Do you struggle with achy, swollen, and stiff joints? Do swollen limbs make activities like dressing or getting in and out of a car challenging? Lymphedema can make even the simple things in life difficult.
Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
Are You Struggling With Lymphedema?
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Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
Are You Struggling With Lymphedema? How Physical Therapy Can Help!
Do you struggle with achy, swollen, and stiff joints? Do swollen limbs make activities like dressing or getting in and out of a car challenging? Lymphedema can make even the simple things in life difficult. If you live in the Galva, Kewanee or Stark Count area and suffer with lymphedema, please call Kewanee Physical Therapy to arrange a free consultation to learn how physical therapy can help you manage your condition. What Is Lymphedema? You have an intricate network within your body known as the lymphatic system. Comprised of a variety of organs, tissues, nodes, and vessels, the lymphatic system helps your body fight infections by transporting a special clear fluid, called lymph, around the body. Lymph contains white blood cells, protein and fat cells of the immune system. Your lymphatic system also helps expel toxins and unwanted waste and return fluids into the bloodstream. Lymphedema (sometimes called lymphoedema or lymphatic edema) occurs when the lymphatic system becomes
compromised in some way. This prevents the appropriate flow and drainage of lymph fluid and leads to fluid retention and swelling (edema). Common Signs of Lymphedema Because lymphedema causes fluid retention, swelling is the primary sign. Patients with lymphedema typically notice swelling in some or all of one or more limbs. Hands, fingers, feet, and toes can also become affected. Clinicians can quickly assess whether swelling ismild, moderate, or severe bymeasuring the affected limb. If swelling is significant, a visible indentation will be left behind when pressing a finger into the tissue, which can last anywhere from a brief second to thirty seconds or longer, depending on severity. This sign is known as pitting edema. The extra fluid retained with the lymph system often gives rise to a sense of achiness, tightness, heaviness, fullness, or soreness in the limbs. People often find that they have a hard time moving their limbs and may experience decreased or abnormal sensations, such as tingling or persistent itchiness.
Schedule Your Appointment Today! Kewanee: 309.852-2200 Galva: 309.932.8100 Stark County: 309.695.4010.
www.kptrs.com
TR E ATMENT F OR LY M PHEDEMA:
Additional signs and symptoms of lymphedema include hardening of the skin (fibrosis) and an increased risk and frequency of infections (given the lymph system’s intricate role in the body’s immunity). Causes of Lymphedema Lymphedema is generally classified as either primary (occurring as its own entity) or secondary (occurring because of another underlying medical condition). Primary lymphedema is often due to: • Milroy’s disease, which leads to abnormally formed lymph nodes • Late-onset lymphedema, developing in people 35 years and up • Meige’s congenital disease, also known as lymphedema praecox, which develops during or before puberty Secondary lymphedema is often due to: • Cancer of the lymph nodes • Cancer treatment, including radiation and surgical removal of lymph nodes for the purposes of biopsy (this is one of the most common causes of lymphedema) • Infection of the lymph nodes • Surgery or trauma that damages the lymph nodes and vessels • Obesity • Advancing age • Certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis Lymphedema is typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging, lab tests, patient history, and physical examination techniques. How Physical Therapy Helps Presently, there is no known cure for lymphedema. However, individualized physical therapy can help patients living with lymphedema manage their condition more effectively. The primary goal of lymphedema treatment is to promote lymphatic drainage, thereby reducing swelling and improving symptoms and function. Treatment may include: • Skin care • Therapeutic exercises • Pneumatic compression (a specialized sleeve connected to a pump that intermittently compresses the affected limb) • Limb wrapping techniques with short stretch bandages—not ACE wrap • Manual lymphatic drainage It is extremely important that a person with lymphedema receives individualized instructions on proper limb wrapping and other interventions in order to avoid complications and to make sure they have no contraindications, such as skin infections, acute inflammation, or thrombosis. Physical therapists also educate their patients living with lymphedema about proper self-care techniques that can help control symptoms and improve function. Recommendations frequently include:
• Stress management • Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine (with physician supervision) • Use of compression stockings and other garments • Meticulous skin and nail care (keep nails trimmed, check skin for cracks and cuts, keep skin and nails clean) Research also indicates that physical therapy plays a major role in prevention of lymphedema, particularly when it relates to cancer. For instance, a 2008 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer found that early screening with a physical therapist can help prevent breast- cancer-related lymphedema from progressing into more severe stages. Struggling with Swollen Limbs Due to Lymphedema? Our Physical Therapist Staff Can Help You Manage Your Condition If you or a loved one are living with lymphedema, we encourage you to contact Kewanee Physical Therapy at (309) 852-2200 to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. Our non-invasive and individualized services can help you maximize your function and regain your active lifestyle. Call today! J O I N U S F O R O U R FREE LYMPHEDEMA CONSULTATION DAY!
SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2020 7 AM–12 PM
Stop suffering from the symptoms of lymphedema! Join us for a FREE consultation and get back to living your life to the fullest! To reserve your spot, call us today at (309) 852-2200!
www. kptrs.com
KEWANEE (309) 852-2200
GALVA (309) 932-8100
STARK COUNTY (309) 695-4010
NOW OFFERING
NOW OFFERING
KEWANEE EMPLOYEE SPOT L I GHT
THERAPY NOW OFFERING
ASHLEY EGAN, MOTR/L, CLT Masters in Occupational Therapy, Registered and Licensed, Certified Lymphedema Therapist Ashley is a board-certified Occupational Therapist who graduatedwith her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University in July of 2013. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health
THERAPY Lymphedema is a form of chronic swelling that usually occurs in the limb and trunk, but can occur anywhere in the body where the lymphatic system has been compromised.
