Lymphedema: An Overview of Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Strategies

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. 

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. 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

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

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

 In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1  Resource 2  

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy 

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.