Amy Flinn, PT, CLT-LANA is providing full service PT evaluation and treatment on a self-pay ONLY basis. PPO insurance may reimburse at out-of-nework rates  : call for details. 916-649-0700

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What is Lymphedema?

- Lymphedema is a protein-rich edema (swelling) of an arm, leg or trunk caused by poor lymphatic drainage.  This change inlymphatic drainage can be caused by many factors: 
1) Removal and/or radiation of lymph nodes secondary to cancer treatment 
2) Repeated or severe surgery or trauma to an arm or leg along major lymph pathways.
3) Repeated bouts of swelling in an arm or leg secondary to venous insufficiency or infection.
4) Inherited faulty lymph nodes or lymph collectors in one or more arms or legs, more common in the legs.
- Some people may have one or more of these risk factors and never develop lymphedema. The percentage of people who get lymphedema as a result of cancer treatment has not been well documented.

What more can I do to prevent or treat Lymphedema?  

1) Self manual lymph drainage for Lymphedema 
- Incorporate your appropriate sequence into daily activities, such as showering or putting on lotion.  Begin centrally then move peripherally.  Keep the pressure light and slow, remembering lymph drainage occurs mainly in the skin.

2) Exercises for Lymphedema
- Sequence exercise to increase lymph drainage centrally first then moving to the periphery.  Exercise slowly to support the natural contraction rate of the lymph vessels.

3) Compression Garments and/or bandaging
- Compression garments are used to maintain the size of the limb.  Bandaging, in combination with manual lymph drainage and/or exercises can be used to reduce the size of the limb, or maintain it’s size after reduction and stabilization in size has occurred.