Our lymphedema physiotherapy team is here to help you find relief.
The term “lymphedema” refers to swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. Ordinarily, the body’s lymph system would drain this fluid away, but there are a variety of conditions that can prevent this, and lymphedema can also occur as the result of a congenital formation, radiation, tropical disease or surgery, to name a few.
There are two main categories of Lymphedema:
Primary Lymphadema
With Primary Lymphedema, an individual is born with an abnormality to the lymphatic pathway(s). This is sometimes apparent right at birth or sometimes surfaces at older ages, all the way into your 60s at times.
- Congenital = lymphedema presents itself at < 1 year old
- Praecox = lymphedema presents itself between 1 year and 35 years old.
- Tarda = lymphedema presents itself > 35 years of age.
Primary lymphedema tends to progress from the foot up.
Secondary Lymphadema
Secondary Lymphedema is a barrier or block to the lymphatic system that occurs through surgery, post-mastectomy, removal of lymph nodes, traumatic laceration, or another injury or systemic event, such as chronic varicose veins. These causes contribute to blocking the lymphatic flow, and thus tightness, heaviness, and fluid build up in an area of the body. Lymphedema is a chronic progressive condition, but can be well treated with appropriate lymph drainage techniques combined with compression, exercise and education. The affected area can be the trunk/core of the body, the arms, legs, or face.
If you are dealing with lymphedema, you can turn to our team at East Gwillimbury Physiotherapy to get the treatment and education you are looking for. We offer effective lymphedema physiotherapy services to bring your swelling down, alleviate your symptoms, and discuss how to integrate this treatment into your daily life.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, lymphedema physiotherapy involves integrating the components of lymphedema management into a comprehensive treatment plan. Integrated lymphatic massage is one of the components of management and is essentially a form of massage in which your therapist manually manipulates the flow of lymph fluid in your body. All of the components of lymphedema physiotherapy, including lymphatic massage, work is to mobilize the affected area and gently move the fluid through your lymphatic system until the excess fluid is drained.
In addition to using manual therapy to drain excess fluid, your physiotherapist may recommend wearing compression garments to prevent the buildup of fluid and refill of fluid. If you have questions about lymphedema physiotherapy, we encourage you to give us a call—our team will be happy to provide the answers you are looking for. We want to help you find the relief you deserve, and we look forward to hearing from you.
For a more comprehensive description of the Newmarket Lymphatic Centre, please click here.
Our team is proud to serve the Newmarket, Ontario community. If you or a loved one needs lymphedema physiotherapy, just give us a call to find out how to get started.
