Early detection is important in preventing complications and improving the effectiveness of treatment. Anyone who suspects they have lymphedema should have the condition professionally evaluated and treatment started as quickly as possible.
Lymflo Therapies offers a comprehensive program for the treatment and management of lymphedema utilizing Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation by an Occupational or Physical Therapist. A treatment plan is then established. CDT is the recommended course of treatment for patient’s who are experiencing a greater than 2% normal fluid volume in the area or extremity. CDT includes two phases of therapy.
Phase I
includes daily therapy for approximately one to four weeks, depending upon severity, and involves:
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD); a type of gentle lymphatic massage which redistributes congested fluid to optimal functioning areas of the body. MLD can also promote scar healing and increase range of motion.
- The application of compression bandages to promote lymph drainage in conjunction with movement and exercise.
- Skin care with application of low pH lotions.
- Therapeutic exercises, an essential aspect of the treatment plan, which is given as a home program.
Phase II
of therapy includes further development of a home program to optimize the benefits achieved in intensive therapy. These include:
- Measuring and fitting for daytime compression garment. In addition to standard garment, Lymflo Therapies provides on-sight fabrication and alteration of compression garments for difficult-to-fit patients or patients with special needs.
- Fitting for night time compression therapy.
- Learning self MLD techniques to be used ongoing with therapeutic exercises and skin care. Patients are then followed ultimately every six to eight weeks for ongoing manual lymph drainage therapy. Adjustments are made to the program according to each patient’s specific needs.
Lymflo Therapies also offers counseling to patients who are at risk for developing lymphedema and want to learn ways to prevent lymphedema. Counseling sessions include education on the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, instruction in self manual lymph drainage techniques and therapeutic exercises, and precautions in daily life situations that should be taken including avoiding trauma and constriction to at risk areas.
If you or a loved one has lymphedema or are concerned that you may be at risk for developing lymphedema, we invite you to experience the transforming affects of what Lymflo Therapies can offer in a healing, professional, and homey environment. Our mission is to assist patients in restoring their quality of life and teach the management of lymphedema. This is in collaboration with the patient’s own medical team.
Treatment at Lymflo Therapies is covered by most insurance plans including Medicare.