Insurance coverage for lymphedema clinic services may vary depending on your insurance provider and specific plan. We recommend contacting your insurance company to inquire about coverage details for lymphedema treatments and therapies. Our clinic will work closely with you to facilitate the insurance process and maximize your benefits.
Don’t Let Lymphedema Immobilize You
Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when your lymphatic system is damaged. It often results from cancer-related chemotherapy, radiation treatments or surgery, especially when the lymph nodes are removed. When your lymphatic vessels are impaired, the fluid in your lymphatic system cannot be easily drained, causing it to build up and make your limbs swell painfully and uncomfortably.
There is no cure for lymphedema or lymphatic obstruction.
That’s exactly where physical therapy comes in.
In fact, it becomes incredibly helpful and essential. See, with our state-of-the-art physical therapy, you can greatly manage and reduce your cumbersome lymphedema symptoms so that you can get back to living life, and not let this disease control take control.
So call or visit us today, and let us enable you to live your life on your terms, once again.
What We Offer
We offer the following services to help reduce the symptoms, pain and swelling of your lymphedema:
Wrapping
Wrapping your arms or legs (very common) or other limbs in bandages is an effective strategy to control the swelling of lymphedema as you go about your daily activities.
Your lymphatic vessels are not that far underneath your skin. When we wrap your limb in bandages, the gentle pressure encourages the lymph vessels to come out of their “slow mode” and begin pushing out and circulating fluid. We wrap with gradient pressure, meaning it’s not uniform all around but adjusted to the specific contours and needs of your body.
The other benefit of wrapping is that your lymph fluid contains proteins, which are usually tough to break down. With the pressure of wrapping, these proteins become softer, and this makes it easier for the fluid to begin circulating again.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage or manual lymphatic drainage is an effective and helpful technique that can be employed during your physical therapy session to coax fluid out of your swollen limb and through your body.
Think of it as a process of guiding and redirecting your lymph fluid, kind of like a policeman directs stuck traffic. Our goal during the massage is twofold. First of all, we want to take the fluid out of the enlarged limb, and begin moving it into and through the rest of the body.
Secondly, when your lymph system is damaged, we cannot just let the fluid run to any part of the body and cause another swelling there. What we do is to massage and guide it towards an area where it will drain and where your lymph nodes are. In other words, the massage provides a “manual” assistance to your lymph system when it cannot run automatically.
Circulation-Supporting Exercises
Your muscles can be your best friends in your fight against lymphedema. As you do exercises that are targeted towards stimulating your lymphatic system, your muscles can act as organic guides for the lymph fluid.
We will teach you the right postures, exercises and techniques that are suited for the particular part of your body which is affected by the lymphedema swelling (arms, legs, head/neck are most common).
This means that not only during our physical therapy sessions, but also at home, you are now empowered to stimulate your sluggish lymphatic system. However, the proper technique and form is essential and we will make sure to help you get it right.
Vasopneumatic Compression
After surgery or an injury, swelling and inflammation are quite common. Vasopneumatic Compression, a proven and tried-and-tested treatment for Lymphedema, can offer the relief and relaxation you are looking for.
In Vasopneumatic Compression, a Pneumatic device consisting of an air pump and sleeve that covers the affected area is used. Air pressure is applied, forcing excess fluid out while offering the ultimate therapeutic benefit.
Vasopneumatic Compression is a non-invasive, consistent treatment with minimal side effects. From stimulating blood and fluid movement to relieving pain, Vasopneumatic Compression does it all. Vasopneumatic Compression can complement other treatments, including Lymphatic drainage, offering the desired results. It is highly recommended you consult with a health professional before beginning the use of Vasopneumatic Compression.
Do You Want Physical Therapy For Your Lymphedema That Is…
Focused On Reducing Your Swelling?
The main symptom of lymphedema that causes the most pain and discomfort, and disrupts your daily mobility, is the awful swelling. Our exercises and wrapping are geared towards fighting the swelling.
Safe Based On Your Medical History?
You want physical therapy support for your lymphedema that is aware of the risks of infection and when not to do massage (e.g. with certain kidney conditions). We always do a thorough medical history to ensure your safety.
Helpful Around The Clock?
We don’t just offer lymphedema therapy that’s limited to the timeframe of our appointment. We empower you to go about the other hours of your day, whether it’s by wrapping, or by teaching you circulation-boosting exercises.
Then Horizon Physical Therapy is the right place for you! Ready to begin fighting the painful symptoms of lymphedema?
We’ve helped hundreds of patients.
This place for physical therapy is the best place to come. The workers are wonderful, friendly, nice caring people who are willing to help meet your goals. This place is fun and safe. I’ve always enjoyed coming here for physical therapy. Thank you to all the wonderful workers for helping me with my appointments and meeting my goals.
Willie Wiley
FAQs
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by the accumulation of lymph fluid, resulting in swelling, typically in the arms or legs. It can occur as a result of lymph node removal, radiation therapy, or other factors that disrupt the normal flow of lymphatic fluid.
A specialized lymphedema clinic, like ours at Horizon PT Flint, provides comprehensive care and management for individuals with lymphedema. Our experienced therapists offer a range of treatments, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise programs, and education to help reduce swelling, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
Yes, our Horizon PT Flint clinic offers lymphedema clinic services in Flint, MI. We are dedicated to providing specialized care for lymphedema management. Visit our webpage at https://horizonptflint.com/lymphedema/ to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Lymphatic massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, is a specialized massage technique aimed at improving lymphatic fluid circulation and reducing swelling in individuals with lymphedema. It involves gentle, rhythmic movements that stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote better fluid drainage.
The number of lymphatic massage sessions required depends on the severity of your lymphedema, your individual response to treatment, and other factors. Our therapists will assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan, which may include multiple sessions to achieve the best outcomes.
In addition to lymphatic massage, our lymphedema clinic offers a variety of treatments and therapies tailored to address lymphedema. These may include compression therapy, exercise programs, skin care management, and patient education to help you manage your condition effectively.
While there is no known cure for lymphedema, proper management and treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Our lymphedema clinic focuses on providing comprehensive care to help you effectively manage your condition and minimize the impact of lymphedema on your daily activities.
With proper management, you can prevent lymphedema from worsening and control its symptoms. Our therapists will provide you with personalized strategies and techniques to help you manage your lymphedema effectively, including self-care practices, exercises, and recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.