The Department of Rehabilitative Services at Providence Health Center provides a comprehensive approach to lymphedema management. We have a multidisciplinary staff that includes licensed Physical and Occupational Therapists, including assistants, who have received specialized training in the treatment of lymphedema.

Anyone may contact the department for information and assistance. However, a physician referral is required to initiate treatment.

For further information, please contact any of the following therapists:

Catherine Endres, PT, CLTJasmine Stephens, PT, DPT, CLT

254.751.4133Providence Rehabilitative Services

Woodway Medical Plaza6101 Woodway Drive, Suite 160

Woodway, Texas 76712

254.751.4133

What is it?How is it managed?

Lymphedema RehabilitationRehabilitative Services

Providence Health Center

LYMPHEDEMA

www.providence.net

A mission of compassion. A vision of excellence.

What is Lymphedema?Lymphedema is an excess of plasma proteins in the interstitial tissues caused by an obstruction of the lymphatic system. It is a disease of the lymphatic system, not the circulatory system.

There are two types of lymphedema:

• Primary lymphedema has no known cause and may develop anytime during an individual’s life span. Approximately 1-2 million people in the United States experience primary lymphedema.

• Secondary lymphedema occurs most commonly in individuals who have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or modified radical mastectomy in combination with auxiliary node dissection, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, and those individuals who have had abdominal surgery for cervical, ovarian, prostate or testicular cancer.

Lymphedema can be painful, cause decreased range of motion, and reduce strength resulting in a decrease in functional use of the involved extremity. Without appropriate intervention, lymphedema can lead to disability, cosmetic deformity, and complications. Impairments that result from lymphedema can have a great impact on an individual’s quality of life.

What Treatment Is Available?Although there is no known cure for lymphedema, it can be managed. A comprehensive, research-based treatment approach tailored to the individual’s needs has proven most effective. A typical treatment program may include any or all of the following:

• An evaluation will be done on every individual prior to the initiation of the treatment program. The evaluation provides data necessary to establish an adequate treatment plan. It also provides baseline information to use when monitoring progress and the effectiveness of the treatment program.

• Manual lymph drainage is a highly specialized and gentle form of massage used to drain the lymph fluid from the extremity.

• Low stretch compression bandaging is used to increase total tissue pressure and consequently increase the lymphatic flow.

• Therapeutic exercise activates the muscle pump and facilitates the removal of additional lymph fluid.

• Education on meticulous skin care to avoid infections is critical, as well as education on self-management and maintenance techniques.

• Sequential pumping with state-of-the-art pneumatic devices may be used to maximize the swelling reduction.

• Custom fitted pressure garments are used to maintain the reduction in swelling as well.

• Follow-up treatment with evaluation to reassess needs as conditions may change.

• Optional services may be provided as appropriate to include social work, nutritional support, support groups, etc.

Who Is A Candidate For Treatment?Any individual who is experiencing primary or secondary lymphedema, regardless of date of onset is a candidate for evaluation. High-risk patients, or those who have recently had breast or abdominal surgery secondary to cancer are appropriate candidates as well. Any questions regarding active cancer or infection will require physician review.