You can get these three benefits from lymphedema therapy

Unexplained pain in an arm or leg. A heavy, swollen arm or leg that’s weaker than normal. Skin that feels tight or warm and appears shiny or red. These are all symptoms that people with a condition called lymphedema may experience. 

Lymphedema results from blockage of or damage to part of the lymphatic system. Typically, it occurs after serious issues like cancer. Studies reveal that secondary lymphedema affects about 1 in every 1,000 Americans. Physical therapists can provide lymphedema therapy that’s very effective. In fact, this form of therapy can provide three specific benefits. 

Three benefits of lymphedema therapy

There are several therapy methods that your physical therapist may use during lymphedema therapy. One of these is called manual lymph drainage. This is when your physical therapist uses their hands to massage and manipulate the affected limb, which can help the lymph flow out of the limb. Additionally, therapeutic exercises can be used, too. 

Physical therapy methods like these can offer several important benefits, including: 

1. Reducing swelling — Swelling is the most visible symptom of lymphedema. Your physical therapist can help counter it with manual lymph drainage (MLD) and compression. Your therapist will first manipulate the affected limb to drain the excess fluid. Then, they will show you how to use a compression bandage or garment to help reduce future swelling. A study shows that this combination of therapy methods can be very effective. This study reports that MLD and compression garments helped: 

• Reduce upper extremity lymphedema by more than 59%. 
• Decrease lower extremity lymphedema by nearly 68%. 

2. Improving limb range of motion (ROM) — The swelling caused by lymphedema often decreases limb ROM; this can make it harder to perform normal daily movements. Your physical therapist can show you therapeutic exercises that can help improve your ROM. One study of patients with upper extremity lymphedema reports that therapeutic exercises helped boost shoulder ROM by 22 degrees. 

3. Increasing limb function — The symptoms of lymphedema often prevent people from doing normal activities. Seeing a physical therapist for treatment can significantly improve your limb function. Medical researchers from one study found that lymphedema therapy increased upper extremity function by 18 points. 

Find beneficial lymphedema therapy at Advent Physical Therapy

Ready to find a physical therapy team that can help treat your lymphedema effectively? Our Advent Physical Therapy team offers the beneficial care you’re looking for. We can perform a free screening to confirm that your limb is being affected by lymphedema. 

Then, our physical therapists can build you an individualized therapy plan designed to treat your symptoms. We even offer at-home care and virtual therapy services that allow you to do your physical therapy at home. You can also start getting our help without a referral from your doctor. 

Contact our team today for more information about our services for lymphedema or to schedule an initial appointment.