Individuals who have breast cancer can often experience a common side effect, lymphedema. This is a condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and an inability for certain areas of your body to move and function properly. It is important to seek medical attention to assess and treat the effects of lymphedema in order to alleviate symptoms and prevent any potential long-term damage that could occur. That’s where we come in! We want to provide you with the knowledge to understand and recognize the signs of lymphedema, what you should do, and how we can help!
What is lymphedema and why does it happen?
In order to know how to treat it, it’s important to understand what causes this issue. The word “lymph” refers to fluid that circulates throughout your body to which removes waste from your tissues. And “edema” refers to the buildup of excess fluid. So, when lymphedema occurs, it means that there is too much lymph fluid collecting in your body. Treatment focuses on addressing and reducing this excess of fluid, and getting the body back to normal.
Why does this happen to patients who have cancer? A few reasons. There may be a tumor blocking lymph fluid from its natural flow. Other reasons include lymph node damage/removal from surgery or radiation treatments, all of which can impact lymphatic drainage.
Think of your lymphatic system as a drain for your body. If that drain is clogged, damaged, or removed, the fluid has nowhere to go and will begin building up and putting additional stress on the body.
What are the signs of lymphedema?
Lymphedema most commonly appears as swelling in the arm, breast and/or armpit area of your body. However, this can be surprisingly hard to identify on its own without understanding how it impacts the rest of your body and knowing what else to look for. In fact, you may experience a 30 percent change in volume in the arm before you even notice a true size difference in your arm. Some other key signs and symptoms to look for include numbness, heaviness, achiness, or tightness of clothing.
What happens if I have lymphedema?
Lymphedema physical therapy can help with treatment, which may involve manual lymphatic drainage, as well as bandaging or use of a compression garment. A physical therapist will walk you through exercises, as well as teach you ones you can do at home, with the goal of getting your arm back to normal size, as well as getting you feeling comfortable again!
Your doctor may prescribe you a compression sleeve or bandage which can reduce swelling. If possible, try to avoid IVs, having your blood pressure taken on your affected arm(s), and traveling to any high-elevation areas, as this can aggravate the affected area.
Spooner Physical Therapy is here to help!
At Spooner, we have therapists who are trained and specialize in lymphedema treatment, and are able to help patients from all over the Valley return to the daily activities they enjoy the most.
If you or a loved one is fighting against breast cancer and lymphedema, we’re here to fight alongside you!
Learn more about Breast Cancer Rehabilitation at Spooner Physical Therapy. Ready to schedule an appointment? Click here to schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner physical therapist at one of our locations throughout the valley.