Lymphedema Therapy

Whether you are at risk of developing lymphedema or have lymphedema, I can help you take control of your lymphatic health.

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, the system may no longer work as effectively as it once did. As a result, fluid may build up, potentially leading in lymphedema. Lymphedema is characterized by an abnormal buildup of protein-rich fluid, known as lymph, resulting in visible swelling and skin changes.

Damage can occur as a result of breast surgery, lymph node dissection/removal, and radiation therapy.

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.

As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, I am here to help you reduce your swelling, successfully manage your lymphedema, and improve your quality of life, using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold standard for treatment for lymphedema.

Lymphedema Therapy includes:

  • Multi-layer compression bandages & garments

  • Manual lymphatic drainage

  • Individualized exercises

  • Skin care

  • Education

During your first appointment, I will perform a comprehensive assessment of your posture, mobility and flexibility. In addition, your skin will be thoroughly inspected and measurements of your limbs will be taken. Together, we will then develop an individualized treatment plan based on your concerns, needs and goals.

Your treatment sessions together may then include a combination of the 5 elements Complete Decongestive Therapy mentioned above, as well as education on self-care practices, self-management strategies, and lifestyle modifications.

With treatment and my support and guidance, your lymphedema can be successfully managed in the long-term and more serious health complications can be avoided.

Complete Decongestive Therapy

Lymphedema Therapy Goals

My goal is to provide you with the tools, education and support needed to successfully self-manage your lymphedema.

Together we will …

reduce the swelling of your affected body part

reduce your risk of complications and lymphedema flare-ups

improve your quality of life, function, and independence 

Have questions about lymphedema therapy?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Lymphedema can be treated at any stage, but the sooner it is identified, the easier it is to treat. So if you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of lymphedema or you are concerned about your risk for lymphedema, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with me.

  • Complete Decongestive Therapy is proven through research to be the most effective way of reducing lymphatic swelling. Through a combination of compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and remedial exercises, your lymphatic flow will be enhanced and fluid will move out of the affected area.

    Compression therapy is the key to reducing lymphatic swelling. So depending on your goals, we may opt to wrap your limb using multilayer short-stretch bandages, as wrapping is the most effective way to significantly reduce swelling.

  • Absolutely! I can help you get better understanding of your risk factors, so that you can reduce your likelihood of developing lymphedema.

    Our session together, may include a combination of education, self-care practices, therapeutic exercises and manual lymphatic drainage.

  • Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) consists of two phases: an intensive phase, followed by a maintenance phase.

    Intensive Phase: Phase 1 is all about reducing your swelling and improving any other lymphedema-related symptoms. Multi-layered compression bandages will be utilized to improve the size and shape of your limb. During this phase, bandages are typically worn around the clock, and only removed for showering, skin care practices, and manual lymphatic drainage.

    If your lymphedema is very mild, phase 1 may not be necessary and we may go straight into Phase 2.

    Maintenance Phase: After your swelling has reduced to the maximum amount, you will be fitted for a compression garment to maintain the swelling reduction we achieved in phase 1. These garments are typically worn every day, and in most cases at night as well.

  • All treatment sessions are always individualized based on your needs and goals. Typically, during phase 1 of CDT, our sessions will include manual lymphatic drainage, followed by skin care and compression wrapping.

    After the limb is wrapped, we will do targeted exercises together and you will be taught an exercise program to continue at home, to further encourage the movement of lymph fluid out of the affected limb.

  • You can expect to see improvement after the first session of Complete Decongestive Therapy!

    During the intensive phase of CDT, a course of 2 – 3 treatment sessions a week, over a period of 4-6 weeks is recommended. However, this all depends on how long it takes to reduce your swelling and improve any skin changes.

    Then once your swelling is decreased, we will transition to the maintenance phase of CDT. During this phase, our treatments will focus primarily on helping you to gain long-term management of your lymphedema. Initially, we will see each other once a week, for manual lymphatic drainage, targeted exercises, and education. As you learn more self-management strategies and gain confidence, our appointments together will be spaced to once every 1-3 months. As lymphedema is a life-long condition, phase 2 is on-going.

    While this represents the typical course of treatment, my treatments are always individualized and based on your needs and goals!

  • Yes!

  • No! Physical therapy is a direct access service - meaning you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without a prescription or referral from your doctor.

    Keep in mind that some insurance plans require pre-authorization for follow up visits. If this is the case, after our initial consultation I will submit paperwork to your insurance company to get approval for more additional visits. If you're unsure about your insurance requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I’d be happy to help.

  • Lymphedema therapy is billed as physical therapy.