Skip to content

Lymphedema

Lymphedema treatment in Oklahoma City's Physical Therapy Central is designed to reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms through a combination of special therapies and exercises.

These treatments are provided by expert physical therapists in an outpatient setting. The earlier lymphedema is treated, the better the results.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can occur anywhere across the body and is most common in the arms or legs. Normally, lymph vessels exist throughout the body to transmit lymph fluid, which is a part of our immune system. Lymph fluid gets filtered by lymph nodes to remove toxins so that clean fluid makes it back into blood circulation. With lymphedema, the fluid does not reach blood circulation and instead collects in the body.  

What Causes Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can be broken into two different causes: primary and secondary lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema happens because of gene mutations that damage the lymphatic system whereas secondary lymphedema happens from damage from an outside source. An example of a cause of secondary lymphedema is a mastectomy or a surgery to remove cancer in breast tissue. Surgery, infection, and radiation can destroy the lymphatic vessels and remove the lymph nodes in the area, and lymph fluid is unable to pass through.

Signs and Symptoms Of Lymphedema

You or someone you know may have lymphedema if there is swelling on one particular part of the body rather than others and only on one side. This may be accompanied by difficulty moving that body part, heaviness, skin tightness, and even skin thickening. The skin over the affected body part may also be red or warm. These signs of lymphedema happen gradually over time and are more likely to develop in people with recent surgery, infection, or in people with obesity. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, you should have a professional examine the area.

How A Physical Therapist Can Help

Physical therapists that are trained in treating lymphedema will offer compression garments, hands-on treatment, exercises, and elevation strategies to reduce the swelling of your affected arm or leg. Complete decongestive therapy for moderate to severe forms of lymphedema involves light massaging techniques, gentle mobility exercises, and teaching patients how to use compression garments appropriately and change them throughout the day. Your therapist will measure your limb throughout treatment to ensure you are improving and adjust the plan to account for your progress.

Our Oklahoma Lymphedema Treatment Locations

We see patients throughout central Oklahoma for lymphedema treatments. Our clinics can be found in a variety of locations that are convenient for anyone suffering from this painful condition. PT Central’s service radius includes Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Norman, and many surrounding areas.

PT Central will contact your insurance carrier for you during your initial appointment to obtain detailed information about your coverage. Medicare and most insurance companies cover much of the cost of Lymphedema treatment.

The PT Central Difference

4.9 out of 5 Stars Google Reviews

Get high-quality care from top area specialists.

State of the Art Facilities

Experience cutting-edge treatment from compassionate therapists.

More Board Certified Experts

Experience high-quality care from a team you can trust.

Lymphedema Treatment Locations

Ada – Physical Therapy Central

1188 North Hills Centre
Ada, OK 74820
View Location

Ardmore – Physical Therapy Central

2015 W Broadway St
Unit 3A
Ardmore, OK 73401
View Location

Bethany – Physical Therapy Central

8006 Northwest 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008
View Location

Blanchard – Physical Therapy Central

845 E. Veterans Memorial Hwy
Blanchard, OK 73010
View Location

Chickasha – Physical Therapy Central

304 South 29th Street
Chickasha, OK 73018
View Location

Choctaw – Physical Therapy Central

14890 SE 29th Street
Suite 101
Choctaw, OK 73020
View Location

Davis – Physical Therapy Central

201 W. Main St.
Davis, OK 73030
View Location

Deer Creek – Physical Therapy Central

7115 NW 150th
Suite 4
Oklahoma City, OK 73142
View Location

Edmond East – Physical Therapy Central

3633 E 2nd St
Edmond, OK 73034
View Location

Edmond North – Physical Therapy Central

1260 West Covell Road
Ste 100
Edmond, OK 73003
View Location

Edmond West – Physical Therapy Central

15101 Lleytons Ct
Edmond, OK 73013
View Location

Elk City – Physical Therapy Central

1007 N. Main
Suite 102
Elk City, OK 73644
View Location

Guthrie – Physical Therapy Central

108 West Harrison Avenue
Guthrie, OK 73044
View Location

Kingfisher – Physical Therapy Central

105 North Main Street
Kingfisher, OK 73750
View Location

Lindsay – Physical Therapy Central

301 East Cherokee Street
Lindsay, OK 73052
View Location

Midwest City – Physical Therapy Central

1124 South Douglas Blvd
Midwest City, OK 73130
View Location

Moore West – Physical Therapy Central

11521 S Western Avenue
Suite A
Oklahoma City, OK 73179
View Location

Mustang – Physical Therapy Central

433 E Hwy 152
Suite 101
Mustang, OK 73064
View Location

Newcastle – Physical Therapy Central

3699 Northwest 32nd Street
Newcastle, OK 73065
View Location

Nichols Hills – Physical Therapy Central

6600 N. Olie Avenue
Suite B
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
View Location

Noble – Physical Therapy Central

307 North Main Street
Noble, OK 73068
View Location

Norman – Physical Therapy Central

440 Merchant Drive
Norman, OK 73069
View Location

Norman West – Physical Therapy Central

2821 36th Avenue Northwest
Suite 130
Norman, OK 73072
View Location

Oklahoma City Midtown – Physical Therapy Central

815 NW 12th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
View Location

Oklahoma City South – Physical Therapy Central

8200 S Walker Ave
Suite 103
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
View Location

Oklahoma City Southeast – Physical Therapy Central

6001 South Sooner Road
Suite D
Oklahoma City, OK 73135
View Location

Oklahoma City Southwest – Physical Therapy Central

10740 South May Avenue
Suite 111
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
View Location

Pauls Valley – Physical Therapy Central

34637 Airline Road
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
View Location

Shawnee – Physical Therapy Central

3930 North Kickapoo Street
Shawnee, OK 74804
View Location

St. Anthony North – Physical Therapy Central

6201 North Santa Fe Avenue
Suite 1000
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
View Location

Stillwater – Physical Therapy Central

1405 South Western Road
Stillwater, OK 74074
View Location

Oklahoma City Village – Physical Therapy Central

10908-C N May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
View Location

Yukon – Physical Therapy Central

800 Garth Brooks Boulevard
Suite 115
Yukon, OK 73099
View Location

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

Have more questions? Contact Us

People in Oklahoma City, Edmond & Surrounding Cities Trust PT Central

Hear from some of our 960+ 5-Star Reviews

This is what every physical therapy experience is supposed to be. Hands-on. Intelligent. Caring.

5 stars

Allen L.

PT Central Patient

PT Central has the greatest therapists! The staff is kind, welcoming, and thoughtful. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

5 stars

Vicki O.

PT Central Patient

If you’re looking for someone caring to help get you back to normal... you must come to PT Central.

5 stars

Tierra G.

PT Central Patient

I will always come to PT Central. If I could, I would rate it more than 5 Stars. These people deserve a higher rating.

5 stars

Joyan M.

PT Central Patient

This is the best experience I've ever had. They're extremely knowledgeable and truly care about helping people.

5 stars

Jake B.

PT Central Patient
Schedule Now