Information on Lymphedema

Please take a moment to review The Compression Closet articles below to learn more about lymphedema.

 

Information on Lymphedema by The Compression Closet

LYMPHEDEMA READING THIS SUMMER

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   LYMPHEDEMA READING THIS SUMMER SUMMER READING

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, especially during the longer summer days. Science fiction and fantasy are my favorite genres. However, I also read a lot of nonfiction and have come across some good reads on lymphedema. I thought you might be interested in some of these books about lymphedema reading this summer. Written by lymphedema therapists and those living with lymphedema, I found all of them helpful in some way. Inspirational stories dealing with a lifelong diagnosis of lymphedema and case studies from therapists were informative and good resources for anyone dealing with lymphedema as a patient, family member, or therapist. Here are a few of my favorites! Continue reading →

IMPROVING OUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

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ATOMIC HABITSHabits

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear explains how small changes can create remarkable results in our lives. He stresses the importance of atomic, small changes rather than big dramatic changes. He describes how most of us go for the big changes as we want results, and we want them now. However, this approach rarely works. Throughout the book, he gives countless examples of how small shifts in the direction we go can have profound effects on our goals. What small changes could we make to affect our lymphatic system profoundly? Improving our lymphatic system improves our overall health. Continue reading →

Finding the Right Lymphedema Therapist: Your Guide to Success

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lymphedema therapists WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST?

I often get calls from customers who would like to reorder but are unsure of the product they should be getting this time. When I ask if they have seen their therapist lately, they often say no. They don’t think about returning once they are released from care unless they have a new problem. Lymphedema and Lipedema are both chronic conditions; although they can be managed, they cannot be cured. Therefore, it’s a good idea to go in at least once a year to get an assessment of your condition. During your appointment, it’s also a great time to bring in your compression garments so your therapist can evaluate them for wear and effectiveness. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your therapist or need help finding therapists, here are some guidelines to help. Continue reading →

Exercise & Lymphedema

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exercise and lymphedemaWANT TO MOVE YOUR LYMPH? MOVE YOUR BODY!

Exercise not only helps move lymphatic fluid through our lymph system, but it has many other benefits too. When we move our bodies, we activate our muscles, which helps our lymphatic system become much more effective in removing waste from our bodies. Do you enjoy rocking in a rocking chair or taking a stroll through the park? Even simple movements such as this help to move lymph. Exercise has proven to be very beneficial for those dealing with lymphedema.  Continue reading →

June is Lipedema Awareness Month

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LIPEDEMA AWARENESS MONTHlipedema awareness month

 June is Lipedema Awareness Month. Therefore it is a great time to familiarize yourself with the differences between lipedema and lymphedema if you, or someone you know, is affected by either of these conditions. Lipedema is a medical condition that affects fatty tissue. Most often, this occurs in the arms and legs, leading to swelling, discomfort, and difficulty in mobility. On the other hand, lymphedema is caused by a physical change to the lymphatic system resulting in swelling of the affected areas and reduced range of motion.  Continue reading →

Caring for Yourself: Taking Control of Your Health

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self-care equals self-loveIS SELF-CARE A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE?

Working with lymphedema patients, I’ve seen how making self-care a priority in one’s life benefits their entire life. This, in turn, highlighted how poorly I prioritized self-care in my own life.  Instead, I’m good at taking care of others. Being a caregiver is part of who I am, and I doubt that will ever change. However, I would like to change my willingness and ability to care for myself to improve my life’s quality. My customers have helped me come to this realization – self-care equals self-love! Continue reading →

How To Care For Your Compression Stockings!

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CARING FOR YOUR STOCKINGScompression stockings

It is essential to care for your compression stockings to get the most effective compression and use out of them. So PLEASE, wash your compression stockings! Several times I have heard stories of people not wanting to wash their compression stockings for fear that the garments will wear out faster. In fact, the opposite is true. Cleaning your compression stockings daily maximizes therapeutic effectiveness and prolongs the sock’s life. The oils and dirt in the skin cause the compression in the stocking to break down faster and be less effective. Continue reading →

Medi CircAid Adjustable Compression Wraps

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CircAid MascotINSPIRED BY NATURE – THE CIRCAID STORY

The invention of the circaid adjustable compression wraps by Frank Shaw began when his wife, Hertha, was a struggling lymphedema patient. Hertha had difficulty being compliant with her compression therapy treatment. The idea was sparked by viewing giraffes on a trip to the San Diego Zoo. Why are giraffe legs so skinny when they are the tallest animal on earth, defying the laws of gravity? Frank learned that giraffe skin does not expand due to its high density of inelastic collagen fibers. In addition, their thick top layer of skin helps increase their tissue pressure. This pressure promotes lymphatic and venous reflux and gives them permanent, natural compression. The inelastic quality of giraffe skin inspired Frank to create the first patented inelastic compression device, the circaid. The inelastic material of CircAid compresses the tissue and provides an improved lymphatic and venous flow – just like the giraffe mascot. Continue reading →