Lymphedema is a malady that millions of people deal with. Though primary lymphedema is rare, only affecting one in every 100,000 people. Secondary lymphedema affects one in every 1,000 people. One of every five women who have lived with breast cancer who have had lymph nodes removed from their underarms as part of their treatment will develop lymphedema. It is a chronic condition that can be managed if not cured.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema therapy specialists will tell you that lymphedema is a painful condition that results in persistent swelling of the arms or legs because of a blockage in the lymphatic system. A disruption in lymph fluid causes swelling through the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is the body’s network of tubes that run throughout the body, draining fluid that has leaked from blood vessels into the tissue and emptying it back into the bloodstream. Its primary job is to manage fluid levels within the body.
Control and Manage Through Complete Decongestive Therapy
Complete decongestion therapy (CDT) is a noninvasive therapy for lymphedema. It includes a variety of techniques, including compression, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise and skin care. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle stretching technique that reroutes lymphatic fluid around blocked areas of the body. It is like a slow, rhythmic massage; when combined with deep breathing exercises, it can be a powerful technique.
Compression garments are worn on an affected area of the body to help control swelling. These garments are designed to be worn most of the time and there are garments for both day and night. Skin care and exercise both have positive effects on lymphedema. While exercise moves fluid around the body, skincare can help prevent infections.
Detailed Attention for a Professional
You go to sports medicine physical therapy when recovering from a sports-related injury. When you visit a lymphedema specialist, you’ll get specialized help for the issue. When you go for treatments, you’re likely to first be assessed by a physical therapist specifically trained in lymphedema therapy. They will evaluate your strength and range of motion and take measurements of affected and non-affected areas.
The next step in a typical therapeutic situation is the creation of a customized plan that features instruction, diagnosis and management options. A session might consist of compression bandaging, skin and nail care, specialized massage, continuing education and a home exercise program designed to fit a patient’s particular needs.
Lymphedema can have a deleterious effect on a person’s life but there are treatment options to help manage it. Physical therapy is an excellent treatment option. Perhaps you suffer from lymphedema and have wondered, ‘is there physical therapy near me?’ The answer is most assuredly yes, and they can help you. Visit a physical therapy website to learn more about how their techniques can help you manage your lymphedema today. Reach out to a digital solutions website to learn how to harness the full power of continuously flowing data.
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