Lymphedema Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, Hartford, Tea, SD & Fulda, Jackson, Luverne, Sherburn, Worthington, MN

Lymphedema

Are Lymphedema Symptoms Hard For You To Manage?

What is Lymphedema?

It is categorized as a disease involving swelling that is usually noticed in the upper or lower extremities due to excessive build-up of lymph fluid. This also can affect the rest of your body as the lymph system can be affected anywhere in your body.

Are there areas of your body that are swollen, close, or difficult to touch? In certain cases, people with these symptoms know that they have lymphedema, in others, some education will be necessary to know where to turn for pain relief.

The lymphatic system is an important part of your immune and circulatory systems, so it may occur when it is not working properly. It’s a network of vessels that carry lymph fluid to the core.

If your lymphatic system is blocked, you can feel swelling of your arms or legs as the fluid is not able to drain properly. Improper drainage results in the build-up of lymph fluid in your arms and legs, which can pose potential health hazards if left untreated.

If you’re dealing with this condition, thankfully there are options available to you to manage your pain symptoms: physical and occupational therapy. Contact Prairie Rehabilitation today and request an appointment in Worthington Avera, Worthington Oxford, Lakefield, Jackson, Fulda, Tea, Hartford, Harrisburg, Brandon, Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls, West Sioux Falls or Central Sioux Falls; let us help you find the relief you deserve.

Causes and symptoms of lymphedema

There are two categories of lymphedema: primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema.

Both of these conditions are difficult to deal with, but they occur for different reasons.

Primary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is either hereditary or develops on its own. The cause of primary lymphedema is not always apparent. Your primary care physician may want to take additional imaging tests to look at your lymphatic system and to rule out any potential conditions. These tests can include MRI scanning, CT scanning, Doppler ultrasound, or lymphoscintigraphy.

Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema occurs as a result of a disease or disorder. It can also happen after a person is treated for cancer; oftentimes during surgical treatments, lymph nodes are weakened or removed entirely. Lymphedema can also be the product of surgical procedure involving lymph nodes.

The most common causes of secondary lymphedema include: Infection, Radiation treatment for Cancer, Surgical removal of lymph nodes (Cancer treatment), and Surgery

Symptoms of lymphedema typically occur in the arms and legs. Pain levels vary from moderate (noting slight changes or sensations in your limbs) to serious (noticing extreme changes or feelings in your limbs, to the point where they may be difficult to use).

Lymphedema can often take months or even years to develop as a result of cancer treatment.

The following symptoms of lymphedema are pretty common, and if you’re experiencing them, it’s important to contact a therapist as soon as possible: Restricted range of motion, Heaviness/tightness, Aching/discomfort, Fibrosis, Infections, and Swelling

Lymphedema management through physical or occupational therapy

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While there is no cure for this disease, physical and occupational therapy are healthy and natural ways to treat lymphedema symptoms. Physical therapists and occupational therapists are trained movement experts who can use a variety of strategies to help ease your discomfort and show you how to reduce the frequency of your symptoms at home.

At Prairie Rehabilitation in South Dakota and Minnesota, our physical therapist or occupational therapist will complete a comprehensive review of your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to treat your particular case of lymphedema.

This plan will focus on your physical examination, your health history, and the severity of your symptoms. A typical therapy plan focuses on the education of the processes to be followed during therapy. Treatment typically includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression, decongestive exercises, and meticulous skin care.  You will be educated on self-treatment for manual lymphatic drainage and compression as well as how to manage your symptoms. Recommendations for compression options will be made following the decongestion of lymphedema. Manual lymph drainage is a gentle technique that stimulates the lymph system. Compression increases tissue pressure to prevent re-accumulation of the fluid. Decongestive exercises are performed to increase the effects of the muscles to move the lymph.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists may use manual therapy as one method to help manage your pain and symptoms. One particular form of manual therapy, referred to as manual lymphatic drainage, is widely used in patients with lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage facilitates the flow of lymph fluid in the upper and lower extremities. This can also be followed by additional massages to improve circulation and offer relaxation.

Your exercise routine, developed by one of our South Dakota and Minnesota physical therapists or occupational therapists, will include gentle muscle contractions to restore your function and increase your range of motion. Exercise of the affected limb(s) also often promotes drainage of lymph fluids.

Any of these include circulation disorders, infections, and the risk for possible injury. It is really important to be treated for lymphedema and to follow up on a regular basis with your doctor and your Prairie Rehabilitation physical or occupational therapist to ensure that your condition does not worsen.

Additional treatments, such as wrapping, compression, or complete decongestive therapy may also be added to your treatment care plan as your Prairie Rehabilitation physical therapist or occupational therapist deems fit.

See What Our Patients Are Saying About Our Prairie Rehabilitation Clinics

I was referred to Prairie Rehab after being diagnosed with lymphedema in my arm. Michelle was great with explaining my condition, treatment and how to do my therapy and home care.

– Tricia J.

Get the relief you’ve been searching for

Lymphedema may currently be ruling your life, but it doesn’t have to be this way forever.

If you are struggling with lymphedema and are looking for help, your journey to regain control of your life with lymphedema begins here. Call us at (888) 372-2629 or click here to make an appointment at one of our clinics today in Worthington Avera, Worthington Oxford, Lakefield, Jackson, Fulda, Tea, Hartford, Harrisburg, Brandon, Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls, West Sioux Falls or Central Sioux Falls. Prairie Rehabilitation can help to reduce the effects of your lymphedema and improve your everyday life.

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOUR HEALTH GOALS! GET STARTED TODAY!