Lymphedema Therapy
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema refers to the build-up of fluid under the skin in the leg or arm.
The lymphatic system plays a very important role in the immune system. Lymph nodes move fluid through our bodies, picking up waste, bacteria, and viruses. This waste is flushed from our bodies through our lymph nodes. When damage occurs to the lymph nodes and they cease to work properly, fluid can back up in the tissues of limbs causing lymphedema.
While there is no cure for lymphedema, there are experts trained in managing this condition. At Home Base Physical Therapy, Brinda Rathod, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist provides care and compassion in treating her patients with lymphedema.
How is Lymphedema Treated?
Brinda’s therapy focuses on managing the lymphedema condition to prevent further flair-ups and complications. Treatments consist of a special, light-handed type of massage called manual lymph drainage where specific motions are taken to rub, tap, and stroke your body to move fluid away from the swollen area.
Our comprehensive Lymphedema treatments include:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A gentle, hands-on massage of both the affected body part and adjacent selected areas. MLD can move lymph fluid from the swollen region into parts of the lymphatic system that are still functioning. From there, the fluid is transported throughout the circulatory system.
- Compression Bandaging: After MLD, the treated area is wrapped with layers of compression bandages. Bandages help prevent the re-accumulation of lymphatic fluid.
- Therapeutic Exercise: Medically supervised exercise programs are designed to strengthen muscles and improve circulation and function of the lymph system.
- Personalized Education in Self-Care: Our Lymphedema therapy specialists will teach you how to maintain your treatment progress through at-home techniques, including self-bandaging, self-massage, exercise, skin and nail care.