Lymphedema Therapy

What is Lymphedema therapy?

Lymphedema occurs when an abnormal amount of lymphatic fluid accumulates in tissue. Lymphedema can be present at birth, occur for various reasons later in life, or develop as a result of surgery, radiation, disease, infection or trauma. With early diagnosis and professional care, the effects of lymphedema can be managed and controlled.

Northwest Community Healthcare’s highly trained occupational and physical therapists have advanced training and certification in the management of primary and secondary lymphedema. We also treat chronic edema, which can occur with medical diagnoses such as peripheral vascular disease, chronic heart failure, and following a joint surgery or fracture.

What causes lymphedema?

Lymphedema can be present at birth, occur for various reasons later in life, or develop as a result of surgery, radiation, disease, infection or trauma.

Lymphedema often occurs in breast patients who had all or part of their breast and underarm lymph nodes removed. https://www.nch.org/conditions/cancer-care/breast-cancer/. Patients who have had surgery for uterine cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma, head/neck cancers, or melanoma are also at higher risk of lymphedema.

Who may benefit from lymphedema therapy?

Individuals with the following conditions may benefit from lymphedema therapy:

• Post-breast or other cancer surgery with lymph node removal
• Post-radiation for cancer
• Chronic edema in arms and/or legs with or without wounds
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Swelling as related to obesity and/or lipedema

What does skilled lymphedema treatment entail?

The rehabilitation team at Northwest Community Healthcare includes physical and occupational therapists that specialize in lymphedema management. They use their training and experience to help reduce risk, treat and manage lymphedema, control pain and swelling, and reduce risk of infection.

Lymphedema therapy includes using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).  CDT is a non-invasive treatment consisting of the following components:

• Manual lymph drainage
• Compression therapy
• Decongestive exercises
• Self-manual lymph drainage
• Education in skin and nail care