Lymphedema

[JEY1]

About a month ago I started having pain with lymphedema in my chest, upper arm, under my arm and upper back. I started physical therapy doing massages yesterday and hope it will work! The only medication that relieves the pain is ibuprofen. Any one have any suggestions on how to deal with this while doing therapy? Thanks! Happy New Year!

[seiler]

PLEASE make sure your get lymphedema treatment, NOT physical therapy. They are different and use different techniques. Your symptoms sound exactly like mine did in 1992. I have no problem anymore. Contact the National Lymphedema Network.

[JEY1 in reply to seiler]

Thank you for your reply. The therapist is trained in massaging treatment for lymphedema. She was so knowledgeable about lymphedema and why it happens. I will certainly contact the National Network.

[JeniMcC]

Hi JEY1,

I got a prescription for a lymphedema pump machine called “Tactile Medical” from my PT. It’s an arm vest and shorts that have air cells that fill up in sequence to mimic lymphatic massage. The pT has to measure you for the garment set. I use it daily since Covid has prevented me from getting treatment with a therapist and swimming daily, which is z absolutely the best form of treatment, since it provides full body compression. The machine really helps. No more pain. It is also a very relaxing treatment. I hope this helps!

Jeni

[JEY1 in reply to JeniMcC]

Thanks so much. My therapist mentioned the pump machine.