Have swelling in your arms or legs that makes doing normal daily activities difficult? Are you also feeling pain in the affected limb(s)? If you answered yes, you’re likely one of the people in Jacksonville, North Carolina, affected by lymphedema.
Unfortunately, you’re not alone in dealing with this condition. It’s estimated that more than 90% of patients who have treatment for head or neck cancer develop lymphedema. Physical therapists are trained in techniques that can help patients with this condition. Additionally, they can create a lymphedema therapy plan for you that’s designed to reduce your symptoms.
What causes lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an incurable condition that causes chronic swelling of your body parts, hardening of your skin, and an increased likelihood of infection in the arms and legs. This condition can have many causes, including:
- Lymph node removal surgeries
- Genetic defects in lymphatic system
- Damage caused by injuries
- Radiation treatments for cancer
What’s involved in lymphedema therapy?
Lymphedema therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on reducing the painful swelling in the arms and legs. While it cannot cure the condition, this type of therapy can help treat its symptoms and improve your quality of life. It can also help you return to a more active lifestyle.
Physical therapists can treat lymphedema with a personalized treatment plan, which can include many beneficial therapy methods. Some of the techniques your therapy plan could use are:
- Soft tissue mobilization techniques
- Therapeutic exercises to improve lymph flow
- Education on using wraps and other devices to improve your symptoms
- Virtual therapy that allows you to talk and work with your physical therapist from home
Peak Performance offers lymphedema therapy in Jacksonville
Ready to find effective treatment for your lymphedema nearby? Our physical therapists at Peak Performance in Jacksonville are ready and willing to help you find the care you need. We offer free screenings that can help us learn how lymphedema is affecting you. Our team is also adept at building individualized therapy plans intended to reduce your symptoms and improve your ability to move.
Don’t have a doctor’s referral for physical therapy? That’s OK! Our team doesn’t require that you have a recommendation from your doctor before beginning your therapy with us.
Contact us today for more information about all the therapy services we offer or to schedule your free screening.
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