Physical therapy for lymphedema is considered to be a “first-line treatment” option. In other words – it’s recommended as the “best available nonsurgical therapy…”
Here at ABove PT we use the very effective treatment modality of lymphatic drainage therapy to treat your lymphedema.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a health condition that leads to an accumulation of fluid or swelling in one or multiple parts of the body.
There are two types of lymphedema.
- Primary Lymphedema – is swelling not caused by a condition or injury. The cause is normally impaired or missing lymph nodes.
- Secondary Lymphedema – is swelling due to surgeries that involve the removal of lymphatic tissues such as lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels. This type can also occur as the result of an oncological (cancer) related surgery, orthopedic surgery, or plastic surgery. And it can also be the result of wounds or conditions of vascular insufficiency.
Lymphedema can occur most anywhere in the body including the upper and lower extremities, abdomen, breasts, head or neck.
Although there is no cure, there are several ways that it can be treated.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Treatments
The physical therapists at ABove Physical Therapy are trained in a specialized form of manual therapy known as Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT).
Manual lymphatic drainage is a type of light-touch bodywork that can help assist the movement (or draining) of excess fluid. Reducing the amount of fluid in the affected area(s) often helps improve the range and/or ease of motion, reduce pain and discomfort, and assists with faster healing of the wound or incision.
Treatment sessions last about 50 minutes. The physical therapist rubs, strokes, taps the surface of the skin gently working to follow the anatomy of the lymphatic system so that the fluid that has accumulated can begin to drain properly.
This is a very soft and painless form of treatment and very effective.
Other Treatment Methods
Besides LDT, the other treatment methods include…
Exercise – our physical therapists will prescribe and help you through your own personalized exercise routine to help you reduce and eventually manage your swelling.
Wrapping and Compression – using special compression garments or bandages on the affected parts of your body.
Our goal is to provide you with the best physical therapy treatments available for your lymphedema. We are committed to giving you the personal care and attention you deserve.
We Can Help With Women’s Issues Such As…
- Pelvic pain conditions
- Abdominal, hip and lower back pain
- Urinary incontinence, leakage, and pelvic floor weakness
- Pre/Post Natal Physical Therapy
- Coccygodynia (tailbone pain)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Osteoporosis and osteopenia
- Lymphedema
- Fibromyalgia
Wellness programs are available for:
- Pre/Post Natal Pilates
- Pre/Post Natal Yoga
- Prenatal Massage
- General strength and flexibility training
If you have any questions about our lymphatic drainage therapy services, call us today at 770-904-2332, or email us.
