Oedema refers to fluid retention or swelling. Oedema can occur as an injury response, as when there are fractures and soft tissue injury. The swelling is usually related to the venous (veins) system or the lymphatic system. This injury response can also become exaggerated and cause secondary stiffness of joints, thus retarding movement and use of the limb, especially in the hand.
The occupational therapist has many therapeutic modalities and interventions that can help reduce the oedema and so prevent stiffness of the affected area. These include:
- Compression bandages and pressure garments.
- Massage techniques, including light and/or deep massage
- Splints- Thermoplastic braces or casts that support limbs to reduce oedema, or to help stretch contractures and regains lost movement.
- Types: thermoplastic resting splints, soft splints and on occasion dynamic splints
- Use of Elevation as the force of gravity causes oedema to flow proximally.
- Temperature- use of hand and ice for specific time frames
- Oedema drill exercises and mobilisation to help move the affected aspect.
- Modalities such as Infrared, vibration, Stimulators ( TENS and FES) and CPM unit is also incorporated in therapy.
