At Comprehensive Spine and Sports Therapy in Essex, Dr. Neil Cohen and his staff strive to make people’s lives better with various therapy methods. For anyone looking for chiropractic treatment, physical therapy or aquatic therapy in Perry Hall, discover Comprehensive Spine and Sports Center. Please read on to learn more about aquatic therapy for those living with Lymphedema.
Overview of Lymphedema?
Your body contains a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Responsible for the transportation of lymphatic fluids to the bloodstream for the elimination of harmful substances, these vessels are very important to your overall health. If there is an obstruction of fluid movement due to an injury to this network, fluid accumulates and causes swelling. This accumulation of lymphatic fluid is known as lymphedema. Lymphedema may develop as a result of surgery to the lymph vessels and lymph nodes or if they are missing or deformed.
The two common types of lymphedema are primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema. Also known as hereditary lymphedema, primary lymphedema is caused due to genetic factors. As a result, an individual has an undeveloped or missing lymph vessels. This condition may be noticed at birth, during adolescence or in adulthood. Secondary lymphedema is more common. It is acquired when the lymph nodes are removed during cancer treatment.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
Lymphedema symptoms show up very gradually and may be attributed to other diseases. The most common symptom is swelling of the arms and legs near the affected nodes. However, there are a variety of other signs to look for, including:
- Feeling heaviness in the leg or the hand
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion
- Thickening or hardening of the skin
- Aching or discomfort
- Suppressed functioning of the immune system
Aquatic Therapy Benefits
Treating lymphedema involves a combination of various therapies. Aquatic therapy is one of the best treatments for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on stimulating the deep lymphatics, which is essential in increasing lymphatic flow. This improvement is possible with aquatic therapy due to the three basic principles of water: buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and viscosity.
- Water’s buoyancy allows one to float, making movement more comfortable. Additionally, the ease of movement relaxes muscles, decreases pain, and boosts the sense of well-being. Water also allows exercising without heavy jarring or impact on the affected area.
- Hydrostatic pressure acts like a “full-body compression garment” and helps to reduce edema. Plus, stress is reduced when an individual with lymphedema is in the water.
- The viscosity of the water allows multi-directional body movements, encouraging mobility in the central lymphatic system.
Looking for Aquatic Therapy in Perry Hall?
To summarize, aquatic therapy is supportive, resistive, compressive, relaxing and comforting for those living with lymphedema. To learn more about aquatic therapy in Perry Hall, or the surrounding area, contact Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center. We offer the most advanced aquatic therapy services. Click here to contact us.
