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  • What We Treat
    • Back Pain & Sciatica
    • Neck Pain
    • Headaches
    • Shoulder Pain
    • Rotator Cuff Injury
    • Hip and Knee Pain
    • ACL Injury
    • Elbow Wrist & Hand Pain
    • Foot and Ankle Pain
    • Balance & Gait Disorders
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    • Arthritis
    • Chronic Pain
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Muscle Cramping
    • Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
    • Stress Fractures
    • Pelvic Pain
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    • Pre/Post-Ntal Pain
    • Pre-Surgical Rehab
    • Post-Surgical Rehab
    • Total Joint Replacement
    • Lymphedema
    • Neurological Disorders
    • TMJ Dysfunction
    • Torticollis
    • Sports Injuries
    • Pediatric Sports Injuries
    • Work Injuries
  • How We Treat
    • ACL Injury Prevention Program
    • Concussion Therapy
    • Dry Needling
    • Electrical Stimulation
    • Ergonomics
    • Fascial Manipulation® Stecco Method
    • IASTM
    • Joint Mobilization
    • Kinesio Taping
    • Laser Therapy
    • LSVT Big® Program
    • Lymphatic Therapy
    • Manual Therapy
    • Muscle Energy Technique
    • Neuromuscular Reeducation
    • Orthotics
    • Postural Restoration®
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Lymphedema Pinehurst, NC & Harrisonburg, Strasburg & Broadway, VA

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a swelling that typically occurs in the upper or lower extremities, due to an excessive buildup of lymph fluid. Your lymphatic system is part of your circulatory system, and it is a network of vessels that carry lymph fluid towards the heart. The lymphatic system is an essential part of your immune and circulatory systems.

When a blockage happens in your lymphatic system, swelling of your arms or legs may occur, as the fluid is not able to drain properly. Improper drainage results in a build-up of the lymph fluid in your arms and legs, which can generate adverse health risks. If you are suffering from lymphedema, contact Appalachian Physical Therapy today to find relief!

How do I know if I have lymphedema?

There are two categories of lymphedema: primary lymphedema, meaning it occurs on its own, and secondary lymphedema, meaning it occurs as a result of an alternative disease or condition.

Lymphedema typically occurs as a result of surgical treatment involving the lymph nodes. It is most common in surgical cancer treatments where the lymph nodes are removed or damaged. However, the cause of primary lymphedema isn’t always clear, and your physician may want to take additional imaging tests in order to look at your lymphatic system. This may include an MRI scan, CT scan, Doppler ultrasound, or lymphoscintigraphy.

The most common causes of secondary lymphedema include:

  • Surgery
  • Cancer
  • Radiation treatment for cancer
  • Infection

There are also a handful of symptoms that accompany lymphedema that could serve as indicators that you may have developed this condition. Keep in mind that it can sometimes take months or even years for lymphedema to develop as a result of cancer treatment.

Symptoms typically occur in the arms and legs, and they range from mild (noticing subtle changes or feelings in your limbs) to severe (noticing extreme changes or feelings in your limbs, to the point where they may be difficult to use).

Some common symptoms to look out for include, but are not limited to:

  • Swelling
  • Aching/discomfort
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Heaviness/tightness
  • Infections
  • Fibrosis

How is lymphedema treated?

With chronic swelling, there are many risks, including circulation issues, the risk of infection, and potential for future injury. It is very important to receive treatment for lymphedema and to follow up with your doctor and physical therapist on a routine basis.

At Appalachian Physical Therapy, we will design a personalized treatment plan to treat your lymphedema. This plan will be dependent upon your physical evaluation, health history, and the severity of your symptoms. For lymphatic treatment plans, the focus will be put strongly on manual therapy and light exercises.

A special type of manual therapy referred to as “manual lymph drainage” is commonly used for patients with lymphedema. It encourages the flow of lymph fluid in your upper and lower extremities, and additional massages may be used to increase circulation and provide relief.

Exercising the affected limb(s) also encourages lymph fluid drainage. Your exercise plan will be designed by one of our Harrisonburg, Broadway, and Pinehurst physical therapists and will involve gentle contractions of the muscles to regain function and improve your range of motion.

Additional treatments, such as wrapping, compression, or complete decongestive therapy may also be added to your treatment plan as our physical therapist deems fit. Contact Us Today at Pinehurst, NC & Harrisonburg, Strasburg & Broadway, VA Centers if you are dealing with lymphedema and need some relief. Appalachian Physical Therapy will help reduce your lymphedema symptoms and improve your daily life. Your pain-free movement starts here!

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Strasburg Office

105 Stony Pointe Way, Ste 211
Strasburg, VA 22657

P:540-252-3892

F:540-252-3883

Broadway Office

171 E Springbrook Rd
Broadway, VA 22815

P:540-901-9501

F:540-901-8773

Harrisonburg Office

2035-45 E Market St
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

P:540-209-8977

F:540-209-8980

Pinehurst Office

211 Central Park Ave #L
Pinehurst, NC 28374

P:910-215-0541

F:910-215-9886

What We Treat

  • ACL Injury
  • Arthritis
  • Back Pain & Sciatica
  • Balance & Gait Disorders
  • Chronic Pain
  • Dizziness & Vertigo
  • Elbow Wrist & Hand Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Foot and Ankle Pain
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Headaches
  • Hip and Knee Pain
  • Incontinence
  • Lymphedema
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
  • Muscle Cramping
  • Neck Pain
  • Neurological Disorders
  • Pediatric Sports Injuries
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Post-Surgical Rehab
  • Pre/Post-Natal Pain
  • Pre-Surgical Rehab
  • Rotator Cuff Injury
  • Sports Injuries
  • Total Joint Replacement
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Stress Fractures
  • TMJ Dysfunction
  • Torticollis
  • Work Injuries

How We Treat

  • ACL Injury Prevention Program
  • Concussion Therapy
  • Dry Needling
  • Electrical Stimulation
  • Ergonomics
  • Fascial Manipulation® Stecco Method
  • IASTM
  • Joint Mobilization
  • Kinesio Taping
  • LSVT Big® Program
  • Lymphatic Therapy
  • Manual Therapy
  • Muscle Energy Technique
  • Neuromuscular Reeducation
  • Orthotics
  • Postural Restoration®
  • Therapeutic Massage
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Manual Traction
  • Trigger Point Therapy
  • Ultrasound
  • Vestibular Therapy
  • Work Hardening
  • Work Conditioning

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