Lymphedema |
The art of caring, the science of healing and the skills for the job of life. GL Rehabilitation Services 2620 Waunona Way ♦ Madison WI 53713 ♦ Phone 608-212-1202 ♦ Fax 608-223-1459 ♦ www.glrehab.com |
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| What is Lymphedema? The most common cause of lymphedema in the United States is secondary lymphedema caused by cancer related surgery or radiation. There are other causes of edema in the legs such as venous insufficiency, diabetes, cardiac problems, deep vein thrombosis, wounds, or orthopedic injuries. Primary lymphedema is a result of a congenital defect. Untreated, lymphedema can result in loss of mobility, decreased range of motion, weakness and tissue breakdown, all of which will limit a person’ s activities of daily living (ADLs). While there is no cure, early intervention with a comprehensive lymphedema treatment program can reverse the swelling process and enable a patient to self- manage.program can reverse the swelling process and enable a patient to self-manage.program can reverse the swelling process and enable a patient to self-manage. |
Our skilled therapist will help lead you through the treatment process. There are five areas treatment is 1. Evaluation by a certified lymphedema therapist. 2. Manual Lymphatic Treatment (MLT): A gentle scientific massage directing lymph fluid through nodes and out of the body. The goal is to reeducate the body and create new pathways for fluid to be excreted from the body. 3. Specialized Compression Bandaging: Our skill therapists will determine the most appropriate bandaging system for you. We use a low-stretch bandages that provide a graded compression, which takes the place of our hands once you leave. 4. Education: At GL Rehabilitation Services we strive to keep our clients in the know. Prormas include. Home Exercise Programs and Instruction in self-care for lymphedema Body Movements: Simplistic movements are used throughout treatment sessions and are built into home exercise programs to increase the flow of fluid out of the body. 5. Measurement and Fitting o fCompression Garments: Garments worn to maintain maximum gains achieved in therapy. |