Fibrosis – management
Fibrosis – Definition
Fibrosis is the excess build up of fibrous tissue in the connective tissue. The tissue creates more fibrous fibers than elastic fibers. The tissue becomes thick and hardens from inside to outside.
The fibrosis is the result of a disregulated process of scarring and results from chronic limphedema (which was not treated properly, as consequence of radiotherapy, tissue injury e.g. badly healing wounds resulting of surgery or erysipelas.
This long-lasting formation process in the tissue leads to hardening, inflammation and scarring of the connective tissue, the skin and the underlying organs/or structures such as muscles, fascia or vessels.
The lymphatics are also affected and their functioning gets limitet.
- The disregulated process of scarring and hardening affects negativly the metabolism of the surrounding tissue
- The lymph can no more be absorbed and congests in the tissue
- Since the lymph transports waste products mainly consisting of proteins, always recurring microinflammations on the various vessels (arteries, veins and lymphatics) could take place and enable and reinforce the scarring process – which is the beginning of a vicious cercle.
- On the basis of the limited metabolism in the tissue and the recurring inflammations results severe tissue damage (keratosis, papilomatosis, lymphatic fistula).
In the beginning the fibrosis is painful, but as it gets more advanced as less it hurts! In the advanced stage the fibrosis gets stiff and numb. The skin hardens and various skin damages could be manifested.
A fibrosis is always progressive. Without any therapy the fibrotic tissue gets worse and more and more irreversible.
Fibrosis – management
By means of intensiv deep lymphatic drainage massage the fibrosclerotic tissue can be reduced.
Therefore the therapy is mainly focused to improve the metabolism of the tissue. The more the tissue is thick and harden the more therapy is needed (several sessions per week)!
In very severe cases of lymphedema with fibrosclerotic tissue it’s recommanded to book a stay of 5-6 weeks in a specialiced clinic e.g. Rehaklinik in Bad Zurzach or at the international recognized Földi-Klinik at Hinterzartern (Germany).
By a adequate and intensif treatment a softer texture of the tissue can be restored.