Swelling is a symptom that can occur as a result of many injuries. However, it can also be caused by a buildup of a fluid called lymph. When this type of buildup occurs, it’s known as lymphedema.
Lymphedema can develop in anyone, but it’s especially common in women who have had breast cancer surgery. One medical study reports that 33% of the people who survive breast cancer develop upper limb lymphedema.
Physical therapists can offer lymphedema physical therapy that can help people with this condition. This type of physical therapy has been shown to reduce upper limb lymphedema by over 59%. A key feature of lymphedema therapy plans is therapeutic exercises, and some of the exercises your plan may include are the:
- Seated ball squeeze
Purpose: This lymphedema physical therapy exercise is designed to work muscles in your affected arm and keep lymph flowing normally.
How to do the seated ball squeeze exercise:
- You’ll need a stable chair, a stress ball and an arm compression sleeve for this exercise.
- Sit in the chair and put the compression sleeve on your affected arm.
- Place the stress ball in your affected hand.
- Sit up straight, and raise your arm so that your hand is at about chin height.
- Squeeze the ball as tightly as you can for about three seconds.
- Relax your hand.
- Try to repeat this exercise five to 10 times.
- Seated elbow flexion exercise
Purpose: This exercise is used in lymphedema physical therapy because it helps work the upper arm muscles and pump lymph back into your lymphatic system.
How to do the seated elbow flexion exercise:
- Place a compression sleeve on your affected arm.
- Grasp a light hand weight or household object, like a can of soup, in your affected hand.
- Place your hands in your lap.
- Slowly bend your elbow toward your chest with your palm facing upward.
- Stop about halfway to your chest.
- Hold this position for about five seconds.
- Slowly lower your hand back down.
- Repeat this exercise until you’ve done eight to 10 repetitions.
Find top-notch lymphedema physical therapy at Peak Performance
Ready to see how effective lymphedema physical therapy can be for you? Our Peak Performance Sports & Physical Therapy team is ready and willing to help you find top-notch care for lymphedema. We can do a free screening to determine how severe your condition is and how it’s affecting your life. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at creating therapy plans designed to meet the unique needs of lymphedema patients. We even offer virtual therapy sessions that allow you to treat this condition from home.
Contact us today for more information about our lymphedema treatment services or to schedule your initial appointment with our team.
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