LYMPHEDEMA
Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that's usually drained through the body's lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, and genitals.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
- Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes
- A feeling of heaviness or tightness
- Restricted range of motion
- Recurring infections
- Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
Causes of Lymphedema
- Cancer
- Radiation treatment for cancer
- Surgery
- Parasites
How to treat Lymphedema
- Exercises.
- Manual lymph drainage.
- Compression bandages.
- Compression garments.
- Sequential pneumatic compression.
Physical therapists, specifically certified lymphedema therapists (CLT) play a vital role in the management of lymphedema. CLT’s use the gold standard to treat the swelling, which includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy with short stretch bandages and/or compression garments, gentle exercise, and patient/family education.
Our Physical Therapists will be available to assist you in reducing swelling and preventing complications caused by Lymphedema. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021
Tel. (516) 829-0030
Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420-2900
Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367-1111
Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243-0247
North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344-0030
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030
*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*
Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224-8480
Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992-2282
New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580-0125
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374687
https://aptclinics.com/2018/05/lymphedema-how-physical-therapy-can-help/
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Written by:
Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT
President
Reddy Care Physical Therapy
Reddy Care Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy