Lymphedema
Got swelling?
Let’s take care of that!
The lymphatic system is important for immune function and fluid balance in the body. Congestion may occur due to surgery, cancer, injury, or insufficiency in venous or lymphatic circulation. Manual treatment, exercise, and compression can help remedy short and long-term swelling. Early treatment to support circulation, maintain healthy skin, and learn self-management is important. Susannah is a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) since 2011, so, you’re in good hands!
Treatment for:
Lymphedema
Venous insufficiency
Swelling due to injury
Post-op healing including plastic surgery
How I treat it:
Manual lymphatic drainage
Cold Laser (LTU-904)
Compression bandaging
Garment fitting
Lymphatic taping
Scar tissue mobilization
Remedial exercises for the lymphatic system
Evaluation
During your evaluation Susannah will assess your skin and measure the affected body part. These measures will be calculated to determine a percentage of swelling compared to the non-affected side. The intensity & frequency of recommended visits will depend upon the stage and/or characteristics of your swelling.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage that moves the stagnant lymphatic fluid under the skin back to the heart for processing. It is very relaxing for the patient. The strokes and sequencing of techniques can be taught to you or a loved one to help manage your swelling at home.
Exercises for you…
Simple exercises will be prescribed to reduce your swelling as well as improve your function while reducing lymphedema risk. A personalized plan may consist of scar tissue mobilization and stretching to improve tissue pliability after surgery, strengthening to increase your lymphatic capacity, or aerobic exercise to enhance lymph flow & filtration of the heart as it sends the fluid to the kidneys to be processed.
Bandaging
Not everyone needs bandaging, however, cases of swelling that do not decrease with elevation or cause skin changes may require light compressive bandaging. Movement and exercise with the bandages on will help milk the fluid out of the arm and soften the skin. This is temporary & you will be fit for a garment to maintain the improvements in swelling as soon as the affected body part begins to plateau with decongestion.
Garments
Getting a proper fitting garment that maintains and enhances the improvements you made with lymphedema treatment is the last step! Susannah will suggest the most cost-effective and beneficial garment(s) for you. Most often she fits the garments herself which saves you time and money! You will understand how to care for your garment and when to replace it.
If you have questions about how Susannah can help, schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
