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Lymphedema is a medical way of saying swelling. Lymphedema swelling is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in a body part.
Lymphedema is best treated with complete decongestive therapy (CDT). In the beginning the therapist helps you reduce swelling in your body part as much as possible with compression and a specialized massage called manual lymph drainage (MLD). A patient completing CDT is also taught about the best ways to care of their skin, individualized home exercise programs, self massage (MLD), and long term compression options.
The fluid in swelling is not a healthy fluid, it is full of bacteria and waste. When it sits in your tissue it irritates it from the inside out. Leaving the swelling in a body part puts you at increased risk of infection and wounds.
Certified lymphedema therapists should have gone through a minimum of 135 hours of specialized training to know how to best help you. Someone treating you that hasn't had that training could make swelling worse.
Occupational therapy can help with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to: lymphedema, rehab after surgery or injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, mental health conditions, and chronic pain.
Occupational therapy can help with a wide range of challenges, including but not limited to: swelling/lymphedema, drainage through the skin, wound healing, handwriting challenges, trouble with using hands or arms for dressing and home tasks, fall prevention through home assessments, manage symptoms and keep function through aging, rehab from an injury or surgery, and pain management.
During your first occupational therapy session, you can expect to undergo an evaluation that includes an assessment of your abilities and limitations. Sarah will work with you to identify your goals and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and preferences.
The length of occupational therapy treatment depends on the individual and their specific needs. Some individuals may require short-term therapy, while others may require ongoing therapy to manage their condition and maintain their level of function. Sarah will work with you to determine the appropriate length of treatment for your needs.
First, call your doctor. Ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist for a lymphedema evaluation. A leg or arm that is leaking clear/yellow fluid frequently has an edema component. Lymphedema therapy can help stop the leaking and break the leaking cycle.
Usually if my patients tell me compression didn't work before, it’s often the case that a patient tried an improper size or strength of compression or the texture of fabric was not ideal for the patient. Sometimes the garment style a patient tried wasn't appropriate for the patient, or they weren't taught tips and tricks for putting compression on or off. There are a lot of compression garment styles and textures available and devices to help you. Let me show you!
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