Are you suffering from abnormal fluid accumulation in your body? And can you move that part of your body more difficult due to this fluid accumulation? If so, this could be a sign of (lymph)oedema. Oedema therapy can provide the solution here. The human body consists of about 70% of fluid, which is found throughout the body. This fluid is important for draining waste products, transporting nutrients and building cells and oxygen. Is this drainage not going well? Then fluid accumulation, or oedema, can occur.
What is oedema?
Oedema is the Greek word for swelling. This swelling is an abnormal accumulation of fluid. It occurs in places where fluid is not usually present, such as the feet, ankles, legs or in the lungs. Oedema can occur with scars, with cancer, after radiotherapy or after an accident or surgery.
The moment the veins do not drain the blood properly to the heart, oedema can occur. In that case, fluid accumulates in the above-mentioned parts of our body. The most frequent cause of oedema is varicose veins. Due to malfunctioning valves in the leg veins, the drainage of blood from the legs to the heart does not proceed as it should. This can lead to oedema in the legs. A person with oedema in the lungs has more difficulty breathing when lying flat. This is more common in slightly older people than in younger people.
How do you recognise oedema?
You can recognise oedema by pressing your finger firmly on the spot for some time. The moment you remove your finger, you will see a welt in the leg. Some symptoms to recognise oedema are:
- Burden of swelling
- Fatigue and feeling heavy
- Pain while walking
- Restriction in movement
- Limitations in general daily functioning
What does oedema therapy involve?
Oedema therapy is also known as lymph therapy or lymph drainage. This is a special type of physiotherapy. This treatment is regularly used after cancer treatment or for problems with varicose veins. Oedema therapy usually starts with manual lymph drainage. This is a specific massage technique aimed at increasing the drainage of the lymphatic system. Using certain hand techniques, the lymphatic system is activated and fluid is drained to other parts of the body. To finally maintain the achieved result, the body part in question is bandaged or taped.
During treatment, you lie in a relaxed position. The therapist treats you in a gentle manner and applies light pressure to the body part. The rhythm of this action depends on the opening and closing of the valves in the lymphatic vessels and capillaries. Only at this point can the excess fluid be drained.
How can you avoid oedema?
It is especially important to keep moving. This is because it is good for circulation and the internal muscle pump. Avoid overexertion, though; too much exercise is counterproductive. Drink enough water (1.5 litres a day) and try to avoid salty food. Too hot and too cold temperatures do not help either.
Do you suffer from oedema and are looking for help? At Frisk Physio, we will help you out!
Do you notice increased difficulty walking, breathing when lying flat or swollen ankles/legs. If so, this may indicate oedema. In that case, take contact with Frisk Physio and we will further guide you through this process through oedema therapy. You can also call 085-5000333 or send an e-mail to info@friskfysio.nl.
