AREAS COVERED
W7, W5, W13, Ealing, West London
57 Elthorne Avenue
Hanwell, W7 2JY
T: 020 8566 4113
M: 079 572 46185
E: info@ckphysio.co.uk
Please phone the number above during working hours to make an appointment. Our reception service will be happy to book your session.
London Underground
10 min. walk from Boston Manor Tube Station.
15 min. walk from Northfields Tube Station.
Bus Service
E8, E3, E2, 207, 607, 83
Hearing the words deep vein thrombosis puts fear into many people and is greatly misunderstood by the public.
Usually associated with flying long haul, this isn’t the only cause for concern when it comes to deep vein thrombosis.
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within your veins. This clot can reduce the flow of blood or even travel to various parts of your body, sometimes with devastating effects.
Although it can be quite scary, there are ways in which to prevent it. Plus, available medical care such as DVT physiotherapy treatment if you happen to get it.
So that you’re up to speed on the condition, CK Physio will be discussing the following:
What is deep vein thrombosis and what causes it
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and when to take action
Preventative measures and physiotherapy exercises
How DVT physiotherapy treatment works
Where to get help if you need DVT physiotherapy treatment
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of your body.
Deep vein thrombosis can occur anywhere in your body and is usually categorised by the affected area.
The most common cause of DVT is damage to the vein or anything that prevents your blood from flowing or clotting properly.
Inactivity(standing, seated or lying for long periods of time)
Medical conditions (clotting disorders, heart and lung disease, autoimmune disease, varicose veins, Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) )
Source: 7 Health Conditions That Cause DVT - DVT Center - EverydayHealth.com
Age (DVT can occur at any age but over 60 are at higher risk)
Family history
Hormone medication (contraceptive pill or HRT)
Injury or surgery
Smoking
Cancer
Pregnancy
Overweight
Source: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Deep vein thrombosis can be serious if it goes untreated or if it travels to your major organs.
Pulmonary embolism (PE)- a clot travels through your bloodstream to your lungs
Femoral vein thrombosis- a clot in the long vein in your thigh, yet you may not experience symptoms
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)- a clot formed on the sticky plaque within your arteries
Superior Vena Cava Thrombosis- clot caused by a central line or catheter in your vein
Listed above are only a few of the 15 types of deep vein thrombosis. Now, we’ll explore the symptoms to look out for.
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Of course, prevention is better than cure. Yet, it’s equally important to know the symptoms of the condition so you can act if you feel you may be experiencing DVT.
(These symptoms can occur on the legs, arms, and abdomen)
Swollen veins
Painful or tender area
Swelling
Extreme pain in the calf when walking
Redness of the skin
Chest pain or tightness (made worse when breathing or coughing)
Dizziness or lightheaded
Rapid breathing or pulse
Coughing up blood
Deep vein thrombosis can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are often similar to other conditions or may not present at all.
Yet, if you have any of these symptoms it is important you get medical assistance immediately.
If not treated promptly, deep vein thrombosis can cause long-term complications.
As we mentioned previously prevention is better than cure!
But what can we do to ensure that we’re at our very best?
Drink plenty of fluids
Exercise regularly and move often
Avoid alcohol or smoking
Wear comfortable shoes
Use support stockings (if instructed)
Lose weight if you are overweight
Physiotherapy exercises are another way to prevent DVT.
These exercises are best done with an experienced, qualified physiotherapist who can provide guidance and support throughout.
At CK Physio a tailored program is designed to incorporate physiotherapy exercises that will:
increase blood circulation
reduce swelling
improve mobility
prevent further injury
These physiotherapy exercises can be performed after any qualifying injury, plus, pre or post-surgery for greater recovery and significantly reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
If instructed by a medical practitioner, DVT can be prevented or treated by wearing compression stockings and taking prescribed medications.
Deep vein thrombosis can be caused by various factors, such as prolonged sitting or standing, air travel, or surgery.
DVT physiotherapy treatment is designed to improve the circulation of blood and other fluids through the body.
The treatment is also used to lessen pain, reduce swelling, and prevent further clotting.
The most common DVT physiotherapy treatments include:
Early mobilisation: range of motion exercises (ROM)
Physiotherapy exercises: gentle exercises, and walking
Use of graduated compression stockings
Manual therapy: massage and manipulation
Education on deep vein thrombosis prevention
DVT physiotherapy treatment may be used in collaboration with your medical team, to ensure you're getting the correct treatment and receiving the right level of medication.
DVT physiotherapy treatment has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis.
Evidence suggests that physiotherapy exercises can reduce pain and improve mobility by strengthening muscles and improving coordination.
At CK Physio we’re here to help you on the road to DVT prevention or recovery.
Book an online consultation to discuss at length your situation with a certified physiotherapist.
However, if you or your loved ones are experiencing any of the deep vein thrombosis symptoms mentioned in this article. Please get medical assistance immediately.
Don’t leave it to chance, act now!