GENERAL CONDITIONS
Lymphedema
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The lymph system is a component of the body's immune system, circulating lymph fluid, nutrients, and waste between the bloodstream and the rest of our body. Lymph nodes are dispersed throughout our body in this system, and when functioning normally they act to filter the lymph fluid as it flows through. This filtration process traps bacteria, viruses, and other potential pathogens, which are then destroyed by lymphocytes.
Lymphoedema occurs as a result of an imbalance between the demand for lymphatic flow and the capacity of the lymphatic circulation. It is characterized by the regional accumulation of excess amounts of interstitial protein-rich fluid. Lymphoedema is a slowly progressive, usually painless swelling of the extremities. Primary lymphoedema is caused by developmental abnormalities of the lymphatic vessels. Secondary lymphoedema is the result of acquired obstruction of the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. Secondary lymphoedema is a major complication after surgery or radiation treatment for cancer. particularly in breast cancer where lymph nodes are removed. The standard treatments for lymphoedema are compression and manual drainage, which merely mitigate the symptoms. Low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy effectively induces therapeutic angiogenesis and improves myocardial ischaemia in pigs and humans as well as hind limb ischaemia in rabbits, through up regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF-C plays an important and essential role in lymphangiogenesis. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) can also induce lymphangiogenesis, and it's effect is mediated via VEGF-C.
Vibration therapy using the V-ACTOR applicator has proven itself a useful complement to shockwave therapy. Muscle fibres naturally resonate at up to 35 Hz. The amplitudes achieved by this resonance may reach the thickness of a human hair. The purpose of this physiological tremor is a drainage effect for the terminal vessels of the arteriovenous and lymphatic system within the extracellular matrix. This is connected to the tissue cells via ion channels and membrane bound protein bridges. The fine resonances of the muscle fibres ensure an inflow and outflow within the tissue – something which the cardiovascular system is unable to accomplish. The objective of medical lymph drainage is to return tiny lymph-dependent tissue particles and fluid to the major lymph vessels by means of special stimulating hand movements. In lieu of manual lymph drainage, outstanding lymph drainage effects can also be achieved with the V-ACTOR vibration head. As with manual lymph drainage, the treatment starts by stimulating the central and peripheral lymph nodes. This is followed, as with traditional lymph drainage, by treating the major lymph vessels in a proximal to distal direction using circular movements. Treatment is indicated for post-trauma conditions with oedematous swelling, such as are often experienced following surgery, sports injuries and venous and lymphatic diseases. Good results have been achieved following sprains, ligament injuries and muscle fibre tears. After the major lymph vessels in the extremities are opened up as a result of the draining vibration effect of the V-ACTOR, the smallest of the lymph capillaries in the injured area are accessed using radial shock waves. The pressure of the shock waves causes a curtain-like opening of the capillary walls, allowing tissue debris and erythrocytes to be washed in. Reducing these substances results in reduced lymph retention and a consequent reduction in oedema. Vibration therapy with the V-ACTOR stimulates physiological muscle oscillations, leading to drainage of lymph and tiny tissue debris towards the center. The benefits of the lymph drainage facilitating V-ACTOR applicator are clear, and not only in sports medicine and postoperative swelling.
Shockwave therapy is a newer treatment option for this condition, and in one study was shown to decrease the circumference of the swollen limb by 26%! At Granville Physio, your therapist will use a combination of shockwave therapy, accupunture, and exercises to reduce fluid blockage and alleviate swelling in the affected limb(s).
Lymphoedema occurs as a result of an imbalance between the demand for lymphatic flow and the capacity of the lymphatic circulation. It is characterized by the regional accumulation of excess amounts of interstitial protein-rich fluid. Lymphoedema is a slowly progressive, usually painless swelling of the extremities. Primary lymphoedema is caused by developmental abnormalities of the lymphatic vessels. Secondary lymphoedema is the result of acquired obstruction of the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. Secondary lymphoedema is a major complication after surgery or radiation treatment for cancer. particularly in breast cancer where lymph nodes are removed. The standard treatments for lymphoedema are compression and manual drainage, which merely mitigate the symptoms. Low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy effectively induces therapeutic angiogenesis and improves myocardial ischaemia in pigs and humans as well as hind limb ischaemia in rabbits, through up regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF-C plays an important and essential role in lymphangiogenesis. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) can also induce lymphangiogenesis, and it's effect is mediated via VEGF-C.
Vibration therapy using the V-ACTOR applicator has proven itself a useful complement to shockwave therapy. Muscle fibres naturally resonate at up to 35 Hz. The amplitudes achieved by this resonance may reach the thickness of a human hair. The purpose of this physiological tremor is a drainage effect for the terminal vessels of the arteriovenous and lymphatic system within the extracellular matrix. This is connected to the tissue cells via ion channels and membrane bound protein bridges. The fine resonances of the muscle fibres ensure an inflow and outflow within the tissue – something which the cardiovascular system is unable to accomplish. The objective of medical lymph drainage is to return tiny lymph-dependent tissue particles and fluid to the major lymph vessels by means of special stimulating hand movements. In lieu of manual lymph drainage, outstanding lymph drainage effects can also be achieved with the V-ACTOR vibration head. As with manual lymph drainage, the treatment starts by stimulating the central and peripheral lymph nodes. This is followed, as with traditional lymph drainage, by treating the major lymph vessels in a proximal to distal direction using circular movements. Treatment is indicated for post-trauma conditions with oedematous swelling, such as are often experienced following surgery, sports injuries and venous and lymphatic diseases. Good results have been achieved following sprains, ligament injuries and muscle fibre tears. After the major lymph vessels in the extremities are opened up as a result of the draining vibration effect of the V-ACTOR, the smallest of the lymph capillaries in the injured area are accessed using radial shock waves. The pressure of the shock waves causes a curtain-like opening of the capillary walls, allowing tissue debris and erythrocytes to be washed in. Reducing these substances results in reduced lymph retention and a consequent reduction in oedema. Vibration therapy with the V-ACTOR stimulates physiological muscle oscillations, leading to drainage of lymph and tiny tissue debris towards the center. The benefits of the lymph drainage facilitating V-ACTOR applicator are clear, and not only in sports medicine and postoperative swelling.
Shockwave therapy is a newer treatment option for this condition, and in one study was shown to decrease the circumference of the swollen limb by 26%! At Granville Physio, your therapist will use a combination of shockwave therapy, accupunture, and exercises to reduce fluid blockage and alleviate swelling in the affected limb(s).
