Occupational Therapy Specializing in Lymphedema Management

 

Lymphedema

An estimated 2.5 million people in the United States suffer from Lymphedema, a condition caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the body that causes swelling in the arms or legs. Lymph is a clear fluid that develops in the tissue spaces through the body, it is a part of the circulatory system of veins and arteries. The fluid accumulates as a result of trauma to the lymph nodes. Most often an arm or leg is affected, but it can occur also in the face, neck, and abdomen or other parts of the body. Lymphedema left untreated can have important pathological and clinical consequences for the patient.

 

Primary Lymphedema is malformation of the lymphatic system. Swelling may appear after simple accidents such as sports injuries which can suddenly overload the lymphatic system.

Secondary Lymphedema the most common form of Lymphedema in the United States is often caused by injury, scarring, excision and or radiation therapy of the lymph nodes. This most often has affects those who have undergone surgery and or radiation of the lymph nodes.

 

Treatment program

 

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - a gentle manual therapy technique which improves the activity of the lymph vessels and re-routes the lymph flow.
• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) -compression therapy increases the tissue pressure and is applied between treatment sessions. In phase II of treatment, compression garments are utilized.
• Therapeutic Exercise - therapeutic exercises aid the lymphokinetic efforts of the muscle and joint pumps.
• Skin Care – infections can be a serious complication of Lymphedema. Each patient is taught meticulous skin care.

 

Complications of Lymphedema

 

• Infection
• Cosmetic Deformity
• Pain/Discomfort
• Difficulty Walking
• Open Wounds
• Multiple Hospitalization
• Dispression
• Difficulty with activities of daily living
• Fibrosis (Tissue Hardening)
• Amputation
• Joint Immobility

Lymphedema is a serious and progressive condition, resulting in infections that require extended hospital care if left untreated.

Customary treatments, such as diuretics, elevation, pheumatic pumps have proven to be ineffective and potentially harmful. The safest, most effective treatment for Lymphedema is MLD/CDT.

If you would like more information about our specialized programs, please contact us at:  

Hammond-Henry Hospital Rehabilitation Services
600 N. College Avenue
Geneseo, IL 61254
(309) 944-9150
Email: rehab@hammondhenry.com