What To Expect

What Should I Expect from Therapy?

Outpatient rehab sessions typically include an evaluation followed by treatment and patient education. The goal of therapy is for the patient to be independent with home management of lymphedema. By the end of their course of therapy, the patient should have the tools for successful self-management of lymphedema. As always, the therapists are available for consultation as needed.

Evaluation 

The therapist will begin treatment with an evaluation consisting of questions concerning past medical history, pain, lifestyle and what the patient’s goals are for therapy. The therapist will examine the patient's range of motion, measure the girth of the body part involved, assess strength, skin integrity and possible other limiting factors affecting the patient.

Treatment and Patient Education

Once a patient is evaluated, a personalized treatment plan is developed by the therapist and discussed with the patient. All lymphedema treatment sessions are one on one and approximately 60 minutes. Treatment may consist of:

• Manual lymph drainage: a light massage that re-routes lymph fluid around blocked or damaged areas
• Compression bandages and or compression devices: this may include special lymphedema bandages, the use of compression garments that are fitted to the patient and/or night-time compression devices
• Therapeutic exercise: the patient is given special exercises to assist with the movement of lymph fluid.  Some patients may be referred to our aquatic therapy program to exercise in our therapy pool with physical and/or occupational therapists
• Skin care: the patient is educated in ways to reduce the risk of infection. The therapist uses lotions to keep the skin hydrated.
• Patient education: patients are educated to the lymphatic system, the diagnosis of lymphedema, precautions, compression options and skin care