Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid which causes swelling in the affected body parts. While it occurs most often in the arms and legs, it can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen or genitals.
It may be the result of:
- Surgery related to a variety of cancers, including breast, lymphoma, and other cancers
- Dissection, hysterectomy for cancer, coronary by-pass surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Trauma/scarring
- Obesity
- Infection
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
About Our Therapists
Claiborne Medical Center has two certified therapists educated by the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. These caring and courteous professionals are qualified to treat:
- Lymphedema (both primary and secondary)
- Lipedema, a chronic condition that causes the abnormal accumulation of fat, usually in the legs
- Phlebo-lymphostatic edema, a condition caused by chronic venous insufficiencies,
- Post-traumatic edema, or swelling caused after injury to bone or soft tiissues
Risk Reduction Practices
There are steps you can take to avoid lymphedema, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Avoid having your blood pressure taken on an at-risk arm
- Avoid trauma injury
- Keep the extremity clean and dry
- Avoid immersing limb in water above 102° F
- Reduce infection risk
- Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
- Maintain optimal weight
- Avoid exposure to extreme cold
- Avoid prolonged exposure to heat (longer than 15 minutes)
- Wear proper-fitting footwear
- Do not cut cuticles during nail care
- Avoid crossing legs when possible
- Wear well-fitting compression garments
