Using Physical Therapy to help manage Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the swelling of the skin in an area of the body where lymph nodes are or had previously been present. Lymph nodes play an important function in our body’s health; our lymph nodes act as filters to eliminate harmful bacteria or foreign objects from our bloodstream.

The swelling is caused by fluid from the lymph nodes building up under an individual’s skin. In most cases, lymphedema is present when a patient’s lymph nodes have been removed due to diseases such as cancer, or when damage has been done to the lymph nodes through cancer treatment.

The underlying symptom of lymphedema is swelling in the arms and/or the legs. Luckily, much of the treatment options for those diagnosed with lymphedema involve physical therapy. Practices such as massage therapy, wrapping and compression techniques significantly aid in treating the swelling caused by lymphedema. In some cases, if physical therapy is implemented early enough in the treatment process, damage and scarring can be reversed.

A properly trained physical therapist will assist you in perfecting wrapping and compression techniques in order to ensure that treatment is effective, and should be able to answer any questions you may have in regards to the treatment process.

If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema, it is important you consult with your physician or specialist before beginning physical therapy. If you would like to learn more about Theramotion’s work with patients with lymphedema please contact us at 718-279-9800. Additionally, you can fill out contact information on our Contact Us page and we will get back to you.