I still can't imagine that there's a limit on lymphedema care. Do you have a Medicare supplement? Have you contacted Medicare? They might be thinking you're having some kind of regular massage therapy which of course is pointless with lymphedema. Also Lon, there is a new surgical procedure called a "lymphovenous bypass" that is a microsurgery to connect lymph channels to blood vessels. This gives the lymph a way to drain and helps eliminate the swelling from lymphedema. I am having a lymphovenous bypass when I have my breast cancer surgery in August.
I am finally having PT for my broken back 6 years after the surgery compliments of the VA. I have lots of insurance, but getting a doctor's order is the issue for me. The reason insurance limits some types of therapy is because it gets abused. PT is not usually limited as much as Chiropractic care, as a chiropractor will have you going several times a week for the rest of your life if they get reimbursement.
Yes, I did understand the nature of the type of physical therapy he was having. My comment about a physical therapist being more of a motivational trainer was an across the board kind of thing but still, the type of massage Lon was getting can indeed be done by oneself provided that he learned what the therapist was doing during those visits. At least until Lon gets all his ducks in a row and the therapy or surgery is being financially taken care of, perhaps he can invest in a teacher to come by and show him what he needs to know in order to prevent any further buildup. In the mean time, if it were me I’d knock off the Swedish Massage visits because from my understanding, it can increase the buildup and be more harmful than good. I’m not a doctor but I’ve been a little surprised each time Lon tells us about his full body Swedish Massage visits. It may feel good at the time but it creates more damage.
I'm not sure whether Lon is having any certified lymphedema therapy or not; he talks of "massage therapist" but those are not typically certified in lymphedema treatment. (I think we are both talking about the same thing here. )
Ya see that’s what puzzles me. A massage therapist of any kind should know that a regular massage endangers a patient with lympedemia, not helps them. Moreover, even if the patient doesn’t know it, the nursing staff at the home should know it. I just went to the old standby, YouTube and here’s something he might be able to learn to do. There are others dealing with the legs and arms but this is a pretty good overview.
I work out daily on two of the machines. There are also weights and pulleys on the wall of the Exercise Room
Exercise is one of two aspects of seniors' protecting their bones. Nutrition is the other. Your place seems to be set!
Today, most-to-all apartment complexes, including 55 Plus communities have exercise rooms. But, from my previous experience working for a senior healthcare company, not all seniors can, or should, use the equipment. Just depends on the seniors health. And, many places require a person to monitor a senior when they are working out on machines. Heart attacks, falls, whatever can happen.
I have an elliptical exercise machine. I haven’t used it since my knee joint replacement. I’ve got to get on the ball and start using it!