Were you recently diagnosed with lymphedema? You might not immediately realize this, but taking advantage of physical therapy in Edgewater, NJ, could serve as the key to helping you find relief.
Lymphedema is a condition that causes lymph fluid to build up in different parts of the body. This can result in extensive swelling, most notably in the arms and legs. It can also lead to pain, reduced mobility, numbness, itchiness, reddening of the skin, and other symptoms.
Lymphedema physical therapy may minimize symptoms and even make some of them disappear altogether. Find out how Exchange Physical Therapy Group can help below.
The Benefits of Lymphedema Physical Therapy
Physical therapists often employ a specific form of therapy called complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to help those with lymphedema. It’s a non-invasive treatment that combines manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression garments, exercise, and more to thwart lymphedema symptoms.
Here are the benefits of utilizing lymphedema physical therapy.
Stops Lymph Fluid From Building Up in the Body
Swelling reduction is the goal regardless of which lymphedema treatment option you choose. Lymphedema physical therapy can help stop lymph fluid from building up in your body and stop swelling from setting in.
Manual lymph drainage is a key component of physical therapy for managing lymphedema symptoms. This involves a physical therapist performing a gentle massage to remove lymph fluid from the arms, legs, and any other parts of the body impacted by the condition.
Improves Lymphatic Flow To Keep Lymph Fluid Moving
Ideally, you want to keep lymph fluid moving throughout your body to stop it from building up in your arms, legs, etc., in the first place. Physical therapy can make this possible by providing you with an exercise program designed to improve the lymphatic flow within your body.
These aerobic exercises can help improve your breathing, flexibility, posture, and strength. This can work wonders for your body’s lymphatic flow and prevent swelling from becoming a huge problem.
Uses Compression Therapy To Reduce Swelling
You’ll receive more than just massages and exercise tips during lymphedema physical therapy. You’ll also get access to compression therapy, which is yet another method used to control and treat lymphedema.
Compression therapy involves applying bandages to different parts of the body to provide added resistance to the muscles and skin. This helps reduce swelling without requiring much effort on your part.
Encourages Lifestyle Modifications To Strengthen the Lymphatic System
Exercising and taking full advantage of everything lymphedema physical therapy has to offer are just two options you have when trying to strengthen your lymphatic system. There is also a wide range of other lifestyle modifications you can put in place to make your lymphatic system even stronger.
You’ll learn about the different modifications you can make to improve your lifestyle and, in turn, your lymphatic system. They include:
- Drinking more water
- Eating a well-balanced diet with an emphasis on consuming more fruits and vegetables along with healthy fats
- Reducing stress levels
- Steering clear of tight-fitting clothing and shoes
- Practicing better skin care and hygiene
A physical therapist who specializes in treating those with lymphedema can provide additional insight into the steps you can take to improve your body’s lymphatic system. Combining the above with the right physical therapy ensures you are taking the most holistic approach.
Give Us a Call To Help Treat Lymphedema Using Physical Therapy
If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphedema, you’ve probably already experienced just how debilitating it can be at times. You might face mobility issues and find yourself at an increased risk of certain infections.
Taking the time to seek lymphedema physical therapy treatment could prevent this condition from taking such a major toll on your physical health. Physical therapy can also help those suffering from other painful conditions like arthritis.Would you like to make an appointment with a physical therapist you can trust? Contact Exchange Physical Therapy Group today.
