Lymphedema Therapy Treatment

The team at Banner Health is here to help create a personalized treatment plan for lymphedema. If lymphedema formed after your lymph nodes were removed or after your cancer treatment, the trained experts can assist with both rehabilitation and recovery with lymphedema treatment therapy. 

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms and legs or just one arm or leg, due to a block in the lymphatic system. This usually occurs after the lymph nodes are removed, or damaged, pertaining to cancer treatment. 

Types of Lymphedema

There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema occurs on its own while secondary lymphedema is caused by other conditions or diseases. Secondary lymphedema is more common than primary.

Edema is a condition related to lymphedema. Edema occurs when excess fluid collects in tissues and causes swelling. Edema treatment is often different from lymphedema treatment.

What Is Lymphedema Treatment?

Lymphedema therapy treatment is prescribed by your doctor to help drain and reduce the swelling. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Compression garments - compression socks or sleeves
• Manual compression – this type of therapy can assist with drainage through different massage techniques
• Exercises – ensuring movement in the legs or arm is crucial to keeping these extremities stimulated

While surgery can help with the drainage of lymphedema, there is no cure to completely remove lymphedema. 

Who Can Benefit from Lymphedema Therapy Treatment?

Many cancer patients who have had their lymph nodes removed can benefit from this therapy treatment. Other patients who have had radiation therapy, breast cancer, traumatic injuries and more may also be at risk for lymphedema and can benefit from lymphedema therapy treatment. 

Benefits of Lymphedema Treatment

When it comes to therapy treatment for lymphedema, benefits can include:

• Reduced swelling
• Increased mobility in the affected area
• Reduced pain
• And more

While lymphedema is not completely curable, therapy treatment is a good option to control the swelling and reduce pain and the risk of infection.

What to Expect from Lymphedema Treatment

During lymphedema therapy treatment, you can expect the therapist to ask questions about your medical background and when the lymphedema started. Once the initial assessment is complete, the therapist can manually stretch and massage the affected area to help move the fluid. 

What Happens After Therapy? 

After therapy, your therapist will have you continue your exercises at home as part of taking care of the affected area. If any issues arise after therapy, reach out to your doctor or therapist with any questions.

Banner Physical Therapy is ready to help get your lymphedema under control with therapy treatment. Reach out to the experts today to start treatment and find lymphedema clinics near you.