Lymphedema is a painful, chronic illness that causes swelling due to the accumulation of fluid. Most of the patients get it as a result of lymphatic system damage caused by life-saving cancer treatment.
Our experts at Kent Chiro-Med can help you in managing lymphedema and avoid complications. We provide cutting-edge physiotherapy and chiropractic care to manage the symptoms. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Our expert Chiropractors and Physiotherapists at Kent Chiro-Med Wellness Clinic (downtown Ottawa) routinely diagnose and treat patients suffering from lymphedema. Many patients rely on our expertise to achieve the following rehabilitation goals:
Lymphedema can be a hereditary condition. Sometimes, it is also caused by lymph vessel blockages resulting from an infection, malignancy, or scar tissue after radiation therapy.
You are more likely to develop lymphedema if you:
Lymphedema is classified into two types: primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema. The causes of both of these are different:
Primary lymphedema is caused by mutations in genes that develop the lymphatic system. It is mostly a hereditary condition.
Secondary lymphedema often occurs after a person has been treated for cancer. The treatment often damages lymph nodes that can result in lymphedema. Some of the most common causes of secondary lymphedema are surgery for cancer, radiotherapy, infections, inflammation, venous disease, obesity, trauma, and immobility.
Our compassionate physiotherapists offer comprehensive, patient-centered care for the treatment of lymphedema.
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists are experts in physical therapy. Depending on your conditions, we can prepare a comprehensive treatment plan for addressing different issues.
We are equipped with advanced technology for the treatment and management of lymphedema.
Our physiotherapists are certified and trained to manage your condition. We ensure that you get the right treatment for your condition.
Treatment for lymphedema varies from physical therapy to exercises, depending on your situation
For moderate to severe lymphedema, decongestion lymphedema therapy is used. This treatment mobilizes lymph and reduces fibrosclerotic tissue.DLT is performed in two steps; the first step involves manual lymphatic drainage and gentle massage followed by the second step that involves compression bandaging.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, skin-stretching massage that promotes lymphatic fluid circulation away from the swollen limb. It is different from conventional massage and focuses only on the lymph vessels to facilitate the movement of lymphatic fluid. This can be supplemented with more massages to encourage relaxation and enhance circulation.
Your physiotherapist may recommend a compression garment to reduce swelling. We advise our patients the following while using compression garments.
We recommend certain exercises for our Lymphedema patients to stimulate their muscles, boost lymph flow, and transport lymph fluid away from the swollen spot. These exercises can also help in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing lymphedema swelling. Your joints remain flexible and your range of motion is enhanced. These exercises can also improve self esteem and reduce anxiety. Depending on your particular situation, our physiotherapist can recommend which exercise you should do and how many times a day you should perform those exercises.
Pressure therapy is a treatment method that uses compressed air pumps. These compressed air pumps are used to apply pressure to limbs with edema.
Gentle massage can also help in reducing discomfort in the affected area. When regularly done, it can help in improving mobility and reducing swelling in the affected area.
There’s no single answer to it. As each person is unique with different symptoms and conditions, the treatment plan will also vary.
Physiotherapy is a safe and natural technique to treat the symptoms of lymphedema. Although lymphedema can’t be cured, its symptoms can be managed with proper care.
Recovering your muscle strength after lymphedema therapy is a time-taking process.
To get the best possible treatment:
Ready for your first treatment? Don’t delay any further.
