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What is Lymphedema? / Treatment /
What to Expect
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part, due to abnormal accumulation of
protein rich edema fluid. This is a condition that occurs from deficient or
damaged lymphatic system, which alters the transport of the lymph fluid.
Lymphedema usually affects the arms or legs, but it can also affect the head
and neck, genital and trunk regions.Some people
develop lymphedema without an obvious cause, which is diagnosed as Primary
Lymphedema. Primary Lymphedema can be categorized into three types:
- Congenital Lymphedema – present at
birth or develops within the first year of life.
- Lymphedema Praecox – develops before
the age of 35.
- Lymphedema Tarda – develops after the
age of 35.
The most common cause of lymphedema in the United States
is cancer treatment. This is diagnosed as Secondary Lymphedema and it occurs
when the lymph nodes or any part of the lymphatic system has been altered
from surgeries, radiation, chronic infection or trauma. Surgical removal
and/or radiation of the lymph nodes is commonly used to treat cancers, such
as: breast, uterine, ovarian, bladder, prostate, testicular, malignant
melanomas and lymphomas.
Treatment of Lymphedema
The most effective approach for lymphedema is Manual
Lymphatic Drainage/Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (MLD/CDP). MLD/CDP is
not a cure for lymphedema, but it is an approach to manage the condition and
allow for improved quality of life.
Evaluation: The
ProRehab Lymphedema Program staff will evaluate patients with the diagnosis of
lymphedema. We work with physicians to determine the best treatment plan for
lymphedema. The physician is kept up to date on each patient’s progress
while receiving physical therapy treatment.
Treatment: MLD/CDP is a
comprehensive approach to treat patients with lymphedema and is the most
effective form of treatment. MLD/CDP consists of four primary components:
manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercises, and education.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a manual technique
to improve the lymph vascular system and to reroute the protein rich edema
fluid from the blocked area to a healthy region for transport/absorption.
- Compression Bandaging of the affected
limb follows the manual lymphatic drainage treatment. The short stretch
bandages helps to prevent re-accumulation of the lymph fluid and improve
the efficiency of the muscle and pump.
- Once the extremity is bandaged,
exercises are performed with that extremity. The exercises will increase
the lymph vessel activity and the lymph circulation. The exercises are of
light intensity and easy to learn.
- Patient education is ongoing for each
person. The patient will be educated with skin/nail care, self-bandaging,
exercises, and self-MLD. We will educate family members, if needed, to
assist with each patient’s needs.
Our goal at ProRehab is to educate and teach each
patient the skills to manage their lymphedema condition and to improve their
quality of life.
What to Expect
All patients must have a physician’s referral for
treatment of lymphedema at ProRehab. The first appointment will include
an evaluation and the start of MLD/CDP treatment. The treatment session,
frequency, and length of treatment will be determined by the severity of
lymphedema and the specific needs of each patient. Typically patients are
seen 5 days a week from Monday through Friday, with duration to be
determined at the evaluation. The patient should wear loose clothing to
accommodate the compression bandages during scheduled appointments. To
schedule an appointment for lymphedema evaluation and treatment please call
812-476-0409.
Consultation: ProRehab staff are available for
patient and physician consultations and to answer any questions.
Insurance: Most insurance companies cover physical
therapy. However, each patient will need to check with his or her own
insurance company to determine if coverage for treatment.
Certified Lymphedema
Therapists:
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Anne Basden, MSPT,
CSCS, MLD/CDP
Anne received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston
University. She is certified by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in
Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy
certifications and is also a certified garment fitter for Juzo, Jobst
Elvarex, and CircAid.
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Andrea Baumann, PT, ATC, CSCS,
MLD/CDP
Andrea received her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy
from Saint Louis University. She is certified by the Academy of
Lymphatic Studies in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Complete Decongestive
Physiotherapy, and is a certified garment fitter for Juzo and Jobst
Elvarex. |
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