Clinical applications of LymphaTouch: three cases from Melody Brown

Melody Brown is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience in treating lymphedema and vascular conditions, and she has also worked extensively with lipedema. In a recent webinar she shared how she started using the LymphaTouch Pro and what her first impressions of the device were.

Melody first tried the device at the ALA conference. She then purchased one to explore its potential as an adjunct tool in her practice, particularly for lymphedema, general edema, fibrosis and scar management. In the webinar she presented three cases in detail, each showing a different way of using the device. This article goes through those cases.

Case 1: Rehabilitation after a total knee replacement

A man with a history of bilateral lower limb lymphedema had a total knee replacement on his right leg. After surgery, the distal end of the scar near the patella became significantly tethered, which restricted his range of motion. The LymphaTouch Pro was used to address this. The inguinal nodes were first cleared manually, a step that can also be done with the device.

The LymphaTouch Pro was then used as follows:

• a 50 mm cup along the scar and around the patella
• a lift and twist motion to mobilise the scar tissue

After a single session, knee flexion and scar mobility had increased noticeably. The pulsation mode was particularly effective in breaking up adhesions, and the low vibration setting helped the treatment reach deep tissue. On the POSAS questionnaire, the patient reported full knee flexion and improved scar flexibility.

Case 2: Breast cancer survivor

A woman had undergone several operations for breast cancer, including a mastectomy and implant removal. She had chest wall lymphedema, pain and reduced range of motion caused by adhesions and cording.

The LymphaTouch Pro was added to her treatment plan, focusing on the areas of adhesion and cording. Suction and release techniques were applied over these areas using the device's pulse mode, combined with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and node clearance.

Her range of motion improved significantly in the shoulder and also through the torso and hip, as the cording extended in both directions. She tolerated the low vibration setting well, and it helped to reduce pain and discomfort. Over time she was able to extend the intervals between treatments. Eventually she had no discomfort at all, kept her free movement, and her right arm stayed free of lymphedema.

Case 3: Secondary lymphedema after metastatic melanoma

A man had secondary lymphedema in his right leg following an inguinal node dissection for metastatic melanoma. The leg then began to swell significantly with no apparent cause. Traditional treatments, including intensive bandaging, had no effect on the dense, resistant lymphedema.

The LymphaTouch Pro was introduced using continuous pressure at 130 mmHg with a sliding technique. After just 15 to 20 minutes of treatment, leg circumference and tissue density had reduced markedly, and the patient said the leg felt less heavy. Strong, continuous suction from the device helped soften the dense fibrotic tissue, which improved the effect of the manual treatment that followed. Adding the LymphaTouch Pro to the patient's existing high-pressure garments and other lymphedema management tools proved significantly beneficial.

Before treatment

After treatment

Practical tips from Melody

During her presentation, Melody also shared practical tips for getting the most out of the LymphaTouch Pro:

• Use a cream: a suitable cream, such as Epiderm, reduces friction and improves the device's suction and glide.
• Adjust the technique: continuous pressure, pulsation, and lift and twist can be tailored to each patient's needs and treatment goals.
• Keep the patient comfortable: monitor skin integrity and adjust the pressure settings to keep the patient comfortable and avoid adverse effects.

Summary

The key message of the webinar is to integrate the LymphaTouch Pro as an adjunct tool that complements traditional methods. In Melody's practice the device has proven a valuable addition, opening up new possibilities for managing lymphedema, scar tissue and related conditions.

Watch the webinar recording