What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a painful, chronic condition that causes parts of the body to swell with fluid. It is most often caused by a traumatic event, such as a sports injury or deep cut or bruise, but it can be an aftereffect of surgery or cancer treatment. Lymphedema more rarely occurs as a birth defect or infection symptom.
What treatment options exist for lymphedema?
Although there is no cure for lymphedema, there are several treatment options to improve the symptoms. Lymphedema should be treated to avoid complications such as weeping fluid, hardening of the skin, open wounds, infections, pain, impaired mobility, decrease in function & poor quality of life.
Certified Lymphedema Therapist Rebecca Schultz will tailor a treatment plan to manage your condition. Your personalized plan may consist of one or more of the following therapies: massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, medication & surgery.
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized therapy that encourages the redirection & absorption of accumulated lymph fluid within the body. The goal is to decrease fluid in damaged areas or to move fluid from incompetent vessels to functioning areas for drainage. MLD is primarily used to treat lymphedema & may be used to treat additional conditions:
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For information about the FRHS lymphedema therapy program contact Physical Therapist Rebecca Schultz at Rebecca.Schultz@freemanregional.com or call her at 605-925-4000.