From Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Jennifer Grasinger MPT, DAPT, CLT
If you have chronic leg pain, swollen legs, itchy skin or other skin changes that have been diagnosed as a condition called lymphedema (LE), our Vernon Place Lymphedema Clinic can help.
What Is Lymphedema?
According to the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), an estimated 10 million Americans are living with lymphedema. This is a chronic disease that almost always leads to debilitating symptoms including pain, recurrent skin infections, and impaired movement, among others. Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is altered either by inherited disease or by a secondary insult such as trauma, infection, venous insufficiency, radiation, and/or surgery. It is important for lymphedema to be diagnosed early, because a delay will lead to disease progression and increased morbidity.
How Is Lymphedema Treated?
There are standards for the diagnosis and management of lymphedema. Treatment is accomplished by a certified lymphedema therapist who has 135 hours of training and can perform Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Components of CDT include caring for and washing the skin, the utilization of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to improve lymphatic uptake, and appropriate compression treatment. The compression may include multilayer bandaging as well as other compression garment options.
If you are being treated for lymphedema in your legs and are not receiving MLD, please ask your provider about this important aspect of the treatment. MLD has been shown to decrease pain in the lower extremities in those with lymphedema and/or lipidema (an abnormal and painful buildup of fat). The ache, itchiness, heaviness and tightness can be relieved! You can perform lymphatic drainage on yourself at home, but first ask a healthcare provider how to do it properly.
And while lymphedema is often recognized in the legs, it can also be present in the head and neck, abdomen, and arms. This makes a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a certified specialist essential, especially since lymphedema effects each individual differently.
Where Can I Get Lymphedema Therapy?
If you think may have lymphedema, talk to your primary care provider for a diagnosis, and if lymphedema treatment is needed, ask for a referral to a therapist.
Lymphedema Therapy in Meadville at One Vernon Place and Grove Street Facility
In Meadville, we are privileged to have two certified lymphedema therapists!
- At Vernon Place Lymphedema Clinic, reach out to Jen with questions and to schedule an appointment at 814-333-5214.
- For breast cancer related lymphedema, contact Rachel Yochim, MSOT, OTR/L, CLT of Women’s Health Therapies, located within Grove Street Facility, at: 814-373-2075.
Lymphedema Therapy at Hubbard Medical Complex in Ohio
Patients in Hubbard, Ohio and surrounding areas who need lymphedema therapy can request the services of Aleah Songer, OTR/L at Hubbard Therapy Services in the Hubbard Medical Complex: 330-534-5400.
Lymphedema Infographic
This infographic from Tactile Medical® provides a good visual representation of the 7 keys signs of lymphedema, which include: swelling, heaviness of tightness, decreased range of motion, skin changes, recurring infections, tightness in clothing or jewelry, and pitting edema. It also includes tips for preventing symptoms from progressing even further.
