Lymphoedema affects the life quality of thousands of people. Not only does this ailment physically limit those suffering from it, it also has an important emotional impact, as it affects self-esteem and daily life activities.
This article explores the definition of lymphoedema, its symptoms and how, thanks to Capenergy’s innovative radiofrequency technology, it is possible to offer more efficient and faster solutions, obtaining a 42% reduction of the lymphoedema in one month.
What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition, characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic liquid in the soft tissues, due to an ill functioning or damaged lymphatic system. This problem mainly affects the extremities, although it can also be present in areas such as the abdomen, neck, thoracic wall or genitals.
Causes and types of lymphoedema
There are two main types of lymphoedema:
- Primary lymphoedema: of congenital origin, caused by genetic alterations that affect the development of the lymphatic system.
- Secondary lymphoedema: caused by external factors such as surgeries, infections, oncological treatments (radiotherapy or removal of the lymph nodes) or any other kind of blocking that hampers the normal drainage of the lymphatic liquid.
The lymphatic nodes play an essential role in the lymphatic system, acting as filters and facilitating the drainage of the protein-rich liquid that circulates through our body. When this flow is interrupted, the liquid accumulates, thus given way to lymphoedema.
The treatment may include compression bandages, massages, sequential pneumatic pumping, careful skin care and, on rare occasions, surgery to remove inflamed tissue or to create new drainage pathways.
Most common symptoms of lymphoedema
Lymphoedema can manifest in different shapes, depending on the gravity and the stage it is in. The identification of the signals is crucial in order to be able to offer an adequate treatment and avoid complications. The most common symptoms are the following:
Persistent swelling: The accumulation of lymphatic liquid causes visible and tangible swelling of the arms, legs and other body areas. This oedema can be moderate or severe and tends to get worse during the course of the day due to activity or remaining in the same position for longer periods of time.
Feeling of heaviness or tension: Those suffering from lymphoedema often mention a constant feeling of heaviness or stiffness in the affected limbs. This can hinder daily activities such as walking, lifting objects or performing basic movements.
Recurring pain or discomfort: Lymphoedema may generate localized pain due to the pressure of the accumulated liquids on the tissues. In some cases, the discomfort is moderate but in advanced stages they can become intense, affecting the patient’s life quality.
Changes in the skin: The skin of the affected area can become thicker and harder or fibrotic. In advanced stages and, without adequate control, alterations such as reddening, flaking and even ulcers may appear.
Limited mobility: Inflammation and stiffness affect the movement range of the limbs, turning simple activities, such as getting dressed or climbing stairs into serious challenges. Lack of mobility can worsen inflammation, thus creating a cycle that is hard to break without a specialized treatment.
An early diagnosis and access to effective treatments is fundamental to control this ailment and to avoid complications such as recurrent infections, lymphangitis or permanent functional limitations.
How to treat lymphoedema
Even though there is no real cure, an early diagnosis is essential to start an effective treatment to limit the progression of the disease. If not treated on time, this ailment can result in serious complications, such as recurrent infections, lymphangitis or permanent functional limitations.
Traditional lymphoedema treatment
The traditional management of lymphoedema includes options such as:
- Bandages and compression stockings.
- Manual lymphatic drainage massages .
- Sequential pneumatic pumping.
- Specialized skin care.
Surgery (in extreme cases) to remove inflamed tissue or create new drainage pathways.
Even though these techniques help easing the symptoms, they are often not enough to obtain significant improvement. This is where technologies such as Capenergy’s radiofrequency mark a revolutionary difference in the treatment of lymphoedema.
How does Capenergy improve lymphoedema treatment
Capenergy’s technology has revolutionized lymphoedema treatment by treating the root of the problem: the accumulation of lymphatic liquid in the tissues. Through the controlled emission of electromagnetic energy, this technology acts in a safe, efficient and non-invasive way to improve the patients’ wellbeing.
Capenergy’s conducted radiofrequency generates a profound thermal effect that stimulates the tissues from the inside out. This controlled heat:
- Reactivates lymphatic circulation: Mobilizes the stagnant fluids towards the lymphatic drainage points, boosting their natural elimination.
- Reduces inflammation: By decongesting the tissues, the swelling and feeling of heaviness in the limbs is reduced.
- Stimulates cell regeneration: The temperature increase boosts the cell metabolism, helping in the repair of the affected tissues.
Furthermore, Capenergy’s radiofrequency devices combine two modes to maximize the benefits of the treatment:
- Automatic radiofrequency: Uses stationary plates placed on the limbs to generate a continuous and homogeneous effect in the treatment area. This allows the accumulated tissues to efficiently flow towards the lymphatic system.
- Manual radiofrequency: Through mobile electrodes heads applied by the therapist, specific areas can be treated in a personalized way, generating a localized effect that boosts the results.
This combination assures an integral treatment, efficiently focussing on both causes and symptoms of lymphoedema.
Results supported by scientific studies
A recent study published in the Journal of Lymphology highlights the efficiency of Capenergy’s radiofrequency in lymphoedema patients. After only 6 treatment sessions with our second generation radiofrequency device C200, a reduction of 42% of the volume of the lower limbs was achieved, in comparison to 7% in the control group.
These results do not only imply a visible physical improvement, but also a reduction of stiffness and pain, contributing to the patient ‘s general wellbeing. Furthermore, the treatment times are optimized, which is beneficial for both the patient and sanitary professionals.
Benefits of Capenergy radiofrequency devices
Capenergy’s radiofrequency devices stand out thanks to their innovative technology and capacity to offer efficient, fast and safe treatments for lymphoedema management:
- Visible results in a few sessions: Studies show a significant improvement after 6 sessions.
- Optimization of the therapist’s time: The automatic modes allow treating several body areas at the same time, thus optimizing the treatment times.
- Safety and comfort for the patient: it is a non-invasive and entirely painless treatment.
- Versatility in clinical applications: The devices adapt to different pathologies and body areas.
- Long term cost reduction: By speeding up the treatment times, the clinic’s ressources are optimized.
Would you like to know how Capenergy can help you optimize the treatment offered in your clinic and improve your patients’ recovery? Do not hesitate and contact us to request more information and a free demo.
