Lymphedma: Causes, Symptoms,Physical Therapy Treatment

Lymphedema is a condition in which thelymphatic system of the body is unable toproperly transport lymph fluid from thetissue spaces back to the blood stream,leading to swelling in the limbs, trunk,genitalia, head, neck, or anywhere thereis lymphatic tissue. Protein-rich lymphaticfluid is different than typical edema orswelling and can only be drained by thelymphatic vessels.  Because lymphedemais often mechanical in nature (meaningthe structure of the lymphatic system iscompromised), lymphedema is a life-longcondition.  Finding and addressing lymphedemaearly helps ensure faster, more successfuloutcomes. However, individuals withchronic lymphedema can also benefitsignificantly from physical therapyinterventions.  There is no cure, but the condition can bemanaged successfully.

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What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema has a variety of causes includingbut not limited to: trauma, surgical intervention(ex: lymph node removal during surgery for breastor other cancers), heredity, infection, radiationtreatment, or late effects of cardiovasculardisease. Surgical removal of lymph nodes near theaxilla (armpit) due to breast cancer is the mostcommon cause of lymphedema in the UnitedStates; undergoing radiation after this surgeryincreases the likelihood of developinglymphedema.

Find a Physical Therapist near you using PT Locator at ptl.womenhshealthapta.orgFor more educational resources, please visit www.womenshealthapta.org/patients

What causes Lymphedema?

What are the symptomsof lymphedema?

Lymphedma: Causes, Symptoms,Physical Therapy Treatment

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Swelling is the main symptom of lymphedema,which is often localized to one body region or limb. Swelling may also be caused by other organ systems(especially the heart and kidneys) or musculoskeletalinjury.  A detailed examination performed by ahealthcare provider will determine the cause of theswelling and the appropriate treatment.  Othersymptoms of lymphedema include recurrentinfections, pain, heaviness or hardening of theaffected limb, and swollen lymph nodes.

Lymphedma: Causes, Symptoms,Physical Therapy Treatment

Find a Physical Therapist near you using PT Locator at ptl.womenhshealthapta.orgFor more educational resources, please visit www.womenshealthapta.org/patients

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Physical therapists who are specially trained can helpindividuals with lymphedema regain function andmovement.  Treatment includes manual lymphaticdrainage, compression bandaging, and movement. Guidance on compression garments, exercise and skincare for management at home in also provided forwhen therapy is discontinued.

How can physical therapy help?

Who should be referred to alymphedema-trained physicaltherapist for lymphedematherapy? Those with...

Swelling in the arm or leg after treatment forcancerTrouble getting jewelry on (rings, watches,bracelets) or having sleeve garments fit correctlyLack of knowledge about the condition andprevention of lymphedema“Pitting” in the tissues (where an indentation ismade by a finger or pressure to the area whichthen takes time to ‘fill in’ after the pressure isremoved)

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