Lymphedema Therapy
Complete Decongestive Therapy
If you've been diagnosed with lymphedema or are at high risk due to breast cancer treatments, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist can help you take control of your lymphatic health.
A Certified Lymphedema Therapist can help you reduce your swelling and improve your overall quality of life, using the 5 pillars of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold standard for treatment for lymphedema.
Multi-layer compression bandages & garments
Manual lymphatic drainage
Remedial exercises
Skin care principles
Education
During your first appointment, a comprehensive assessment will be performed of your posture, mobility, and flexibility. In addition, your skin will be thoroughly inspected and measurements of your limbs will be taken. Together, you and your therapist will then develop an individualized treatment plan based on your concerns, needs, and goals.
Your treatments will include a combination of the 5 pillars of Complete Decongestive Therapy, as well as education on self-care practices, self-management strategies, and lifestyle modifications.
With treatment and support, your lymphedema can be successfully managed in the long-term and more serious health complications can be avoided.
“I was in a really bad place, because I was having complications due to having my breast cancer surgery. I couldn’t use my left arm because I had developed cording, and later on lymphedema in my hand.
Once I started breast cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema therapy, I was able to regain control and reclaim myself.”
“Before starting lymphedema therapy, I was hopeless. I had seen my arm go from relatively normal to swell up overnight. There was also such pain and heaviness in my arm, that I couldn’t do anything. It truly impacted every aspect of my life and I remember thinking that there was no cure.
However, once I started lymphedema therapy, I felt empowered. I went from sort of giving up and thinking this is what I have to deal with, to knowing that with lymphedema therapy I can be back to normal.”
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system serves as one of the body’s most vital systems, composed of an extensive network of vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid tissue. It has two primary functions: to maintain the fluid levels within your body and to filter bacteria, cancer cells, and waste products from your tissues.
When the lymphatic system is damaged, potentially due to breast surgery, lymph node dissection or removal, and radiation therapy, the system may no longer work as effectively as it once did. As a result, fluid may build up, potentially leading to lymphedema.
Lymphedema can develop weeks, months, or even years after cancer treatments. Thus if you are at risk of lymphedema, it is important to be aware of all of the signs and symptoms, so that you can consult a Certified Lymphedema Therapist promptly if something feels off. With early identification and proper intervention, lymphedema can be successfully managed.
Signs & Symptoms:
Lymphedema is characterized by an abnormal buildup of protein-rich fluid, known as lymph, resulting in visible swelling and skin changes. It can feel and look very different from person to person, but generally the signs include:
Feeling of heaviness, fullness, or tightness in the affected area(s)
Swelling that may fluctuate or be constant
Decreased movement or flexibility of your joints in the affected area(s)
Trouble fitting into your usual clothing
Your jewelry feels tighter than usual
Difficulty seeing your veins, tendons, and wrinkles in the affected area
Change in your skin’s texture (thickened skin) in the affected area
Pitting edema in the affected area