Plymouth Physical Therapy Specialists
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Plymouth Physical Therapy Specialists

Plymouth PTS Lymphedema Services
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Treatment for Lymphedema is available at our Plymouth Center location.

(734) 416-3900
The treatment of peripheral edema requires a combination of techniques to be successful. Complete decongestive therapy consists of the following essential treatment components:

Evaluation

To determine the proper course of treatment

Manual lymph drainage

A specialized manual technique to move edema from a congested area into an uncongested area where the lymph fluid can be readily absorbed

Exercise

Simple exercises performed daily can improve flexibility, increase strength and promote lymph flow. These contractions in the edematous area quicken the reduction of swelling in the limb, enhancing range of motion and decreasing pain

Compression bandages

Increase the tissue pressure which promotes lymph flow and thus reduces Lymphedema and orthopedic edemas

Compression garments

are primarily used in the treatment of Lymphedema but can be used to control chronic orthopedic and vascular edemas as well. They are worn once the swelling has been reduced to maintain limb size

Home program

Individualized for each patient to include the above treatment technique

Lymphedema

Patients who present with edema from a variety of diagnoses such as oncology, orthopedic, lymphatic or vascular can benefit from peripheral edema management. Our goal is rapid reduction of edema in the involved area to hasten return to normal function.

Lymphedema, the accumulation of fluids, is due to the disruption in the lymphatic system. This type of swelling is seen after trauma to one’s body, radiation treatment, and more often when lymph nodes are surgically removed. Trauma, surgery and sports injury can cause acute swelling in the affected joint. This edema leads to a reduction of joint mobility, range of motion and proprioception combined with pain and stiffness. Manual Lymphatic Drainage combined with compression bandages can increase the interstitial fluid pressure, facilitate lymphatic drainage and accelerate the healing process. Examples of diagnoses that respond well to this type of care are: ankle sprains, knee contusions, post-op joint replacements and hand effusion.

The good news is it is a treatable condition that can be controlled through the combination of:

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  • Multi-Layers Compression Bandages
  • Self-Treatment with Bandaging and/or Compression Garments
  • Exercising
  • Patient Education with Precaution Awareness
Ashley Niemi

Ashley Niemi

PT, DPT

Ashley Niemi, PT, DPT graduated from the University of Evansville, in Evansville, Indiana, in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Sport Science. She continued on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2014 from the University of Evansville. After gaining experience as a PT for a year and a half, Ashley began to specialize in pregnancy and postpartum care and urinary incontinence in patients.

Over the last two and a half years, Ashley has taken several additional continuing education classes in order to gain further knowledge to treat this specialized population including courses focusing on bowel issues, pelvic pain, male pelvic conditions, breast cancer, urogenital cancers, endometriosis and more. In addition to her courses related to her specialty, Ashley has taken several courses focusing on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine including Functional Movement Screen, Kinesio-Taping and is a Preferred Graston Technique Provider.

Orthopedic Edema Reduction

Trauma, surgery and sports injury can cause acute swelling in the affected joint. This edema leads to a reduction of joint mobility, range of motion and proprioception combined with pain and stiffness.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage combined with compression bandages can increase the interstitial fluid pressure, facilitate lymphatic drainage and accelerate the healing process. Examples of diagnoses that respond well to this type of care are: ankle sprains, knee contusions, post-op joint replacements and hand effusion.

Lymphedema Management Program

Lymphedema, the accumulation of fluids, is due to the disruption in the lymphatic system. This type of swelling is seen after trauma to one’s body, radiation treatment, and more often when lymph nodes are surgically removed.  Patients often develop lymphedema after breast surgery.

The good news is this is a treatable condition that can be controlled through the combination of:

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  • Multi-Layered Compression Bandages
  • Self Treatment with Bandaging and/or Compression Garments
  • Exercising
  • Patient Education with Precaution Awareness

This program will make significant improvements by restoring functional mobility and strength, reducing swelling and pain, and improving cosmetic appearance.