Lymphedema

Our Lymphedema Therapy program helps people who are experiencing abnormal swelling of a body part (including but not limited to the face, neck, arm, breast, leg or abdomen) caused by an excessive build-up of lymph fluids

Who Benefits from Lymphedema Therapy

Patients who benefit from treatment include those with chronic venous insufficiency, primary lymphedema and lymphedema secondary to cancer treatment. Orthopedic patients who do not progress as expected in edema reduction following surgery or injury are also candidates for treatment.

Lymphedema Therapy Treatment

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD):  Manual lymphatic drainage treatment is a comfortable massage technique that promotes movement of the fluid from the tissues into the vessels and moves the fluid towards natural drainage points.
• Compression wraps: Compressive wraps consist of layered short stretch bandages with a padded under layer. These are used to slow the accumulation of new fluid until maximum drainage has been achieved. Patients are then transitioned to pull-on compression garments to maintain their progress.
• Patient Education: Patient education is an important part of our program. Patients are advised on exercises to enhance lymph drainage and life style precautions to lower the risk of worsening the condition.

Rehabilitation Services offers Certified Lymphedema Therapists to treat patients diagnosed with lymphedema. Certified Lymphedema Therapists are physical and occupational therapists who have completed the most advanced training in the treatment of lymphedema. Treatment of lymphedema is effective in reducing the volume of edema with a combination of interventions that improves the quality of life for persons impacted by this chronic condition.