Lymphedema Therapy
North Mississippi Medical Center offers therapy for lymphedema, which is chronic swelling caused by an insufficiency, blockage or removal of lymph vessels or nodes.
Left untreated, lymphedema will create a host environment for bacteria growth and infection. It can also cause skin breakdown, increased pain, a heavy limb, decreased motion and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Lymphedema is persistent. With early detection and treatment, you can control lymphedema and lead a full, normal life.
Types of Lymphedema
- Primary, which may be congenital or present at any time for unknown reasons
- Secondary, which is frequently caused by lymph node removal, radiation therapy or scarring from an infection or injury.
Who Can Benefit?
Therapy is beneficial for children or adults diagnosed with lymphedema of the arm, hand or leg. You will need referral from a health care provider for therapy.
Treatment Techniques
- Manual lymphatic treatment (MLT) and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) stimulate the lymphatic vessels to absorb excess lymph fluid and develop use of substitutional pathways.
- Compression bandaging prevents refill between therapy sessions. It replaces skin and tissue pressure to encourage skin remodeling.
- Individual exercise programs, when used with compression bandaging, enhance lymphatic draining and restore strength, flexibility and endurance.
- Sequential pumping with state-of-the-art pneumatic pumps maximizes the reduction of swelling and softens hard tissue.
- Education about skin care, precautions and self-massage therapy to prevent the recurrence of lymphedema and control swelling.
Certified Therapist
Our staff includes a therapist certified in the Vodder Method of lymphedema management by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.
