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Lymphedema Physical TherapyBaton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales & Surrounding Cities

Lymphedema treatment at BRPT is designed to reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms through a combination of special therapies and exercises.

These treatments are provided by a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) in an outpatient setting. The earlier lymphedema is treated, the better the results.

What Is Lymphedema?

You may be wondering what it is and why physical therapy is a good treatment. Lymphedema is a condition where the lymph nodes, lymphatic ducts, and lymph fluid are not working correctly. Normally, lymph passes through lymphatic ducts and is filtered through lymph nodes as part of the immune system. Lymph goes from blood vessels to lymph vessels as well, and with lymphedema this process is disrupted. This leaves lymph fluid collecting within certain body parts, creating swelling, pain, and irritation. Physical therapy can help in many ways to treat this by moving the lymph fluid out of the collecting area.

What Causes Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is classified into two different types, primary and secondary, which represent the main causes of lymphedema.

With primary lymphedema, certain gene mutations actually damage the lymphatic system with no outside cause. This is compared to secondary lymphedema, which happens from some sort of injury, damage, or surgery. One of the most common causes of secondary lymphedema is cancer removal surgery, such as mastectomy. Other causes are infection and radiation. These interventions destroy the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, disrupting the flow of lymph through the area.

Signs and Symptoms Of Lymphedema

Lymphedema typically happens on one side of the body, over a past surgery and in an arm or leg. It is difficult to move the affected limb, and a person may experience skin tightness, heaviness, thick skin, scabbing, and peeling. The affected area will be swollen and sometimes red or warm. It is most common for these symptoms to happen slowly over time. You are more at risk after an infection, a recent surgery, or if you are obese.

It is important to be aware of the signs of lymphedema so that you may begin lymphedema treatment.

How A Physical Therapist Can Help With Lymphedema

Lymphedema physical therapists are trained with hundreds of hours of treatment techniques. Your treatment may include compression garments, massage, exercises, and elevation techniques to move the collected lymph out of the area. You will receive complete decongestive therapy if you have a severe case of lymphedema. This involves nearly constant compression garments to be changed throughout the day and repeating gentle exercises to move lymph. Your therapist will adjust your plan as you make progress and educate you throughout treatment so you can be confident that it is helping you deal with your limb discomfort.

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Lymphedema Physical Therapy Locations

Denham Springs

2250 Home Depot Drive
Denham Springs, LA 70726
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Gonzales

1227 Highway 30 East
Gonzales, LA 70737
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Brittany

5222 Brittany Drive
Ste A
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
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Jones Creek

4802 Jones Creek Road
Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
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Shadows

530 Shadows Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

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People in Baton Rouge Trust Baton Rouge Physical Therapy

Here's what some of our patients had to say

My pain was so bad it was impacting my running and making my training very difficult and painful. With their help I was able to achieve my goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon! I am so thankful to all the staff for all they did for me and making me feel like I was part of their family. Love you all!!!

5 stars

Cortney H.

BPRT Lake Patient

Best place ever. I had at least 4 separate injuries/surgeries where I needed therapy for my knee and back. Each time Tyler, Seth and crew got me back on track. You can't beat their personal attention to your specific needs.

5 stars

Joe S.

BPRT Lake Patient

This place is amazing. The people are outstanding. I love the way they explain what to do and why and will remind you when you forget. They are kind and realize you may be hurting. They are always timely and friendly. I thank all of you.

5 stars

Patti B.

BPRT Lake Patient
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