THERAPY
Lymphedema is a form of chronic swelling that usually occurs in the limb and trunk, but can occur anywhere in the body where the lymphatic system has been compromised. Lymphedema is a form of chronic swelling that usually occurs in the limb and trunk, but can occur anywhere in the body where the lymphatic system has been compromised.
NOW OFFERING
Lymphedema is a form of chronic swelling that usually occurs in the limb and trunk, but can occur anywhere in the body where the lymphatic system has been compromised.
Causes of lymphatic system dysfunction may be lymph node removal for cancer treatment, injury to lymphatic vessels due to trauma or infection, ven us insufficiency, or c genital malformation of the lymphatics. Ly phedema treatments may consist of a combination of the following: manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercising, skin care, and patient/caregiver education. For more information about how we can help you, call us at (309) 852-2200 today!
Science from Bradley University in 2009. Ashley has also achieved specialist certification as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Ashley’s experience areas include industrial medicine, acute care, outpatient, lymphedema management, pediatrics, schools, mental health and inpatient rehabilitation. Ashley has worked for Kewanee Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists since 2005 and has gained first-hand experience in all aspects of the business. She is very excited to work as an occupational therapist where she will bring all her knowledge and experience together to give back to the communities in which she was born and raised. Ashley, her husband Eric, and their children Aden, Eli, and Ayla currently reside in a country home near Annawan. Ashley was born and raised on a farm in Stark County and has been actively involved in agriculture and outdoor living all her life. She enjoys baking, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends. THERAPY
Causes of lymphatic system dysfunction may be lymph node removal for cancer treatment, injury to lymphatic vessels due to trauma or infection, venous insufficiency, or congenital malformation of the lymphatics. Lymphedema treatments may consist of a combination of the following; manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercises, skin care, and patient/caregiver education.
Ly e e a is a form of chronic swelling that usually occurs in the limb and trunk, bu can occur anywhere in the body where the lymphatic system has been compromised.
Causes of lymphatic syst m dysfunction may be lymph node removal for ncer tr atment, injury to lymphatic vessels due to trauma or infection, venous insufficiency, or congenital malformation of the lymphatics. Lymphedema treatments may consist of a combination of the following; manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercises, skin care, and patient/caregiver education.
Causes of lymphatic system dysfunction may be lymph node removal for cancer treatment, injury to lymphatic vessels due to trauma or infection, venous insufficiency, or congenital malformation of the lymphatics. Lymphedema treatments may consist of a combination of the following; manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercises, skin care, and patient/caregiver education. Kewanee Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists
Causes of lymphatic system dysfunction may be lymph node rem val for cancer treatment, injury to lymphatic vessels du to trauma or infection, venous insufficiency, or ongenital malformation of the lymphatics. Lymphedema treatments may consist of a combination of the following; manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercises, skin care, and patient/caregiver education.
Patient Spotlight Lymphedema Testimony
Stand Strong & Stand Together!
“I had been struggling with lymphedema for months when, in December 2019, I read an article in the Kewanee Physical Therapy & Rehab newsletter saying they were offering Free Lymphedema Exams. It said that there would be an “Opportunity to discuss how Lymphedema is impacting your life” and “Education regarding Lymphedema Management”. I knew about Lymphedema. I had lived with it for over a year. I decided to make an appointment because of the line that said “how Lymphedema is impacting your life”. I met with Ashley Egan, who is a certified Lymphedema Therapist and we talked about Lymphedema. She explained that when she wrapped people’s legs she went above the knee to the mid thigh. I thought about hat we had discussed. I felt that I was at the point that I needed to try to get more fluid out of my legs and I thought that if my legs were wrapped farther up on my legs than what had been done for me originally that I would be able to lose more fluid. I made another appointment with Ashley and we discussed what my next steps would be. I wasn’t able to start the wrapping until the first of March. I continued until the first of May. During that time, I lost 12 pounds of fluid. I was very satisfied with my treatment. Ashley was very professional and knowledgeable. I would recommend that if you, or someone you know, has or think you might have Lymphedema don’t put off looking into it. Talk to your Doctor and/or talk to a Physical Therapist about it. You will feel better and once you get treatment, ITWILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOR THE BETTER. You will have to be dedicated to continue with the therapy but it’s worth it.” — Carol C.
Kewanee Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists
KEWANEE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
This is an open group where women can come for support any time that it is needed, find some positive affirmations or quotes, ask questions and meet other women who have been on a similar journey as you. The meetings will consist of a variety of exercise classes, nutrition, crafting, and other social activities. OUR FIRST SUPPORT GROUP MEETING WILL BE WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST | 5:30PM Kewanee Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists Enter through the north door closest to the park (Just for Kix is on the door) Please RSVP to Ashley so we can be sure we are meeting COVID-19 requirements! Kewanee Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists
Kewanee Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists
Bring any ideas, recommendations, contacts, etc. that you have for our group. See you then!!!!
For more information contact Ashley Egan - ashleye@kptrs.com
WE WILL MEET WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS AT 5:30PM Join our FB group to stay up to date on all the details! Kewanee Cancer Support Group Who Stand Strong and Stand Together. CALL TODAY! (309) 852-2200
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