Manage Lymphedema Through Effective Physical Therapy

Lymphedema is something that most physical therapy clinics don’t treat or don’t specialize in. Dr. Evelyn Mora at Healers of Motion Physical Therapy, has been highly focused on this particular area of physical therapy for over 10 years. She has received training and certification in the Leduc method of treatment, and has helped countless patients find relief from their symptoms. She is able to assist in helping live a more normal, pain free life with lymphedema.

Dr. Mora is known for her skillful techniques, genuine care and concern, and her wealth of knowledge and expertise in this area. If you’re looking for the best quality physical therapy for lymphedema related conditions, you’ll be glad you found Healers of Motion. We’re here to provide the best care we possibly can to each and every patient we treat.

So let’s talk more about just what the lymphatic system and lymphedema are.

Generally, the lymphatic system doesn’t receive a ton of attention — that is, until it becomes a problem and symptoms of lymphedema arise. However, this system is crucial for optimal functioning of your immune system and body.

“Within the lymphatic system, lymph fluid flows through hundreds of lymph nodes, filtering out foreign substances. Lymphedema happens when the lymph nodes become damaged or are removed as part of cancer treatment. This causes swelling in either the arms or legs, or sometimes, both. And this can lead to various health complications, such as infections” explains Dr. Evelyn Mora, owner of Healers of Motion Physical Therapy.

However, there’s good news: Physical therapy has helped countless individuals with lymphedema, improving their quality of life and helping them get back to the activities they know and love. In this article, we’re going to examine exactly how physical therapy helps manage and treat lymphedema. So, let’s take a closer look! 

Understanding Lymphedema

According to various research, lymphedema impacts about 1 in 1000 Americans. The most common cause of lymphedema is due to damage from surgery, radiation therapy, or a serious injury. Yet, it may take several months or even years until a person experiences lymphedema. 

The symptoms of lymphedema include: 

● Swelling of the arms and/or legs 

● Heaviness or tightness in the arms and/or legs 

● Reduced range of motion 

● Multiple infections 

● Skin thickening or hardening (fibrosis) 

You might also notice that clothing or accessories, such as watches, become more tight and uncomfortable on the arms or legs. 

“Yet, just because you’re experiencing these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them! Lymphedema can be treated or managed, and physical therapy can play a huge part” says Mora. 

Physical Therapy & Lymphedema

Physical therapy uses several techniques to help manage lymphedema. Specifically, at Healers of Motion, our team uses the following treatment methods:

1. Exercise

Movement is a key piece in most physical therapy treatment protocols. Typically, you’ll receive a customized exercise plan suited to you and your needs. In fact, studies show that exercise helps increase range of motion in the affected limbs and improves quality of life for individuals with lymphedema, without aggravating symptoms. 

Essentially, movement helps guide fluid away from the affected body area, reducing swelling and associated symptoms. For your exercise program, you’ll work with your physical therapist to determine what movements are right for you and your specific situation. 

2. Wraps

Wraps, or compression garments, can help with daily and mild swelling, encouraging fluid to move toward the trunk of the body. Your physical therapist may further use wraps to maintain decreased swelling achieved via other techniques or exercises used. 

Ideally, the wrap or bandage is tight around your hands or toes (the farthest point from the center of the body) and looser as it moves up your arm or leg. For at-home use, your physical therapist will show you how to properly wrap your limbs to reduce or minimize swelling caused by lymphedema. 

3. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is an intervention used to help the body move fluid that has built up in certain areas. At Healers of Motion Physical Therapy, Dr Evelyn Mora specializes in lymphatic drainage, helping move any built-up fluid. Many individuals can benefit from manual lymphatic drainage to redistribute fluid in the body and decrease symptoms such as pain, swelling, and loss of motion. 

Before this technique is applied, Dr. Mora will perform a thorough assessment, ensuring this method is right for you. Then gentle pressure and gentle sweeping movements are used to encourage movement of fluid from the limbs back to the trunk of the body. This frequently results in decreased pain, improved range of motion, and reduced swelling.

Why choose Healers of Motion Physical Therapy

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of lymphedema, Dr. Evelyn Mora and the team at Healers of Motion Physical Therapy are here to help. We deliver results through high quality therapy. We work with many facilities in the area who know and trust us because of the results we deliver.

Contact us at 954-861-0252 to book your appointment today. Get back to feeling your best, without swelling and pain holding you back.