Lymphedema Therapy

Here at FYZICAL Bridgeville, located in South Fayette Township, we are Klose CERTIFIED in Lymphedema Therapy! Guenter Klose is the father of Lymphedema therapy. We are also involved in the National Lymphedema Network. A very rare specialty in the Pittsburgh area, we are unique in providing this much needed therapy to patients with this painful and debilitating (in later stages) condition.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the swelling that occurs in the tissues under the skin, resulting from lymphatic fluid that has collected and cannot be adequately transported through the vessels. This congested collection of fluid interferes with normal blood flow to the tissue, so if an injury occurs, wound healing is impeded and bacteria can grow, causing a risk of infection.

The lymphatic system, with its dedicated vessels, nodes, and tissues, transports a combination of proteins, water, and tissue waste through the body. It also carries lymphocytes, which are cells that fight bacteria and viruses.   

In simple terms, there are superficial nodes in the armpits and in the hip; Deeper in the body, a system of large vessels are located in the neck and abdominal areas. These are all responsible for carrying fluid from the upper and lower regions of the body, respectively.

Generally this is why Lymphedema occurs in specific areas of the body – normally occurring in the arms or legs, but it is not uncommon for the condition to occur in the breasts, chest, genital area, and neck.

Lymphedema can be a hereditary or genetic condition, but this is rare. The most common reasons for this disorder are due to surgery, radiation, infection, or injury to the lymph nodes or vessels. Especially in cases where lymph nodes and vessels were removed or damaged (for example, in cancer patients), the possibility can be high for Lymphedema to occur.

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema

There are 4 stages of Lymphedema. Initially it can progress slowly, so in the first stage a patient might notice certain heaviness and tingling in the affected limb or area.

Your physician can diagnose your condition with specialized equipment that can detect very early stages of lymphedema. Your physician can refer to us at FYZICAL Bridgeville, where we can begin early intervention treatment as soon as possible to help improve as well as prevent progression of the condition.

The next stage involves visible swelling that may be prevalent at times, but not at others. Pitting of the skin occurs when there is swelling, meaning you can put an imprint of your thumb onto the skin and it holds its shape. Elevation of the affected limb generally provides relief and helps reduce the swelling. Many people hesitate to seek treatment, because they feel if they are able to have some relief, it means they can effectively manage the condition. Do not fall into this trap! At FYZICAL Bridgeville, we are CERTIFIED to provide effective, specialized, complete decongestive Lymphedema therapy to keep the disorder from progressing and help heal you.

When the swelling is not relieved by elevation, and the skin is much firmer, this is the next stage. Your thumb will not be able to make an imprint because the tissue is becoming more fibrous and hard. Intensive, vigilant treatment is required to reduce the presence of congested fluid and begin the flow for the body to transport it as intended. Pain and discomfort are high.

In the last stage, the tissue is fibrotic, and if left untreated, loss of limb function can occur. The skin becomes thicker and may develop seepage because the fluid is blocked from any movement through the body’s lymphatic system. Recurring infection can become prevalent because of the inability to fight bacteria, and pain and discomfort for the patient are constant. We can still treat at this stage! A huge impact can happen by softening the tissue and beginning the process of decongesting the fluid swelling.

There is hope! It is important to identify early and begin treatment, yet at any stage amazing results can happen. After the treatment therapy phase, we provide maintenance care therapy. We also provide treatment for healing the skin and instruction for garment wear and care. We even assist with ordering your garments and bandages.

At every interval, we keep in close contact with your physician to ensure seamless and open communication with your plan of care. We will do a complete comprehensive evaluation and discuss with you your plan of care. Your education of the disorder is key, and at FYZICAL Bridgeville we are very thorough in ensuring that you understand and learn about risks, signs, how the disorder operates, and what you can do to make your therapy the most effective it can be. We have a compassionate, successful, and well-rounded program that embraces healing you and managing your Lymphedema.

We are a caring team who understands the delicate nature of this disorder. We are very thorough and take the time with you to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your treatments. You are never a number to us, you have dedicated 1:1 care as our patient.

Reach out to us today at FYZICAL Bridgeville in South Fayette and start your healing journey!