Lymphedema is a medical condition that causes swelling in your arms or legs. It can develop due to inherited challenges that impact the lymphatic system, known as primary lymphedema. It can also be caused by surgery, trauma or cancer radiation therapy, called secondary lymphedema. No matter how it develops, the swelling can cause discomfort that impacts your everyday functioning.
At this time, there isn’t a cure for lymphedema. However, there are treatments that can help reduce and manage the symptoms, such as physical therapy.Â
3 physical therapy techniques used to help lymphedema patients
Along with swelling, lymphedema can also cause a feeling of heaviness and a reduced range of motion in the affected limbs. The goal of physical therapy for lymphedema patients is to not only reduce your symptoms, but to also improve the function and mobility of the affected limbs as much as possible.
A physical therapist can determine the treatments that will be the most effective for treating your lymphedema. They will consider the affected area, severity, your medical history and overall wellness goals.
Here are three techniques physical therapists may use for lymphedema patients:
- Manual lymphatic drainage
There are many effective physical therapy techniques that involve hands-on treatment. For lymphedema, a physical therapist may use their hands for manual lymphatic drainage. It involves repetitive movements that encourage circulation of the built up fluid to other areas of the body. It works to reduce the swelling as well.
- Exercises
Every patient can benefit from exercises. It boosts your overall physical health and function, such as increased strength and flexibility. But for lymphedema patients, a physical therapist will guide you through exercises that target the affected areas. They can stimulate the flow of the fluid and reduce the risk of it building up more. They may show you limb-specific exercises, such as leg raises and arm circles. They may also recommend low-impact activities between sessions, such as walking or cycling.
- CompressionÂ
By compressing your affected limbs with a bandage or compression garment, you can reduce swelling and lower the risk of further fluid buildup. It also works to boost the circulation of the fluid. A physical therapist can recommend the best compression garments, such as socks or sleeves. They can also guide you through compression wrapping so that you can continue doing it between sessions.
At REPAIR SI, we help lymphedema patients manage their symptoms and work toward a better quality of life. With physical therapy techniques like targeted exercises and manual lymphatic drainage, we can help you find relief and feel confident in your abilities to continue improving.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.