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Lymphedema & Physical Therapy Treatments

Lymphedema is defined as swelling in your arms or legs that stems from a blockage in the lymphatic system that stops the lymph fluid in your limbs from draining correctly. As more and more lymph fluid builds up, the swelling will get worse. Though no cure for the condition exists, with the proper care, lymphedema's symptoms can be controlled.

  1. Exercise

    • Since lymphedema's symptoms can only be controlled and not cured, it is important to take diligent care of the affected limb or limbs. If you engage in light exercise that moves the arm or leg affected by lymphedema, it may aid the flow of lymph fluid.

      It is essential that you engage in light exercise only. Strenuous exercise will only make the affected limb tired. Your physical therapist will help you learn exercises that are designed to gently contract the muscles, thereby pushing the lymph fluid out of the area.

      Your physical therapist may also wrap your affected limb in bandages to help push the lymph fluid out and into your body. The therapist will teach you that when wrapping your leg or arm, start at the toes or fingers, wrapping tightest there. As you continue to wrap the leg or arm, wrap looser and looser, so the tightest point is around your fingers or toes.

    Massage Therapy

    • A massage technique named manual lymph drainage can help move lymph fluid out of your affected limbs. The technique involves gentle hand strokes that aim to guide the fluid back into the lymph nodes where it can then drain. However, if you have certain issues like blood clots, cancer, heart issues or skin infections, it is not advisable to seek out massage as a course of therapy. Talk to your physical therapist about whether manual lymph drainage is the proper approach for you.

    Other Treatment

    • Sometimes your therapist may recommend pneumatic compression where a sleeve is placed over your arm or leg. A pump will then inflate the sleeve, placing pressure on your limb, once again with the goal of moving the lymph fluid away from your limbs. A compression garment, like a sock or sleeve works in a similar fashion. However, your doctor may suggest you wear these garments once swelling has gone down, to keep the lymph fluid from returning.

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