve the flow of lymph fluid in your body and help prevent swelling particularly when wearing compression sleeves or garments while exercising.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS?

If you’re dealing with lymphedema in Houston, don’t wait until it gets worse. Reach out today and book a consultation with our certified lymphedema therapists. We’ll walk you through every step. Lymphedema doesn’t have to dictate your life. With the right support, you can get ahead of it.

Skin Care

• Proper hygiene, wound care, and moisturizing are essential to prevent skin infections, a common complication of lymphedema, particularly in later stages.

Exercise

• Remedial exercises play an important role in both the intensive and maintenance phases of CDT.
• Regular exercise improves lymphatic flow and prevents swelling, especially when performed while wearing compression garments.

Compression Bandaging

• Compression bandaging is a key part of CDT, using specially designed bandages to apply pressure, promote fluid drainage, and reduce swelling.