What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is abnormal swelling resulting from an accumulation of lymphatic fluid. It typically presents in the arm or leg, but can also be present in the breast, head and neck, or genitals. This can happen due to congenital or acquired abnormalities in the lymphatic system, or more commonly, after surgeries where lymph nodes have been removed.
What are the risk factors for lymphedema?
Lymph node removal due to cancer along with radiation treatment are the most common. Other lifestyle factors can increase this risk after surgery.
What are the symptoms?
Lymphedema will initially present as a feeling of heaviness or sluggishness in the affected limb. It will not have any visible swelling. Once it is more advanced, swelling will increase and will continue to increase until treated. If you have risk factors and feel like something is off, please come in for evaluation. Symptoms can onset years after the initial surgery.
How is this treated?
Complete Decongestive Therapy is the gold standard for reducing swelling and includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, and skin care to reduce infection risk. We will also teach you how to perform self-manual lymphatic drainage and ensure you are transitioned to appropriate compression garments. This requires frequent visits initially, and we will discuss this at your first visit.
I have recently had surgery and would like more information on prevention, where do I go for this?
We would be happy to see you for an educational visit where we can discuss risk reduction practices. We are also always happy to see patients for post op rehab in general and we can discuss risk at those appointments as well.
Our clinic can accommodate patients up to 425lbs.
Lymphedema is abnormal swelling resulting from an accumulation of lymphatic fluid. It typically presents in the arm or leg, but can also be present in the breast, head and neck, or genitals. This can happen due to congenital or acquired abnormalities in the lymphatic system, or more commonly, after surgeries where lymph nodes have been removed.
What are the risk factors for lymphedema?
Lymph node removal due to cancer along with radiation treatment are the most common. Other lifestyle factors can increase this risk after surgery.
What are the symptoms?
Lymphedema will initially present as a feeling of heaviness or sluggishness in the affected limb. It will not have any visible swelling. Once it is more advanced, swelling will increase and will continue to increase until treated. If you have risk factors and feel like something is off, please come in for evaluation. Symptoms can onset years after the initial surgery.
How is this treated?
Complete Decongestive Therapy is the gold standard for reducing swelling and includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise, and skin care to reduce infection risk. We will also teach you how to perform self-manual lymphatic drainage and ensure you are transitioned to appropriate compression garments. This requires frequent visits initially, and we will discuss this at your first visit.
I have recently had surgery and would like more information on prevention, where do I go for this?
We would be happy to see you for an educational visit where we can discuss risk reduction practices. We are also always happy to see patients for post op rehab in general and we can discuss risk at those appointments as well.
Our clinic can accommodate patients up to 425lbs.