Lymphedema/Cellulitis Therapy at Jersey Shore Hospital

JERSEY SHORE—If you have been recently diagnosed with lymphedema and/or cellulitis, and your doctor has prescribed physical therapy, you may have a few questions, such as “How does physical therapy help this condition?”

Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluids and protein in an arm or leg, otherwise commonly noticed as swelling. It typically occurs after surgery when lymph nodes have been removed, and can be worsened with radiation. It is common in women and men after either breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Physical therapy can help by reducing the volume of the limb, which also results in pain relief and improvement in body image as the swelling decreases.

Treatment with physical therapy includes education in the condition and instruction in precautions to prevent further problems. Controlling the lymphedema also helps to decrease the risk of infection.

A physical therapist will combine manual lymphatic drainage, multi-layered bandaging, pneumatic compression pumping, and education for the treatment of lymphedema, with eventual use of a compression sleeve or stocking.

Manual lymphatic drainage is a technique that aids in the flow of fluid and protein out of the affected extremity to return it to the general circulation.

Pneumatic compression pumping involves fitting the patient with an arm or leg sleeve that is connected to a pump with hoses. When the pump is turned on, pressure is applied to the arm or leg, starting at the hand or foot, which aids in returning the fluid to the general circulation.

Once the lymphedema is under control, your physical therapist will help you be fitted with the appropriate size compression sleeve or stocking at the appropriate pressure, and instruct you in how to put in on and take it off.

Physical therapy for lymphedema is non-invasive and is not painful. Most patients actually find that the manual drainage techniques make them feel good, the same way a massage would. Many people describe pneumatic compression as a feeling of “milking” their arm or leg.

When choosing a physical therapist to manage lymphedema, it is important that you feel comfortable with them. There are physical therapists that specialize in the treatment of lymphedema that should be utilized for this condition.

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Elaine Dorney is a licensed physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist for Jersey Shore Hospital’s Tiadaghton Health Services office, located in Lock Haven. She may be reached by calling 570-748-8034, extension 1.