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Gentle, Personalized Care to Reduce Swelling and Restore Comfort
If swelling, tightness, or heaviness is making daily activities more difficult, lymphatic drainage therapy may help. Whether your symptoms developed after cancer treatment, surgery, an injury, or another medical condition, specialized physical therapy can support your recovery and improve your quality of life.
At deBorja Physical Therapy, Angie deBorja is a certified lymphedema therapist who provides personalized lymphatic drainage therapy to help reduce swelling, improve movement, and help you return to the activities you enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.
Understanding Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Lymphatic drainage therapy is a specialized hands-on treatment that helps encourage the natural movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining healthy fluid balance and supporting the immune system. When this system becomes damaged or overwhelmed, protein-rich fluid can build up in the tissues, leading to swelling, discomfort, and reduced mobility. This condition is known as lymphedema.
Although lymphedema cannot be cured, early treatment and ongoing management can help reduce swelling, improve function, lower the risk of infection, and support long-term health. Lymphatic drainage therapy is often an important part of a comprehensive lymphedema management program.
Common Causes and Symptoms
Lymphatic drainage therapy may benefit individuals experiencing swelling related to:
Common symptoms include:
Many breast cancer survivors also experience chest tightness, shoulder stiffness, arm swelling, and discomfort months or even years after completing treatment.
When Should You Seek Care?
If swelling, heaviness, or tightness is limiting your movement or affecting your daily life, don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early lymphatic drainage therapy can help reduce swelling, improve comfort, and support long-term lymphedema management.
How We Treat Lymphedema
Every treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Gentle hands-on techniques help encourage healthy lymphatic flow, reduce swelling, and improve tissue health.
Lymphedema Management
We develop individualized treatment plans designed to control swelling, improve function, and support long-term symptom management.
Oncology Rehabilitation
For patients recovering from breast cancer treatment, therapy addresses swelling along with common concerns such as tightness, pain, reduced mobility, and tissue fibrosis.
Therapeutic Exercise
Targeted exercises help improve circulation, maintain mobility, and safely restore strength.
Education and Self-Management
You'll learn strategies to help manage your condition at home and maintain your progress between visits.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy FAQ
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer them.
What is lymphatic drainage therapy?
Lymphatic drainage therapy is a gentle manual treatment that helps encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid, reducing swelling and improving comfort for people living with lymphedema or lymphatic dysfunction.
Who can benefit from lymphatic drainage therapy?
This treatment is often recommended for individuals experiencing swelling after cancer treatment, surgery, radiation therapy, traumatic injuries, or conditions that affect the lymphatic system. It is especially beneficial for people recovering from breast cancer treatment.
Can lymphatic drainage cure lymphedema?
No. While there is currently no cure for lymphedema, lymphatic drainage therapy can significantly reduce swelling, improve mobility, decrease discomfort, and help prevent complications when incorporated into a long-term management plan.
Is lymphatic drainage therapy painful?
No. Manual lymphatic drainage uses gentle, rhythmic techniques designed to encourage fluid movement without causing discomfort. Most patients find the treatment relaxing and soothing.
Why should I see a certified lymphedema therapist?
A certified lymphedema therapist has advanced training in evaluating and treating swelling disorders safely and effectively. Personalized care helps ensure treatment is appropriate for your specific condition and recovery goals.
Can lymphatic drainage help after breast cancer treatment?
Yes. Many breast cancer survivors benefit from lymphatic drainage therapy to manage swelling while also improving tightness, tissue mobility, pain, and overall function following surgery or radiation therapy.
Ready to Find Relief?
At deBorja Physical Therapy, Angie deBorja provides compassionate, personalized lymphatic drainage therapy to help you reduce swelling, move more comfortably, and feel more like yourself again.
Schedule your evaluation today and let's create a plan that's right for you.
Clinic Hours By Appointment Only
Mon, Wednesday: 9:30 - 5 pm
Tuesday Thursday: 12 - 4 pm
Friday: 9:30 am - 4pm
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
All information on this website is intended for instruction and informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for any harm or injury that may result. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied on this website.