Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
When patients are receiving cancer treatment, whether chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, the bottom line is that these individuals are not feeling well, and many times, they find it overwhelming emotionally and physically. One significant side effect of certain cancer treatments is known as lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a build-up of protein rich fluid in an extremity. It is usually a secondary issue that arises after cancer treatment or lymph node removal, as well as a critical indicator for individuals that an illness or adverse reaction is occurring in their bodies. Breast cancer treatment is the number one cause of lymphedema in the United States.
Lymphedema is not life threatening however, it is lifestyle limiting and it is a progressive condition. Lymphedema can cause significant swelling in the arm or leg causing physiologic distress, and can also decrease a person’s function and body image. Patients who notice a feeling of “heaviness” or swelling in their arm or leg, should seek treatment sooner rather than later, due to the progressive nature of lymphedema. Lymphedema and the lymphatic system is complex, therefore, treatments should be performed only by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. CLT’s are extensively trained individuals, often Physical therapists, Occupational therapists and massage therapists, who with their specialized training, are very successful in returning patient’s back to their original state.
The CLT will perform an extensive evaluation to assess the patient’s condition and establish a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment involves patient education, manual lymphatic drainage techniques, bandaging or compression garments, and therapeutic exercises.
Remember, it is critical to see a well-trained, licensed practitioner because if lymphatic drainage is performed incorrectly, it can lead to tissue damage and intensify health disorders. Lori Criswell, the owner of Palm Coast Physical Therapy, has a doctorate in Physical therapy. In addition, she is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Due to her extensive experience and training, she can successfully treat all of your conditions and limitations due to lymphedema.
Combined Therapies
For patients that need combined therapy, Palm Coast Physical Therapy advocates synergistic treatment and methods. In many cases, the healing process is increased by using traditional physical therapy, and other advanced techniques to reach a deeper cellular level of healing.
Palm Coast Physical Therapy Services
• Low Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Foot and Heel Pain
• Vertigo/Dizziness/BPPV
• Headaches
• Tendonitis of the Shoulder, Elbow, Knee, Ankle
• Lymphedema
• Total Knee and Hip Replacement Rehabilitation
• Orthopedic Post-Operative Rehabilitation
• Manual/Massage Therapy
• Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation
• Sports-Related Injuries/Return to Golf
and Tennis
• Biodex® Dynamic Balance Training
• Core Stabilization Involving Pilates Techniques
• Osteoporosis
• Balance/Fall Risk Screening
• Myofascial Release
• Fibromyalgia
Palm Coast PT
Palm Coast PT’s personalized approach is a big key to their success at creating lasting patient and physician relationships. They offer one-on-one patient care and develop treatment programs based on each individual’s needs. Their two Doctors of Physical Therapy solely provide treatment. They not only focus specifically on the patient’s treatment diagnosis, but also on the body as a whole, giving patients high-quality outcomes with fewer therapy visits required. They believe in clinical excellence with a strong focus on continuing education and manual therapy. They have extensive training in manual therapy, lymphedema, vestibular rehabilitation, and neuromuscular re-education, giving them a solid foundation to treat all musculoskeletal disorders with high patient satisfaction.
Palm Coast PT’s warm and friendly clinic is privately owned and operated by a physical therapist, which enables them to focus on individualized, high-quality patient care. They believe in the “patient first” mentality and focus on creating a sense of wellbeing for all of their patients. Palm Coast PT’s patients are like family, and they give them the very best of care!
What Their Patients are Saying—Testimonials
“Lori and Trevor are truly passionate about quality care and results. Lori treated my wife, who had a serious neurological condition and got her as independent as possible. I was treated for dizziness, and my condition resolved in only a couple of visits. I am back to bowling twice a week. The clinic is very warm, and I always felt like “family” when I stepped into the clinic. Nicky, the front office manager, is very warm and accommodating.”—Tony
“Lori and Trevor are very competent and really care for their patients’ wellbeing. My wife and I have used their services with great results. And we’re going back when something new needs fixing. We both highly recommend them.”—Sylvain
To begin your journey to healing, contact
them today at (239) 430-0123 or visit:
www.palmcoastphysicaltherapy.com.