Flares suck and can happen for many reasons. I was diagnosed with lymphedema & axillary cording in 2021. After intensive therapy it became well managed (the thumbnail photo is actually me wearing a regular sports bra for the first time, which was a big milestone). But, hot weather, travel at altitudes like airplane flights, inflammatory processes, and surgeries can cause flares. Recently, I had all 4 things happen to me - a perfect storm for a flare. But, I made this video about my feelings on it - AND - what I plan to do.
What kind of things might you feel when you have a lymphedema or cording flare?
✅ Shoulder impingement on the cording side
✅ Arm aching or swelling on the lymphedema side
✅ Abdominal lymphedema symptoms like what feels like swelling, discomfort, and difficulty wearing pants
✅ Neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation
✅ Vascular symptoms akin to feeling like congestion or vein distension in the effected arm
✅ Night waking from pain or swelling
This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers some of the main symptoms.
My strongest recommendation is to return to or find a CLT, certified lymphedema therapist - which can be a PT, OT, or PT or OT assistant (PTA or COTA). There are other practitioners who can be CLT's, however you want someone who can thoroughly evaluate the orthopedic side of things too - which aren't often found together. Usually someone specializes in oncology PT but may not also specialize in pelvic health and orthopedics. So as an ortho and pelvic PT, I am managing that side and finding help from a PT, CLT or PTA, CLT to handle the current flare.
What are some of the treatments and things to consider:
✅ Return to wearing compression garments - sleeves, chest compression
✅ Using a lymphatic pump, if you have one (I was fortunate enough to have one)
✅ Getting MLD - manual lymphatic drainage from a CLT
✅ Getting Axillary cording manual therapy
✅ Adding Orthopedic physical therapy
✅ Doing Weight training and exercise helps with lymphedema, including yoga and all physical activity
✅ Myofascial release from a PT or qualified professional
✅ Master your breathing - SUPER IMPORTANT and maybe the most important variable
✅ Eat like your training for a marathon - Get rid of processed food. If a packaged food has more than 5 ingredients or something you cannot pronounce, just don't eat it. I typically lean into the Mediterranean diet and in general, an anti-inflammatory, plant-based, whole food diet.
✅ Get moving - get 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week at a "walk, not sing" pace- that is 30 minutes of walking, 5 times a week
✅ Manage your hormones using Lifestyle & Functional Medicine - see the link below for a first consult free
✅ Get 7-9 hours of sleep every single night
Go to www.garnerpelvichealth.com to get your FREE Voice to Pelvic Floor Breathing Course - because out of all of this list BREATHING properly is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do.
Lastly, consider that sometimes cash-based PT can be quicker, cheaper, and more comprehensive than insurance-based therapy. There are many variables to consider, and just seeking out the cheapest therapy isn't always the best. Likewise, thinking insurance-based therapy is the cheapest, may be incorrect, depending your coverage. Questions? First consults free at the website above.
14 авг 2024
