When I was a teenager, I twisted my ankle at football practice and had to sit out for a couple of days. I remember clearly the day it happened; when I got home I took my cleats off and looked down at the balloon that used to be my foot! I couldn’t believe how swollen it had become, and how painful! Luckily for me, a little ice and a bandage later I was back on the field. I’ve learned since, however, that many people suffer from swelling and are not so lucky.
For some folks, swelling doesn’t go down at all. In fact, for some, swelling only gets worse and worse from a condition called edema. Edema is the buildup of fluid in the bodies tissues. Symptoms include severe swelling, discoloration, numbness, pain and discomfort, motor dysfunction, and even “pitting”, which is an indentation lasting for long periods of time when focused pressure is applied to the affected area. This condition is not something to be taken lightly, it can be a serious problem.
Because edema is associated with poor circulation of lymph fluid, which is a fluid that collects and removes unwanted substances from your body’s tissues, such as dead cells and infectious invaders, those who suffer from edema run the risk of clotting, which is the blockage of circulatory vessels that can be very dangerous. Luckily, there are options to prevent, manage, and eliminate edema altogether.
Gina’s Physical Therapy is proud to present our newest program that was made specifically for those suffering from swelling. Whether your condition is in the early stages, or has progressed to a severe state, we are here to help you! Using proven techniques and equipment, our experts are highly trained professionals who can’t wait to show you the difference between edema and proper circulation. Our technique has two important phases that have been shown to be effective over and over again.
Phase 1
The goal of Phase 1 is to eliminate the buildup of fluid and restore proper circulation. In order to do this, our therapists use Manual Therapy techniques, hands on therapies that disperse the collected fluid away from the affected area to reduce swelling and restore movement of fluid within the vessels. When this is accomplished, gentle exercise is used to strengthen motor muscle in the affected area to prevent symptoms from recurring and continue to move fluid so it doesn’t build up again.
Phase 2
Once swelling has been reduced, preventative measures must be taken to control the condition and make sure symptoms don’t return. To accomplish this, patients are fitted with specialized compression garments that apply therapeutic pressure to keep fluid moving. Also, Pneumatic Compression Pumps, or compression sleeves are utilized to prevent fluid from becoming stagnant in tissues. These sleeves fit over the affected area and gently apply moving pressure that improves circulation and promotes healing and recovery of damaged tissue.
At Gina’s Physical Therapy, we understand that chronic edema and swelling can be debilitating and life changing. This condition is not something you should have to get used to. The effects of this condition can be life changing and even dangerous so don’t waste time! Call us today!!!
(772) 223-3440
www.GinasPhysicalTherapy.com
