Lymphedema
What is Lymphedema?
The lymphatic system is an integral part of your immune and circulatory systems. If your lymphatic system is blocked, you can experience swelling of your arms, legs, and torso as the lymph fluid cannot drain properly from the body’s extremities.
Lymphedema can be, although not always, a painful and progressive condition that causes tissue, limb, or torso swelling, usually in the upper or lower extremities, from a build-up of protein-rich fluid due to blocked or damaged lymph nodes and obstructed/compressed pathways.
It can be caused by infection, cancer, genetics, obesity, or surgery, such as the removal of lymph nodes. Acute lymphedema can occur following joint replacement surgery, but the affected area should return to normal after a successful course of physical therapy.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Treating Lymphedema
Lymphedema can affect one’s ability to move the impacted limb and lead to additional medical issues, including skin infections and sepsis. While there is no cure for lymphedema, medical care, such as the services provided by trained physical therapists, can help.
Physical therapists trained in lymphedema management and lymphatic drainage can help patients regain function and control their symptoms. The goal of physical therapy is to help you enjoy the things you love doing without worrying about limitations caused by your condition. At Bay State Physical Therapy, we strive to help our patients manage their symptoms effectively and safely, empowering them to reach optimal health.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
Improper lymphatic drainage results in the build-up of lymph fluid, which, if left untreated, can pose potential health hazards. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, speaking with a licensed physical therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy is a great way to learn more about managing your discomfort.
Many patients with lymphedema report feeling like their shirt is bunched up in their armpit or their pants bunched up in their groin when they can see it are not. This is common with chest and lower torso swelling that can occur in advance of swelling in the body’s extremities.
Signs and symptoms that may indicate lymphedema include:
- Restricted range of motion
- Heaviness or tightness of extremities
- Aching/discomfort
- Fibrosis
- Infections
- Swelling or feelings of fullness in upper thighs, armpit, and lateral chest/rib tissues
Physical therapists with special training in lymphedema management recognize these symptoms and will work with your medical team to provide the proper care to help you find relief.
Benefits Of Physical Therapy for Patients with Lymphedema
Physical therapists provide hands-on care for symptoms associated with lymphedema. Some of the manual therapy techniques and modalities that may be utilized include:
- Manual lymphatic drainage mobilization (i.e., therapeutic massage)
- Compression garment recommendations and limb-wrapping techniques
- Therapeutic exercises
- Complete decongestive therapy
- Education for self-management of symptoms
When combined, these services can minimize pain and swelling and improve function and mobility, helping patients live full and active lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lymphedema
Lymphedema most often affects an arm or leg, although it can occur in other areas. Some people are born with changes in their lymphatic system, while others develop lymphedema after cancer surgery, radiation, infection, trauma, or other medical treatment. Specialized lymphedema therapy can help control swelling and teach patients strategies for long-term management.
Swelling can also occur for reasons unrelated to lymphedema, so an appropriate evaluation is important. A trained healthcare professional can assess the location and characteristics of the swelling, your medical history, and other symptoms to determine whether lymphedema may be responsible and whether specialized treatment is appropriate.
These methods are often part of complete decongestive therapy, a comprehensive approach to lymphedema management. Treatment also emphasizes self-management because lymphedema is generally a long-term condition. Your Bay State Physical Therapy expert physical therapist can teach you how to monitor swelling, use compression appropriately, care for your skin, and remain physically active. The specific plan depends on the location and severity of your swelling, your health, and your individual needs.
Exercise should progress gradually, especially if you have recently completed cancer treatment or have not been physically active. Your therapist can recommend an appropriate combination of aerobic activity and resistance exercise based on your current abilities. If you use a compression garment, your therapist can also explain when it may be appropriate during activity. Cancer rehabilitation may provide additional support for people managing changes in strength, endurance, or mobility following cancer treatment.
Early identification can make lymphedema easier to manage because treatment can begin before swelling becomes more significant or tissue changes develop. A physical therapist trained in lymphedema management can also teach you how to recognize changes and manage the condition between visits.
Some forms of swelling require urgent medical care rather than lymphedema treatment. Seek prompt medical attention for sudden swelling accompanied by redness, warmth, fever, significant pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can indicate infection, a blood clot, or another medical condition that requires immediate evaluation.
Contact Us to Get Started
Lymphedema can significantly impact your life, but you don’t have to settle for giving up the activities you love. Contact Bay State Physical Therapy clinic today to learn more about our lymphedema services.