Lymphedema is a serious condition with significant effects. The National Institutes of Health estimates that primary lymphedema impacts 1 in every 100,000 people, while secondary lymphedema affects 1 in every 1,000. Regardless of its causes, you need treatment strategies that can bring relief and increase your chances of positive health outcomes. Physical therapy can be part of an overall approach, as described in this short guide to treatment for lymphedema.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Lymphedema results when a lymph node can’t properly drain lymph fluid out of the body. Swelling is a common effect because the lymph fluid remains in the body instead of entering the bloodstream. Noninvasive treatments for this condition include complete decongestive therapy, which helps the stuck lymph fluid move out of the affected region and recirculate throughout the body.
CDT involves several components. There’s manual lymphatic drainage, a stretching method comprised of rhythmic massage, gentle skin stretching and deep breathing. You may also wear bandages or compression garments to control and minimize swelling. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular efficiency, which can also help move lymph fluid back into the bloodstream.
As you work through a CDT regimen, it’s vital to maintain a regular skin care regimen. This means keeping the affected area clean and moisturized. It’s also wise to check daily for sores, lacerations and other unusual developments. Infections can develop quickly, so it’s important to catch potential problems before they become more serious. Also, do you know which blood pressure range is good for your health. and is 112 70 blood pressure is good for health or not. you can understand all the things here.
Getting Those Lymphs To Move and Getting Your Body Back
Exercise is a critical component of any lymphedema treatment program. If swelling in the impacted area makes exercise difficult, anti gravity treadmill rehabilitation may be a viable option.
AlterG, a groundbreaking technology, allows you to walk on a treadmill while minimizing gravity impacts. While on the AlterG treadmill, you wear a special pair of AlterG shorts around which the machine’s chamber zips closed. As your therapist makes appropriate adjustments, the treadmill chamber enclosed around your lower body starts supporting some of your weight. It’s like a helping hand, taking a bit of the load off your body and joints as you exercise.
Additional Treatment Options
Lymphedema can occur in nearly any part of the body, but it’s especially challenging when it develops in the pelvic region. Thankfully, there are also therapeutic solutions for these cases. Pelvic floor treatment is a common approach for conditions like incontinence and pelvic pain, and it also helps with lymphedema. This treatment targets muscles that support the bladder, bowels and reproductive system with techniques such as kegel exercises, trigger point therapy, electrical stimulation and biofeedback.
Lymphedema can make life challenging. However, you can pursue treatments that restore function, minimize swelling and help you feel better. Physical therapy is a critical part of many lymphedema treatment plans, targeting underlying mechanisms in the body that enable lymph fluid to flow normally. Complete decongestive therapy, anti-gravity treadmills and pelvic floor treatment are all impactful methods that your therapist may recommend. Your PT professional can design a personalized plan that best meets your needs.
