Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphedema is a chronic condition in which excess fluid collects in the body's tissues, rather than flowing and draining normally. It may be caused by a genetic abnormality or by damage to the lymphatic system caused by an injury, cancer treatment, surgery or other disorder.
Lymphedema often affects one arm or leg, but sometimes affects both, and can also occur in the head, neck, pelvis, genitals and torso. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness or tightness, swelling and, occasionally, pain.
If you have lymphedema, there are specific therapeutic treatments that can often help reduce the swelling and allow you to obtain relief and regain function.
You may be at risk for lymphedema if you have had any of the following:
- Cancer surgery that included the removal of lymph nodes
- Radiation treatments
- Swelling for the first time months, or even years, after cancer surgery/treatment
- Swelling that resulted from an airplane ride
- Orthopedic surgery
- Wounds or radiation burn
- Vascular disorders/venous insufficiency
Learning about precautions you can take to prevent lymphedema, and how to manage and treat this condition, is part of the therapy process. A therapist will show you how to use compression sleeves and socks and how to self-treat with massage.
A physician order is required for therapy.