Lymphedema Specialists of Palm Harbor

07/23/2025

RESISTIVE EXERCISE AS A PREVENTIVE FOR BREAST CANCER RELATED LYMPHEDEMA.

New study by Zhang, Z., Guo, L., Zhou, L. et al. 2025 finds "Resistance exercise enhances muscle strength and prevents lymphedema low intensity. Adverse events were minimal, suggesting that increasing resistance exercise intensity, while considering participants’ conditions, may yield better preventive outcomes." Check out Corwin she runs an amazing and fun exercise class for cancer survivors!!!!!!

Check out the article:

Purpose Explore the preventive effects of varying intensity progressive resistance exercise on breast cancer-related lymphedema. Methods A total of 114 breast cancer patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection at Tangshan People’s Hospital from January to April 2024 were included. Partic...

07/23/2025

Having plastic/cosmetic or reconstructive surgery? Support your recovery with Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) MLD helps reduce swelling, speeds healing, minimizes scar tissue, and enhances your surgical results — so you feel better and see results faster.
Now accepting post-op patients in Palm Harbor!
📞 Call (727) 377-2129
📍 Lymphedema Specialists, LLC

07/18/2025

Summer is Mosquito season! It is important to protect your skin from insect bites which can lead to infections (e.g., cellulitis).

Mosquitos tend to be more active at dawn and dusk (early morning and evening hours), these times are cooler and more humid—ideal for mosquitoes. They also like low light like shady areas or cloudy days. They are less active when it is windy or during the extreme heat of midday (which is also not good for lymphedema).

Mosquitos love standing water to breed in such as puddles, bird baths, plant trays, clogged gutters. Mosquito populations will spike about 7-10 days after rain or water accumulation.

Prevent bug bites by using insect repellent on clothing and exposed skin (avoid broken skin). If using insect repellent and sunscreen at the same time, apply the sunscreen first and let it absorb into the skin, apply the insect repellent over the sunscreen.

07/15/2025

Managing lymphedema during the summer months requires extra care due to heat, humidity, and sun exposure. These factors can increase swelling, discomfort, and risk of complications.

Heat & Humidity
• Avoid excessive heat: High temperatures can dilate blood vessels and increase fluid accumulation.
o Stay indoors during peak heat hours (10 am – 4 pm).
o Use air conditioning or fans to stay cool.
• Limit sauna, hot tubs, and hot baths: Heat can worsen lymphedema symptoms.
• Cool showers can help relieve heaviness or heat-related swelling.

07/07/2025

There are so many great new lymphedema products - are your compression garments more than 6 months old, it's time to have a professional review your needs and look at garment options that are the best fit for you. Contact our office for a free consultation.

Nighttime can be challenging for lymphedema management. Without proper support, fluid accumulates while you sleep, leaving you with increased swelling by morning.
Juzo Night provides gentle overnight support:
✨ Prevents lymphedema rebound while you sleep
✨ Foam channels promote lymphatic drainage
✨ Lightweight and cooling for comfortable rest
✨ Easy on/off design
24/7 lymphedema support means better long-term management. Give your lymphatic system the gentle compression it needs while you rest.
Learn more about nighttime lymphedema support -->http://bit.ly/44cXKLT

07/07/2025

Are you frustrated with your Lymphedema treatment? Are you not getting the results you had hoped for? Call our office for a free consultation to see if our specialty staff can help.

07/04/2025

We will be closed for the 4th of July holiday. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday weekend. We will see you all next week!

06/29/2025

Simply put, "Lymphedema" is swelling that occurs when your lymphatic system is damaged.

Lymphedema is a condition that affects millions of people world wide, nearly 5 million in the United States alone —but it often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling—usually in the arms or legs—due to a buildup of lymphatic fluid. This swelling happens when the body’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining fluid and supporting immune function, becomes damaged or blocked.

There are two main types of lymphedema:

Secondary lymphedema is more common and can result from surgery, radiation therapy, infection, trauma, long standing vein disease (especially in the legs), or cancer—especially breast cancer or melanoma when lymph nodes are removed or damaged.

Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition where lymphatic vessels are underdeveloped or missing.

Lymphedema often develops gradually. Some people experience symptoms right after surgery or cancer treatment, while others may not notice swelling until years later.

Common symptoms include:

Persistent swelling in one or more limbs

A feeling of heaviness or tightness

Decreased flexibility or range of motion

Skin that feels firm, thick, or “leathery”

Frequent skin infections like cellulitis

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider who understands the lymphatic system. If you think you might have lymphedema, our team at Lymphedema Specialists can help to identify your symptoms and guide you in how to talk to your primary care provider about your swelling