What is lymphedema?
March 13, 2023
By Ashley Christenson
March 14, 2023
Caption: Aquacare physical therapist Ashley Christenson, left, demonstrates a lymphedema treatment on Heather Ellis.
March is Lymphedema Awareness Month, so it is a great time to learn about lymphedema and the body’s lymphatic system.
Perhaps you have heard the term lymphatic system or lymphedema, but wonder what is this system, and how do people end up with lymphedema?
The lymphatic system is an intricate network of nodes and pathways that carry lymph fluid throughout the body. This fluid is a combination of water, salts, proteins and white blood cells. It serves as a critical component for healthy bodily processes.
Lymphedema occurs when there’s an obstruction of the flow in the lymphatic vessels, resulting in swelling in multiple areas such as arms, legs, neck, head and abdominal region.