Swelling is common after a stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis or during paralysis. It makes your arm feel heavy, and difficult to move.
The most common cause is lack of movement of the affected arm which can impair the flow of lymphatic fluid and lead to fluid buildup in the muscles. This is called peripheral edema.
It is very important that you contact your doctor to get the proper diagnosis and describe you with the best management as soon as you notice any signs of swelling on your arm.
The process of lymphatic massage for arm swelling after a stroke is as follows:
- First, we need to do a deep breathing. This will stimulate the lymph nodes of your belly. Let’s divide you belly four areas. Place your unaffected hand over the top right and push slightly for resistance, and inhale. Push your belly towards your hand while inhaling and push slightly downwards with your hand when exhaling. Do the same process to the upper left ear area, lower, right and lower left.
- We first need to stimulate lymph nodes under jaw and above the collarbone. Use a circular motion massage behind the ear and below the jaw line.
- Next we need to stimulate the lymph nodes of you under arms. To stimulate the national silver, unaffected arm, ratio of arm off down while squeezing your under arm each time you bring your arm down do this 10 times. To stimulate the lymph nodes of your affected arm, use the hand of your unaffected arm to massage and circular motion 8 to 10 times.
- To stimulate the lymph nodes at your inguinal, which is the fold between your trunk and your leg, we will still be using a circular motion 8 to 10 times.
- If possible, place your affected arm on a pillow or cushion in front of you. Make sure your arm is comfortable and supported. You can also elevate your arm above your heart level if possible.
- Next, use a swiping motion from the affected arm, going to the armpit of your unaffected arm, crossing your chest. Do the same swiping motion from the armpit of your affected arm to the groin area of your affected side.
- For the main arm massage, divide your arm into areas. Shoulder, upper arm, forearm and hand. Follow the direction of the lymph flow and use a light to moderate pressure.
- Start from the shoulder. Use light strokes towarda the armpit.
- Move to your upper arm. Massage the inside, top and back with long strokes towards the underarm.
- Then, move to your forearm and massage from close to the elbow down to the wrist. Again, follow the direction of the lymph flow and use a light to moderate pressure.
- Finally, move to your hand and fingers and massage them with yout thumb and fingers of your unafffected arm. Use a light pressure and avoid squeezing or pulling your fingers.
- Repeat this process for about 15 to 20 minutes or as long as you feel comfortable. You can do this once or twice a day or as recommended by your therapist or nurse.
- After the massage, you can apply a compression device such as a sleeve, glove, or bandage to help prevent fluid from accumulating again. You should consult with your doctor or therapist before using compression devices, as they may not be suitable for everyone.
Massage is one of the strategies that you can use to manage swelling in your arm or hand after a stroke. It can help improve fluid circulation, reduce pain, and relax the muscles. However, it is not a substitute for exercise, which is the most important and effective way to manage swelling after a stroke. Exercise can help get tissue fluids moving and stimulate neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form new neural connections and recover from damage caused by stroke.
#lymphedema #stroke #strokerecovery
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Disclaimer:
This video should not replace the necessity of visiting your doctor or getting your occupational therapy session done. Please consult your primary care physician before doing any of this. The video is for educational purposes only.
By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Skills and wellness will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our fitness program.
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