For ALL Lymphoedema Certified Therapists
This Lymphoedema Review Course is for certified Lymphoedema Therapists from any 135+ hour course to review the Basic Principles of MLD, Compression Bandaging, Compression Garments, Exercises and Instructions in Self MLD/ Self Bandaging Techniques and intro to Elastic Taping and more. One must provide previous certificate of completion to attend.
Course Duration: 3 Days – (18 CPD Points applied for)
Introduction to Basics of Lymphoedema
This course is for all Health Care Practitioners who want to learn more about Lymph Care. Appropriate for Nurses, Wound Care Specialists, Oncology Nurses, Orthotists, Physiotherapists , Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists and Doctors.
Course Duration: 2 Days – (12 CPD Points applied for)
The term phlebology refers to the study of disorders that affect the veins (Greek: Phlebos = vein, blood vessel). Based on a survey of the World Health Organization (WHO), venous disorders rank among the most common diseases worldwide. Venous leg disorders are some of the earliest documented illnesses suffered by mankind. They can vary greatly in severity, and only very few people are completely symptom-free.
Venous disorders may manifest themselves as mild symptoms, such as a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Other affected persons may suffer from pronounced venous dysfunction with severe impairments. Often problems arise, when they could perhaps have been avoided, due to lack of knowledge about the functioning of the body. Venous disorders should always be taken seriously and any early signs, such as spider veins, diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
The blood circulatory system (cardiovascular system) of our body is very complex and we are all aware that the heart plays a fundamental role in it. That the leg veins, in particular, have an extremely demanding task to perform day in, day out, is not known to many people. The veins in the legs must return the blood from the lowest point in the body back to the heart, against gravity and without any breaks – 24 hours a day, throughout our entire life.
The “muscle-vein pump” of the leg muscles, also referred to as the “calf muscle pump”, performs the most important function in returning the blood to the heart. Every time we move our legs (e.g. while walking), we tense the muscles in the lower leg which then function like a natural pump, push the blood out of the legs and back up to the heart.
Even the smallest changes to a vein, for example when it becomes dilated, can have a negative impact on the functioning of the venous valves so that they will no longer be able to close properly. This can cause the venous blood in the veins to accumulateand only flow slowly. This blood stagnation is initially perceived as “heavy” or “swollen” legs. If these symptoms are left untreated, however, they can lead to further more serious illnesses.
Source: Juzo
Disorders of the leg veins arise as a result of a disturbance inblood flow and can manifest themselves in a variety of ways: from minor impairments right through to illnesses that can be life-threatening if not recognized.
When the smallest veins in the uppermost layer of the skin distend and take on the appearance of a fine network on the surface of the legs, we refer to these as spider veins.
The word “spider” refers to the typical web-like appearance of these superficial venules. In themselves, spider veins on the thighs,calves or ankles are more of a cosmetic issue than an immediate cause for concern. They can, however, also be an indication of weakness of the connective tissue or of a serious venous disorder.
Varicose veins usually run in the family. They are caused by aninherited weakness in the vein walls. If you suffer from varicose veins, it is possible to limit or delay their spread through effective treatment measures such as, for example, compression therapy. This condition cannot, unfortunately, be cured by medication, however these can be a valuable supplement to other therapeutic measures.
A varicose vein (varix) refers to a distended vein in which the venous valves have ceased to function properly. As a result, the blood can no longer be optimally transported back to the heart. The blood collects in the legs due to gravity, thereby leading to blood stagnation.
The pressure in the veins increases, which causes the vein walls to stretch and the veins to bulge out. The distended vein becomes tortuous and knotty. It may become visible on the surface of the skin and produce tangible bulge.
Fig. 1 Normal vein: The venous valves prevent the blood from returning into the legs
Fig. 2 Varicose veins: Due to the distension of the vein, backflow of the blood through the venous valves cannot be prevented
Varicose veins should never be regarded as a purely cosmetic problem. If left untreated, they can cause severe leg complaints and disorders, for example inflammation of the veins or tissue damage. Early recognition can help to avoid such complications.
It is possible to distinguish between two types of varicose veins:
Thromboses arise as a result of a clotting disorder of the blood. When the blood suddenly clots in the vascular system, a thrombus can form on the vessel wall. This kind of thrombus usually forms in the veins – in particular in the deep leg veins. These deposits constrict the vessels or can even block them completely.
The blood can no longer flow optimally through the veins to the heart. This is then referred to as a deep vein thrombosis. The symptoms can vary widely, and do not have to all occur together. That is why a deep venous thrombosis is not always easy to recognize.
Look out for the following warning signs on your legs:
When a thrombus forms in the superficial veins, this is usually accompanied by inflammation. One possible symptom of a superficial vein thrombosis is hardening or reddening of the affected area. Tenderness may also arise.
If you suspect the presence of a thrombosis, you should consult a physician immediately! Often a thrombosis will initially not be accompanied by any symptoms at all, and therefore not be recognized in a timely manner. A pulmonary embolism could potentially form.
Compression therapy is an important building block and often the first choice in the treatment of venous disorders. While compression cannot reverse pre-existing spider veins or varicose veins, it can prevent these conditions from worsening. Consistent compression therapy is essential in the more advanced stages of these disorders.
Compression stockings exert an optimal pressure distribution that gradually decreases from bottom to top. This supports the return flow of blood, as the external pressure on the distended vessels reduces the diameter of the veins and improves the efficiency of the muscle-vein pump. This helps the valves in the veins to close better, thereby reducing blood stagnation in the legs, or even preventing it entirely if the venous valves are still intact. The blood flow to the heart is improved as a result.
Compression can also support the treatment of severe conditions. It can alleviate the symptoms of a thrombosis, and reduce the frequency and severity of chronic venous failure.
If your occupation requires you to stand or sit a lot, compression stockings can have a very beneficial effect on your legs as well as protect them against venous disorders. They provide noticeable relief to the legs.
Your physician will prescribe the right compression class for your needs, as there are different compression strengths (from light to strong compression) available depending on the severity of the symptoms and the particular application. When undergoing compression therapy, it is very important to wear the stockings consistently and to ensure they fit perfectly. Your medical products supplier will therefore measure up your legs to determine the appropriate size for you, or arrange for the manufacture of a made-to-measure stocking.
Appearance is also very important, of course. Modern compression stockings not only support your legs but also look fantastic and are comfortable to wear – both for women and men!
There are many options available, from calfhigh stockings through to pantyhose. They are also available in a large selection of colours so that you can match them perfectly to your outfits.