Lymphedema is the excessive accumulation of fluid and protein in the body resulting in the swelling of an arm, leg, or other part of the body. Lymphedema can result after lymph node dissection or radiation therapy, or it may appear at birth or at a later stage.
The goals of lymphedema therapy are:
- To reduce the swelling of the affected body part
- Improve function and strength
- Reduce the chance of secondary complications
- Provide education on managing the condition and prevent future recurrences
Lymphedema therapy services offered:
- Manual lymph drainage
- Compression bandaging
- Therapeutic exercise
- Patient instruction in:
- Self-massage
- Self-bandaging
- Use of compression garment
- Home exercise program
- Skin care