Lymphedema Therapy Program
We specialize in lymphedema and wound healing.
People with lymphedema are at high risk for infection, especially cellulitis. Lymphedema is a chronic health condition that occurs most commonly after surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Other causes of Lymphedema include infection, obesity, venous insufficiency, trauma, as well as recovery from joint replacement and other surgeries.
Lymphedema can be complicated to treat, which is why you should got to a physical therapist who has been certified through intensive training. There are many variables, techniques, and specialized treatments for lymphedema.
Our lymphedema specialists will teach you how to maintain your treatment progress through at-home techniques, including self-bandaging, self massage, exercise, and skin and nail care.
Our certified lymphedema therapists include:
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
Available Treatments:
- Manual lymphatic drainage: This specialized type of skin massage mobilizes and moves built-up fluid to areas of the body where it can be absorbed. Patients can learn to do these techniques at home in a short amount of time. Paired with compression, patients can start to see improvements immediately with this very effective intervention.
- God skin care: Maintaining healthy skin through scar care, moisturizing, and careful shaving is important for avoiding infections. even a small cut or scrape can lead to problems because an inefficient lymphatic system means slow healing.
- Exercise: Some patients believe f they don’t move, they won’t swell, but the opposite is true. We move fluid by pumping our muscles, so being active is very very important. Activities can include daily walking, basic limb movements, and swimming. Precautionary steps must be taken not to aggravate lymphedema, but the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Compression: If limbs are swollen, they must be compressed. Special types of bandages are initially used in physical therapy to reduce swelling and then patients are fitted with a compression garment to maintain reductions. Compression is an important key for treating lymphedema.
Download our Lymphedema Therapy Program guide here.