Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Physiological Principles of Physiotherapy

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Lymphedema

Abstract

Lymphedema of the extremities is caused by insufficient transport of tissue fluid via the lymphatics. The inadequacy of the lymphatic conduits is most commonly caused: (a) by their obliteration after infectious inflammation and subsequent scarring, (b) by their interruption during lymphadenectomy, and (c) after local irradiation and trauma. Impairment of transport capacity is the consequence of anatomical lesions caused by destruction of valves, degeneration of muscle cells, and obstruction of lumen by clot and external fibrous scarring.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 159.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Rijke AM, Croft BY, Johnson RA, de Jongste AB, Camps JA. Lymphoscintigraphy and lymphedema of the lower extremities. J Nucl Med. 1990;31:990-998.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Olszewski WL, Jain P, Ambujam G, Zaleska M, Cakala M. Where do lymph and tissue fluid accumulate in lymphedema of lower limbs caused by obliteration of lymphatic collectors. Lymphology. 2009;42:105-111.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Olszewski WL. Contractility patterns of human leg lymphatic in various stages of obstructive lymphedema. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2008;1131:110-118.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Olszewski WL, Jain P, Ambujam G, Zaleska M, Cakala M, Gradalski T. Tissue fluid pressure and flow in the subcutaneous tissue in lymphedema – hints for manual and pneumatic compression therapy. Phlebolymphology. 2010;17:144-148.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Olszewski WL, Jain P, Ambujam G, Zaleska M, Cakala M, Gradalski T. Tissue fluid pressure and flow during pneumatic compression in lymphedema of lower limbs. Lymph Res Biol. 2010; (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Szolnoky G, Lakatos B, Keskeny T, Varga E, Varga M, Dobozy A, Kemeny L. Intermittent pneumatic compression acts synergistically with manual lymphatic drainage in complex decongestive physiotherapy for breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema. Lymphology. 2009;42:188-194.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Andersen L, Højris I, Erlandsen M, Andersen J. Treatment of breast-cancer-related lymphedema with or without manual lymphatic drainage – a randomized study. Act Oncol. 2000;39:399-405.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Vignes S. Management of following breast cancer lymphedema. Bull Cancer. 2007;94:669-674.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Olszewski WL, Engeset A. Intrinsic contractility of prenodal lymph vessels and lymph flow in human leg. Am J Physiol. 1980;239:H775-H783.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Brennan MJ, Miller LT. Overview of treatment options and review of the current role and use of compression garments, intermittent pumps, and exercise in the management of lymphedema. Cancer. 1998;83(12 suppl):2821-2827.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Olszewski WL, Jain P, Ambujam G, Zaleska M. Newly formed tissue fluid channels take over the fluid flow burden in long-lasting lymphedema of lower limbs. Lymph Res Biol. 2010; (in press).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Research and Transplantology, Medical Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland

    Waldemar L. Olszewski

Authors
  1. Waldemar L. Olszewski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. George Washington University, Washington D.C, Washington, USA

    Byung-Boong Lee

  2. School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, 92037, California, USA

    John Bergan

  3. Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, USA

    Stanley G. Rockson

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Olszewski, W.L. (2011). Physiological Principles of Physiotherapy. In: Lee, BB., Bergan, J., Rockson, S. (eds) Lymphedema. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-567-5_26

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-567-5_26

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-566-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-567-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation