Do you find it difficult to travel for a long time all because of your swollen legs? Is it really hard for you to keep your feet in a hanging position while you sit on a chair? Well, we understand the difficulty caused by a swollen leg or hand. Such a condition is termed lymphedema, which can occur due to the accumulation of lymph under the skin. But you need not worry since physical therapists have got your back here with the most conservative physical therapy approach to treat your ailment. Here is a complete guide of the treatment approach.

 

What is Lymphedema?

Before we proceed ahead with the treatment approach, you must have a basic knowledge of lymphedema. It is defined as a clinical condition characterized by the accumulation of yellowish fluid (lymph) under the skin. This occurs either because of the inability of lymph vessels to perform their function efficiently or because of some underlying disorder.

What are the causes of Lymphedema?

There can be multiple causes for lymphedema, let’s take a look at the most common ones:

  • The inability of lymph vessels to filter lymph effectively.
  • Postoperative conditions associated with removal of lymph nodes.
  • Vessels suppression due to some injury.
  • Bacterial infections affecting the lymph nodes.
  • Cancer leads to the removal of lymph nodes due to metastasis leading to lymphedema.
  • Obesity or sudden increase in weight.
  • Age can be another factor that can lead to lymphedema.
  • Post-treatment radiation or chemotherapy.

 

Why is Physical Therapy Beneficial?

 

  • With the help of customized physical therapy, you will get instant relief from the individuals in return to the prior level of functioning. This also encourages several activities and lifestyles that help to prevent any further injury. 
  • Lymphedema that mostly occurs after the treatment of cancer can also be cured with the help of physical therapy. 
  • Though Lymphedema can also occur as hereditary and in this situation, people have to suffer heaviness, aching in infected areas. It is left untreated then it can cause major and severe risk. 
  • Mainly physical therapists help to control and handle lymphedema with the help of Complete Decongestive Therapy which is also called CDT. CDT mainly contains four parts that include manual lymphatic drainage, meticulous skincare, compression bandaging, and decongestive exercises. By performing exercises, you will get a great recovery from lymphedema. 

 

Symptoms of Lymphedema:

 

When you see asymmetrical swelling in your body then it can be the main symptom of lymphedema. The condition of patients may get worse if they have a history of one or more known causes. To inspect whether the swelling is lymphedema or not, it will require a discussion with the health care provider. It is crucial to rule out the swelling which has the potential to cause severe damage to your organ system. Make sure to treat lymphedema if you see any symptoms to reduce the risk factors of any severe injuries or illness. 

 

When to visit a physical therapist?

If your lymph system is not able to function properly then the fluid and the proteins will stay in the space of your tissue despite the elevation. Further, it can become a chronic condition. It is crucial to see a doctor if you can inspect any symptoms of lymphedema. It is essential to get instant treatment to reduce the risk factor that has the potential to cause severe damage to your body organ. 

Treatment: 

If you are at higher risk of lymphedema and you have had your surgery recently then your doctor will diagnose based on signs and symptoms. It is essential to know the certain cause of lymphedema and for that, your doctor will refer you to do imaging tests to get a perfect loom at your lymph system.

There is no cure for lymphedema. If you want to focus on reducing the swelling part of your body to reduce pain then physical therapy is the only option left. 

Mainly lymphedema treatments include the following process:

  • Stretches and exercises. By doing exercises, you will be able to move your affected limp and this encourages the lymph fluid. Highly expertise and certified lymphedema therapists will teach you the process of exercises that will be beneficial for you. 
  • Bandaging your limb will help and allow the lymph fluid to flow back towards the trunk of your body. This will help to regulate the proper lymph system. 
  • Massage is a great option to cure lymphedema. With the help of a special technique, which is also called manual lymph drainage will encourage the flow of lymph fluid. Several massage treatments will provide benefits to the active cancer patient as well. 
  • It is recommended to avoid the option of massage if you have any kind of skin infections, blood clots, or another skin-related active disease. 

Conclusion

Mainly physical therapists are known as the movement experts they help you to prevent severe illness or injuries. They work in several various settings. They work with people across the lifespan. They mainly focus on relieving pain and promoting healing to your body. If your body is stuck and you can’t move your joints then the restoring function and facilitation are associated with the injury. Physical therapy focuses on body mechanic training.

Do you find it difficult to travel for a long time all because of your swollen legs? Is it really hard for you to keep your feet in a hanging position while you sit on a chair? Well, we understand the difficulty caused by a swollen leg or hand. Such a condition is termed lymphedema, which can occur due to the accumulation of lymph under the skin. But you need not worry since physical therapists have got your back here with the most conservative physical therapy approach to treat your ailment. Here is a complete guide of the treatment approach.

What is Lymphedema?

Before we proceed ahead with the treatment approach, you must have a basic knowledge of lymphedema. It is defined as a clinical condition characterized by the accumulation of yellowish fluid (lymph) under the skin. This occurs either because of the inability of lymph vessels to perform their function efficiently or because of some underlying disorder.

What are the causes of Lymphedema?

There can be multiple causes for lymphedema, let’s take a look at the most common ones:

  • The inability of lymph vessels to filter lymph effectively.
  • Postoperative conditions associated with removal of lymph nodes.
  • Vessels suppression due to some injury.
  • Bacterial infections affecting the lymph nodes.
  • Cancer leads to the removal of lymph nodes due to metastasis leading to lymphedema.
  • Obesity or sudden increase in weight.
  • Age can be another factor that can lead to lymphedema.
  • Post-treatment radiation or chemotherapy.

Why is Physical Therapy Beneficial?

  • With the help of customized physical therapy, you will get instant relief from the individuals in return to the prior level of functioning. This also encourages several activities and lifestyles that help to prevent any further injury. 
  • Lymphedema that mostly occurs after the treatment of cancer can also be cured with the help of physical therapy. 
  • Though Lymphedema can also occur as hereditary and in this situation, people have to suffer heaviness, aching in infected areas. It is left untreated then it can cause major and severe risk. 
  • Mainly physical therapists help to control and handle lymphedema with the help of Complete Decongestive Therapy which is also called CDT. CDT mainly contains four parts that include manual lymphatic drainage, meticulous skincare, compression bandaging, and decongestive exercises. By performing exercises, you will get a great recovery from lymphedema. 

Symptoms of Lymphedema:

When you see asymmetrical swelling in your body then it can be the main symptom of lymphedema. The condition of patients may get worse if they have a history of one or more known causes. To inspect whether the swelling is lymphedema or not, it will require a discussion with the health care provider. It is crucial to rule out the swelling which has the potential to cause severe damage to your organ system. Make sure to treat lymphedema if you see any symptoms to reduce the risk factors of any severe injuries or illness. 

When to visit a physical therapist?

If your lymph system is not able to function properly then the fluid and the proteins will stay in the space of your tissue despite the elevation. Further, it can become a chronic condition. It is crucial to see a doctor if you can inspect any symptoms of lymphedema. It is essential to get instant treatment to reduce the risk factor that has the potential to cause severe damage to your body organ. 

Treatment: 

If you are at higher risk of lymphedema and you have had your surgery recently then your doctor will diagnose based on signs and symptoms. It is essential to know the certain cause of lymphedema and for that, your doctor will refer you to do imaging tests to get a perfect loom at your lymph system.

There is no cure for lymphedema. If you want to focus on reducing the swelling part of your body to reduce pain then physical therapy is the only option left. 

Mainly lymphedema treatments include the following process:

  • Stretches and exercises. By doing exercises, you will be able to move your affected limp and this encourages the lymph fluid. Highly expertise and certified lymphedema therapists will teach you the process of exercises that will be beneficial for you. 
  • Bandaging your limb will help and allow the lymph fluid to flow back towards the trunk of your body. This will help to regulate the proper lymph system. 
  • Massage is a great option to cure lymphedema. With the help of a special technique, which is also called manual lymph drainage will encourage the flow of lymph fluid. Several massage treatments will provide benefits to the active cancer patient as well. 
  • It is recommended to avoid the option of massage if you have any kind of skin infection, blood clots, or another skin-related active disease. 

Conclusion

Mainly physical therapists are known as the movement experts they help you to prevent severe illness or injuries. They work in several various settings. They work with people across the lifespan. They mainly focus on relieving pain and promoting healing to your body. If your body is stuck and you can’t move your joints then the restoring function and facilitation are associated with the injury. Physical therapy focuses on body mechanic training.