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June 21, 2004

Swollen Ankles

I'm working with a client who has lymphatic swelling in their ankles. They have abdominal scarring from a previous surgery and a knee injury. As it turns out , the ankle with the knee problem is more swollen than the other. They report that there is pain with the swelling and that the swelling is increased since the onset of warm weather.

After ruling out a heart, kidney or liver condition, it has been determined that the client has a genetic predisposition for edema. Their doctor diagnosed dependent edema which means, basically, that the natural pumps in the lower extremity are no longer working.

I've been doing visceral manipulation with this client to free some of the abdominal scarring and increase freedom of fluid movement through the deep abdomen. I've also been doing lymphatic drainage to move the fluid up out of the legs. I've softened the musculature around the affected knee.

The client reports that the day after bodywork, the ankles are going down some. They also report a sense of well-being and feel less toxic. However, the improvements are not lasting especially with prolonged sitting. I'm concerned that sustained swelling will result in tissue damage. I'm referring them to a physical therapist who has training in wrapping and use of compression garments and whose therapy may be covered by insurance.

Posted by linda at June 21, 2004 12:51 PM