Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for those who are dealing with lymphedema symptoms. Learn more about lymphedema and see how physical therapy can help treat and manage lymphedema symptoms.
Lymphedema is the term that is used to refer to tissue swelling which is caused by a collection of lymphatic fluid underneath the skin. Most often this occurs in the arms and legs, but can occur in other parts of the body such as the chest, neck, and abdomen. Many people have heard of lymph nodes, but our body has an entire network of lymphatic vessels similar to your arteries and veins and are filled with lymphatic fluid. This fluidtypically drained by the body’s lymphatic system, helps the body by playing a vital role in acting as a filter to help remove microorganisms and other particles. Lymphedema may develop in the event that the lymphatic vessels have become damaged, have been surgically removed, or have been impaired where the excess fluid cannot be properly transported throughout the lymphatic system.
The most common type of lymphedema occurs after cancer treatments through radiation or through surgical removal of the lymph nodes, but can happen due to other traumas to the system or primary diseases. Some of the most common symptoms for people who are dealing with lymphedema are joint discomfort, decreased range of motion, increased swelling in limbs, a feeling of heaviness, recurring infections, or changes in the skin. These changes can result in difficulty moving the affected body part, dressing and completing daily activities.
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for individuals who have been diagnosed with lymphedema. There is no cure for lymphedema, but physical therapy for lymphedema can help to control and manage many of the symptoms that can arise from the condition.
One of the many beneficial ways that physical therapy can help treat lymphedema is by improving range of motion. Oftentimes, the discomfort from lymphedema can make moving and performing everyday activities difficult for those who are dealing with the condition. Your physical therapist will use a combination of manual therapy and joint mobilization techniques which can be beneficial in improving lymphatic flow and reducing swelling. As the swelling decreases, your range of motion will improve allowing you to move easier. Through the course of physical therapy, your PT will work with you to improve your range of motion by teaching techniques to manage swelling and improve movement.
Physical therapy for lymphedema will also focus on the implementation of exercises and stretches which are designed to help pump fluid out of the affected area as well as strengthen muscles in the affected areas to ensure that you can continue to increase your functional movement. The exercises prescribed will include specific simple movements to activate the muscles in the area of swelling and also cardiovascular exercise to help pump fluid out of the body. This combination will help to reduce any swelling that you currently have and can help prevent lymphedema from building back up.
Another way in which physical therapy can be beneficial for helping to treat and manage symptoms for lymphedema is education. Your physical therapist will work with you to teach you effective management techniques you can use to mitigate symptoms on your own. Your physical therapist will also help educate you on alternative methods to perform activities to mitigate some of the pain or symptoms you experience, which can help you feel more confident, comfortable, and independent. Some of the additional education that your PT will provide may include ways to use compression garments or clothing to mitigate swelling, how to implement a safe exercise and stretching program to improve physical fitness, lifestyle factors that may help reduce fluid buildup through proper nutrition, and skin care techniques to reduce potential infections.
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for individuals who have been diagnosed with a lymphedema condition. PT can provide both emotional and physical benefits as it can help reduce swelling, improve physical fitness, manage symptoms, improve mobility, and educate you on the ways for you to mitigate pain and get back to doing the things you love most with reduced disruption from the condition. While lymphedema is a chronic condition, physical therapy can be beneficial in teaching you ways to mitigate symptoms and work towards improving mobility and maintaining an independent lifestyle while managing lymphedema symptoms. Schedule a physical therapy appointment for Lymphedema at a nearby physical therapy location to see how PT can help you improve your mobility and manage Lymphedema!
