What is lymphedema? It is swelling of a body part that doesn’t typically go away with elevation or exercise. Your body is made up of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that all work together to filter harmful material, move excess fluid from beneath the skin and produce antibodies for healing.
If the body has had an injury, whether chronic (such as continuous leg swelling), or acute (such as surgery or cancer), an excess of lymph fluid is present in the affected area. Lymphedema can occur following cancer treatment (for instance, breast or prostate), following cosmetic surgery (such as a tummy tuck, breast augmentation/reduction, face lift), recent hip or knee surgery, or for those that have chronic swelling in their legs. These medical conditions can benefit from the treatment for lymphedema. Symptoms of lymphedema include, but are not limited to, swelling of a part of the trunk, swelling of an extremity (or sometimes both extremities if legs are involved), frequent skin problems/wounds, but not typically pain.
Lymphedema treatment consists of good skin care, specific exercises based on individual needs, gentle massage of skin and compression wrapping of the affected body part. The treatment time is approximately one hour and the swelling can be reduced in as quickly as two weeks depending on the individual. Some of the benefits of treating lymphedema include: healthier skin, improved mobility, improved wound healing and improved self-esteem and comfort. This treatment can be continued at home after being trained by the therapist.
Martin Memorial has four locations that offer this comprehensive treatment for lymphedema. Please contact our central scheduling department at (772) 223-2811 to get further information about our locations or for answers to general questions. Your physician can write a prescription for lymphedema therapy.
--Kristin Montgomery
Lead Occupational Therapist,
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
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