Lymphedema

 

Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium which cause chronic inflammation, hardening, and scarring of tissue (fibrosis), and rapid increase of adipose tissue on the affected areas.

Edema versus Lymphedema: edema is a symptom of underlying disease like kidney problems, heart failure, liver cirrhosis and other causes such as pregnancy, injury and medications. Lymphedema is a disease and always in high protein triggering low-grade inflammation and fibrosis.

The gold standard of treatment of lymphedema is CDT: MLD (manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, and skin care. In addition, self-care, nutritional, psychological and exercises along with CDT will assist in lymphedema management.

 

Swelling of your extremities is gradual, and it affects your balance and the ability to walk. If these are not addressed well; it could lead to immobility, multiple surgeries, walking, and functional limitations.

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WA Physical Therapy Specialist can help you prevent the above risks. You can call us with or without your referral for a consultation. Our first step is to gather facts about the injury. Then, we will perform specific and sensitive variables to the disease you are experiencing, measure and observe your mobility, and identify what could be causing your disease. Finally, we will develop a plan of care specific to your conditions and establish functional goals to attain your optimum quality of life. 

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We apply the gold standard of lymphedema treatment CDT (Complete decongestive therapy) to facilitate independence, optimum healing, and function improvement. It comprises manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, skin care, exercises, behavioral therapy, nutrition, and compression stockings.

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