Meet Connie! Connie is a long-time patient of Mobile PT. Connie worked in property management and loves to travel, Italy being a favorite destination. She has been working with physical therapist Christina Wallace DPT for the past 10 months, originally contacting Mobile PT for help after a fall. Connie was having difficulty with swelling in her legs (edema) and wanted to improve her mobility. She reached out to Mobile PT, as we specialize in lower extremity edema treatment.

Connie was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and lower extremity edema. Lower extremity edema can be due to diagnoses that affect the heart, blood vessels or lymph nodes. As swelling in the legs increase, many patients have difficulty getting around, becoming frustrated and sedentary. Gentle walking or sitting exercises are a great way to help the fluids in your body recirculate. Muscle contractions during movement pumps fluid around the body and out of the legs. Getting rid of excess fluid is critical to prevent infections, wounds, and blistering. Connie was finding it challenging to walk and tired easily due to the excessive fluid weight in her legs.

“Movement makes me stronger and I am happier being able to move.”

How can a Physical Therapist help get rid of edema? We treat with a special type of massage called lymph drainage massage to increase movement of the fluids. Connie is a big fan of the massage. We also use compression wraps to move the fluids around the body. As swelling decreases, which is our initial goal, the therapist will stop using the wraps and introduce compression stockings to help maintain the edema at an appropriate level. These stockings can easily be put on by the patient or their caregiver.

In Connie’s case, Christina designed a custom treatment plan starting with leg wraps, massage, and exercise. She then introduced safe ambulation, slowly increasing Connie’s endurance, and improving her balance. Connie progressed from being primarily homebound to being able to leave her home with confidence. She even goes out into the community with her family!

We are pleased to report that Connie is doing well managing her edema by keeping on her compression socks. She is so grateful for Christina’s professional and patient care. Connie is a great example of a client with excessive lower extremity edema who benefitted from Physical Therapy. Three cheers for Connie.

 

 

Keep on your feet!

Dan Sheehy is a Physical Therapist and the owner of Mobile PT, based in San Diego’s North County. Mobile PT strives to keep seniors strong and secure, decreasing fear and risk of falling. Our mission is to keep seniors confident and safe where they live to maximize their quality of life and maintain their independence.