How Complete Diagnostic Therapy Can Help You Manage Lymphedema in 2023

Lymphedema is caused by alterations (mutations) in genes that are responsible for the development of the lymphatic system. These faulty genes cause a failure in the part of the lymphatic system that is responsible for draining fluid.

It is commonly associated with cancer treatment but an infection, such as cellulitis, which damages the tissue around the lymphatic system, can also cause lymphedema. Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms.

Symptoms of lymphedema include a part of the body, like an arm or leg, developing swelling that gets bigger over time. The part of the area that is lymphatic develops a tightness and can also be accompanied by a tingling feeling. The arm or leg that is lymphatic can feel heavier than normal and the skin can take on a thick or leathery appearance. A good physical therapy clinic can help to alleviate the symptoms associated with lymphedema by engaging in diagnostic therapy.

Effects Decongestive Exercise

Complete decongestive therapy is a non-invasive treatment for lymphedema. This type of therapy involves a variety of techniques, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise and skin care. Decongestive remedial exercises are those that involve active, non-resistant movements that follow a specific order from proximal to distal and back proximally.

Diagnostic therapy is effectively a method of treating lymphedema that involves coming at the problem in a lot of different ways. The use of compression bandages and garments in tandem with sequential pneumatic compression and exercises has proven to be effective in mitigating the effects of lymphedema. Physical therapists work with patients and their doctors to advise the proper course of treatment.

How Lymphatic Drainage Helps

The folks who practice physical therapy Evansville, Indiana know that lymphatic drainage is an effective method of treatment. Therapists who are trained in this massage-like technique use very light pressure to move the trapped fluid in the swollen limb toward an area with working lymph vessels. Though this type of treatment is incredibly helpful, it should be avoided if the patient has blood clots, a skin infection or an active cancer presence in the affected limb.

How Compression Garments Help

Compression garments are close-fitting elastic sleeves or stockingsthat compress the arm or leg to encourage lymph fluid drainage. Such garmens usually require a prescription to ensure that the proper amount of compression is used. Using low-stretch bandages to wrap the entire limb encourages lymph fluid to flow back toward the trunk of the body. 

Lymphedema – that build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissue just under the skin – can range from uncomfortable to dangerous. Severe cases can affect the ability to move the affected limb, increase the risk of skin infection and sepsis and lead to skin changes and breakdowns. Whether you’re looking for physical therapy Madisonville, Kentucky or Roswell, New Mexico, its benefits are undeniable. Visit a health and wellness store to get supplements that can help you with lymphatic symptoms. Visit a physical therapist today to get the treatment that will help you to better manage and live comfortably with your lymphedema symptoms tomorrow.