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.