Activcore offers physical therapy services for swelling and lymphedema management. Our specialists are fully equipped to help minimize the effects of oncology treatment and surgeries. They are also specially trained to gently guide you into more progressive physical activities for a safe return to sports and everyday life.

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Lymphedema therapy is considered a specialized segment of physical therapy. It is intended for anyone who has just been diagnosed with lymphedema ("Prehab") or is at any point along a course of medical care.

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Lymphedema is swelling that occurs when protein-rich lymph fluid accumulates in the areas in between cells of our bodies. This space is called the interstitial space and the fluid that is in this space is typically about 16% of a human’s total body weight. Lymphatic fluid may contain items such as plasma proteins, extravascular blood cells, excess water, and metabolic waste.

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Lymphedema is diagnosed for one of two reasons. Either the body's transport capacity to remove the lymph fluid is reduced, or the protein rich lymph fluid volume has exceeded the transport capacity of the body. Fun fact: Normal daily lymphatic transport = 10% of our actual functional capacity to transport lymphatic fluid!‍

NOTE: If there is current redness, swelling, warmth, lack of blanching of an area, fever, please consult your doctor immediately for assessment, as these can be signs that an infection is present.

How can Activcore help?

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Lymphedema is typically not a big part of a physical therapist's education. It is a specialization requiring much further study, training and practice following graduation. At Activcore, we offer specialized lymphedema services on an outpatient basis — without having to step inside a hospital. You will have your own dedicated physical therapist (not an aide or technician) at every session.

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The gold standard treatment for lymphedema is called Complete Decongestive Therapy. This is a two phased approach. The first phase is to decongest or remove as much lymphatic fluid from the affected area as possible. This is done with a four pronged approach of: manual lymphatic drainage; appropriate and effective compression wear or compression bandaging; exercise with said compression wear; proper skin and nail care. The second phase consists of self management of each of the “legs of the chair” that are the foundation for the first phase.

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Exercise while wearing proper compression will optimize the lymphatic fluid uptake by the vessels. Exercise causes muscles to pump into appropriate compression wear, which leads to the pressure gradient that results in the lymphatic fluid uptake necessary to reduce the swelling. This is the only method at this time for removing protein rich fluid from the interstitial spaces in our bodies.  The fluid will then make its way to lymph nodes at specific locations throughout the body. The job of the lymph nodes is to: filter toxins/bacteria/metabolic waste; aid in fighting infections; and regulate lymphatic fluid & protein concentration in the system. Lymph nodes facilitate the transport of lymphatic fluid into the circulatory system where that fluid is ultimately able to be processed by the kidneys and urinated out as waste..

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When there is a build up of lymphatic fluid, the fluid does press on our muscles and nerves resulting in reduced strength, range of motion or changes in sensation (peripheral neuropathy). Activcore stands apart from traditional therapy in that the Redcord system idealizes the neuromuscular reeducation necessary to reduce swelling, increase strength & range of motion and not only enable you to return to your previously enjoyed activities but also elevate your function and performance with these activities. There is no “rushing through” treatment at Activcore. You have the therapist's undivided attention and expertise at every appointment. This is extremely important for future self management, as lymphedema requires lifelong maintenance.