Actually the proper term for this is lymphedema. Edema means swelling, lymph, well that's obvious. Lymph massage as a treatment for the reduction of accumulated fluids ( lymphedema) has been a matter of regular practice in most European countries. I tried to get Blue Cross to pay for it here in the states and ran against a brick wall. I found this particularly troublesome since there can be toxic reactions to edema, and it can cause very serious problems if it continues for too long. While sitting up and letting gravity help out... you can't stay in a hospital bed for ever. Massage the area in the direction of the chest. Do this for at least 30 min. a day or twice a day if possible. It does help.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.