Lymphedema
From Swelling to Strength — Reclaim Your Movement
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling, most often in an arm or leg, when the lymphatic system becomes damaged or blocked and can no longer drain fluid properly.
Noticing swelling that just won’t go away? Feeling heaviness, tightness, or skin that seems puffier than usual? You’re not alone. Lymphedema can show up gradually or seem to appear overnight, and it can make everyday activities feel uncomfortable or discouraging. At Big Stone Therapies, we specialize in helping you reduce swelling, restore movement, and get back to the life you love with personalized lymphedema therapy.
With over 50 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan, we’re proud to help individuals across the Midwest feel lighter, more mobile, and back in control.
What Causes Lymphedema?
Lymphedema develops when the lymphatic system becomes damaged or blocked and can no longer drain fluid properly. It falls into two main categories.
Primary Lymphedema
Rare and present from an inherited condition, this type affects how the lymphatic system develops. It can appear at:
- ✓Birth
- ✓Puberty
- ✓Pregnancy
- ✓Any point in adulthood
Secondary Lymphedema
Far more common, this type develops when the lymphatic system is damaged by an outside cause, most often:
- ✓Cancer treatment, including surgery with lymph node removal and radiation therapy
- ✓Infection, including parasitic infections
- ✓Trauma or injury to the lymphatic vessels
- ✓Obesity and sustained pressure on the lymphatic system
- ✓Tumors pressing against or blocking lymph vessels
- ✓Chronic venous insufficiency or heart conditions
- ✓Reduced physical activity
What Are the Symptoms of Lymphedema?
Common symptoms include:
- ✓Swelling in an arm, leg, hand, foot, or other area of the body
- ✓Heaviness, fullness, or tightness in the affected limb
- ✓Aching, discomfort, or pressure
- ✓Skin that looks puffy, red, or thickened
- ✓Clothes, sleeves, shoes, or jewelry fitting more tightly than usual
- ✓Reduced flexibility or range of motion in a joint
- ✓Burning or itching in the affected area
- ✓Recurring skin infections (cellulitis)
Our Personalized and Thorough Evaluation Process
When you visit Big Stone Therapies for lymphedema, your care begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. We take the time to understand your medical history, your symptoms, and your goals, including a review of your limb measurements and any prior treatment or surgery.
If you have not yet been diagnosed, we’ll partner with your physician or oncology team to confirm the cause of your swelling and ensure you get the complete care you deserve.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
CDT is the gold-standard, non-invasive treatment for lymphedema. At Big Stone Therapies, we design your care plan around your unique symptoms, severity, and goals.
Your treatment may include:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Gentle techniques that redirect fluid toward healthy drainage areas.
Compression Therapy
Bandaging and fitted garments to prevent fluid from returning.
Therapeutic Exercise
Activate the muscles that help pump lymphatic fluid.
Skin and Nail Care
Protect against infection and support long-term management.
There is currently no cure for lymphedema, but with consistent CDT and self-care at home, most patients see significant, lasting improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lymphedema can’t be cured, but it can be very effectively managed. With consistent CDT and proper self-care at home, most people significantly reduce swelling, improve function, and maintain a good quality of life.
CDT should not be painful. Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses very light, gentle pressure, and most patients find it relaxing. Compression bandaging may feel snug but shouldn’t cause pain.
Common signs include unexplained swelling in an arm or leg, a feeling of heaviness or tightness, and skin that looks or feels different than usual. If you’ve had cancer treatment involving lymph nodes and notice these symptoms, talk to your doctor about a lymphedema evaluation.
In many cases, a physician’s referral is required, especially if you plan to use insurance coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance plan and asking your doctor for a referral, and our team is happy to help guide you through the process.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover CDT when it’s medically necessary and performed by a qualified therapist. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to verify your specific benefits before beginning treatment.
Don’t Let Lymphedema Hold You Back
If swelling or heaviness is disrupting your life, know that relief is possible. Our certified lymphedema therapists are ready to help you take confident steps forward, with compassion, clinical expertise, and a personalized plan designed just for you. Contact your nearest Big Stone Therapies clinic today to schedule your lymphedema evaluation.
Contact UsServing 50+ communities across MN, ND, SD & MI.
Discover the BIG Difference in your recovery journey.