1. The Importance of the Lymphatic System And how it could matter to you, your friends, and your family.

2. A disruption of the lymphatic system that can cause swelling, slow down healing, and increases the occurance of infection. What IS Lymphedema?

4. Limits to your range of movement

5. A feeling of discomfort, heaviness or aching.

6. Reoccurring infections in the swollen area.

9. Secondary Lymphedema can be caused by:

10. Surgery

11. Radiation

12. Infection

13. Injury

14. CancerThere are Primary and Secondary Lymphedemas. What causes Lymphedema?

16. Once protein concentration in the interstitial fluid exceeds protein concentration in the arterial blood osmosis occurs, resulting in edema.

17. The problem is proteinnot fluid.

18. Reduction of overall health of the region due to increased distance between cells and vascular system (time = distance squared).

19. Edema puts patient at risk for:

20. Infection

22. Additional interstitial fluid at the injury site increases the time it takes for nutrients to reach the cells requiring repair, and for waste to be removed from the damaged tissue.

23. Stimulation of the lymphatic system increases the rate at which the body removes this waste and the reduction of swelling and bruising can be accelerated.

25. It transports bacteria, antigens (bad guys), waste and dead cell particles through our lymph nodes.

26. It is at the site of our lymph nodes that the immune system can identify what kind of bug we have and build up immune cells to attack the intruders. Think an organic Star Wars.

28. Garments and bandaging: Providing compression over the site of the edema can help reduce the accumulation of fluid.

29. Teaching skin care: Ensuring your skin is well looked after reduces the possibility of abrasions and infection. At the core of our treatment is a specific massage technique. Manual Lymph Drainage is a gentle rhythmical massage that acts on both the lymphatic and nervous systems. It increases flow in the lymphatic channels by up to ten times normal levels – channeling the fluid into an effective drainage route. Unique in Alberta: The Salutaris Centre How do we know it works? Combined Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an evidence-based treatment. It was originally developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and first presented at a Congress in Paris in 1936. It has been extensively practiced in Europe since then. The protocol is now taught worldwide by the Vodder School. Research into the treatment of lymphedema in Europe and North America over the last 20 years has defined Combined Decongestive Therapy as the Best Practice by the International Lymphedema Framework.

30. “I was devastated when I first got lymphedema right after breast surgery. The swelling from my arm spread to my back, so I couldn’t do zippers up. I thought I wouldn’t ever be able to wear proper clothes again. The doctor said I didn’t have lymphedema, so I didn’t understand what was going on. I was very worried. But after the first Manual Lymph Drainage treatment I could feel the difference in my swelling.” “I was scheduled to have surgery in my knees. The pain was so intense that people at work told me it hurt to watch me walk across the shop floor. I knew a little about lymphatic drainage – and felt it would help the healing after surgery. I received the treatments right after the surgery, and it was fantastic. I could literally see the swelling go down. The therapist took off 750 ml in a week – a bottle of wine. And I healed much quicker. The surgeon was amazed I could even return to my job, running up and down steel ladders. I’d been terrified that I wouldn’t be able to work there again” “Ian thoroughly explained to me how lymphedema works. He helped me understand the causes of lymphedema, different types of lymphedema, exercises that improve the condition, and activities that could aggravate the leg. Ian helped reduce the swelling of the leg as much as possible with Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy. He also provided information on compression stocking places. I can’t explain how much this has all helped me; I can never thank Ian enough.” “The most impressive thing about Salutaris is that massage is not just a physical, one dimensional activity. At the clinic, massage is a molding and a healing, a bringing back together of body, mind and soul. I see the goal as wanting to return these three to perfect harmony. I have had a few other massage therapists who are very adept at massage therapy. I have never left feeling as whole as when I leave Salutaris.”

32. The Salutaris Centre was opened March 1st, 2011 and is the first clinic of its kind in Canada. We are dedicated to delivering Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy to treat not only lymphedema clients but post-operative and accident recovery clients as well.

33. Coverage: Private Health Plans often cover MLD/CDT as massage therapy --up to $800.00 per/yr AHS does not cover MLD/CDT. Our philosophy is quite simple: “Working together we can improve the management of your lymphedema and aid in the healing of your injury.” Our team of Vodder certified Therapists works under the direction of Ian Soles, a principal of Salutaris and our managing director. Ian has 17 years clinical experience treating lymphedema as a Voddercertified MLD/CDT Therapist and as a registered MTAA Massage Therapist.