Lymphedema of the Upper Extremities Can be Painful – Physical Therapy Can Help
Upper extremities lymphedema can make daily life activities extremely difficult, as it can be a painful challenge to reach, grab, and lift with ease.
While lymphedema can occur in different parts of the body, upper extremities lymphedema is among the most common.
The condition of lymphedema is caused by disruption or blockage of the lymphatic system due to cancer, surgery, radiation, infection, and in some instances, genetics.
Fortunately, at Blue Ridge Physical Therapy, we have certified lymphedema Johnson City, TN physical therapists on staff who specialize in the treatment of upper extremities lymphedema.
If you are suffering from this condition and are searching for safe and effective treatment methods, contact our Johnson City, TN physical therapy office today to request an appointment.
Request Appointment Call Us (423) 262-0020Garment fitting – a common solution for upper extremities
Lymphedema
You may be wondering, “how will physical therapy help with my lymphedema?” According to ChoosePT,
“Your physical therapist will serve as an important member of your health care team and will work closely with you to design a treatment program to help control the swelling and meet your goals for returning to your activities.”
There are a variety of treatments for upper extremities lymphedema that may be used depending on the severity of the condition.
At Blue Ridge Physical Therapy, we take upper extremities lymphedema garment fitting very seriously. Through wrapping and compression techniques, it can become much more comfortable for you to use your hands and arms with ease once again, without noticing pain.
Wrapping
Your physical therapist may suggest bandaging the entire limb, in order to encourage the lymph fluid to flow evenly throughout the lymphatic system.
With wrapping, the bandage typically is at its tightest around your fingers and loosens up as it moves up your arm.
Compression
Compression is similar to wrapping, in that it helps to prevent the re-accumulation of lymphatic fluid.
However, it has some slight differences. Pneumatic compression is a special sleeve that is worn on the affected region that is connected to a pump.
This pump will periodically inflate, putting pressure on the limb, and allowing the lymph fluid to circulate away from the affected area.
Compression garments, such as long sleeves, can also be worn when exercising the affected limb to encourage additional flow of the lymph fluid during physical activity.
Your physical therapist may suggest a custom-made compression garment, which he or she will assist in fitting.
How can I get started?
Upper extremities lymphedema can be painful and debilitating, but Blue Ridge Physical Therapy is here to help.
Your upper extremities garment fitting and any additional treatments will be determined upon a thorough physical evaluation, analysis of medical history, and discussion of symptoms, in order to determine what will work best for you.
If you have been diagnosed with upper extremities lymphedema, contact Blue Ridge Physical Therapy today to find out how our specialized upper extremities lymphedema garment fitting and therapy program will help reduce your symptoms and improve your daily life.
Don’t live in discomfort – find relief with us!
