Can a physical therapist treat lymphedema?

Physical therapists with special training can help control and manage lymphedema through Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT consists of four parts including Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) which is a gentle hands-on technique, meticulous skin care, compression bandaging/garments, and decongestive exercises.

What can I expect at a lymphedema clinic?

Your therapist should look for changes in the skin and soft tissue of the arm, hand, chest, or other area that’s affected. He or she also should do a manual examination (called palpation) to feel for any signs of fibrosis, or scarring of the soft tissue under the skin.

What kind of therapy is lymphedema therapy?

Lymphedema therapy focuses on relieving swelling in the arms and legs by moving lymphatic fluid out of the affected limbs. It can also prevent additional swelling. “A lymphedema therapist can show you how to use a compression sleeve, which helps squeeze fluid from the arm or leg toward the center of the body,” Dr.

How long does physical therapy last for lymphedema?

How long does treatment last? The number of weeks depends on the amount of swelling and tissue firmness. Complete decongestive therapy for one-hour sessions, 4 to 5 days per week.

How does physical therapy treat edema?

How Do Physical Therapists Treat Edema?

1. “RICE”: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the principles of injury care, to remove the strain from the affected area and prevent further swelling.
2. Moving: Using the muscles of the affected area, particularly the legs, may be useful to pump excess fluid back to the heart.

What is the best exercise for lymphedema?

Start exercising gently and build up slowly. Walking can be a good way to start if you haven’t done any exercise for a while. You can gradually increase the distance and the pace. Other examples include yoga, Tai chi, pilates, cycling, swimming or water aerobics.

Is there surgery to correct lymphedema?

Surgical treatment options for lymphedema include Lymphatic Bypass Procedures, where lymphatic vessels are connected and drained into the body’s venous system and Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer, where lymph nodes are harvested from one part of the body and surgically implanted in the affected area to rebuild a failed …

Does physical therapy help swelling?

Edema symptoms include swelling, puffiness, stretched skin, or skin that pits after being pressed for several seconds. Long-term management focuses on treating these symptoms, and physical therapy may significantly reduce swelling.

Can you reverse lymphedema?

There’s no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications.