How to reduce lymphedema swelling in your arm with physical therapy

Your arm is swollen and aching. It’s harder to move it normally. Your skin has become harder and thicker. All these symptoms are signs that you have a condition called lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema is caused by other medical conditions, such as cancer. Studies report that secondary lymphedema affects 1 in every 1,000 Americans. 

Physical therapy is one treatment option that can help treat lymphedema. Your therapist will work to reduce the swelling in your arm; they can also help improve arm range of motion and help reduce your discomfort. Many therapy methods can be useful for reducing lymphedema swelling in your arm. However, three techniques could be particularly helpful for you. 

Three physical therapy techniques that can reduce lymphedema swelling in your arm

By itself, one therapy technique is less likely to help reduce lymphedema swelling in your arm. This is why your therapist will develop a treatment plan for you that includes multiple therapy methods. Three methods that are particularly helpful for lymphedema include: 

• Manual therapy — A manual therapy technique called manual lymph drainage (MLD) is often used to help lymphedema patients. This therapy method involves therapists manipulating the soft tissue in the arm. They will also move your arm into positions that encourage lymph drainage. One study reports that six weeks of MLD led to an almost 15% decrease in the arm volume of participants with lymphedema. 

• Therapeutic exercises — Therapists can also use therapeutic exercises to encourage decreases in lymphedema swelling. These exercises are used to place the arm in positions that maximize drainage. Further, they can help improve arm range of motion (ROM) as well. A medical study reveals that therapeutic exercises were able to help improve shoulder ROM by 22 degrees after 10 sessions. 

• Wearing compression garments — Another technique your therapist might recommend is a compression sleeve. This garment is designed to maintain a precisely calculated level of pressure on the affected arm. In turn, this pressure can help decrease the buildup of fluid in the arm, which can reduce swelling. A study of compression garment use in cancer patients who experienced arm lymphedema after surgery reports that these garments were effective. In fact, the study shows that compression sleeves led to decreased swelling at one, three, six, nine and 12 months after surgery.

Reduce lymphedema swelling in your arm with help from Peak Performance

Are you looking for ways to reduce lymphedema swelling in your arm? Our team of physical therapy experts at Peak Performance is here to assist you. We offer free screenings designed to help us learn how lymphedema is affecting your arm and daily life. Using this information, our team can build you a personalized treatment plan that includes multiple beneficial therapy methods. 

Don’t wait to start getting our help with lymphedema treatment. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.