Lymphedema

Our Approach

At Franciscan Health, we manage lymphedema with proper care and treatment. We use different techniques, including massage, to decrease swelling and relieve discomfort.

How do we treat lymphedema?

Lymphedema can develop during cancer treatment or following surgery. Treatment goals include reducing swelling and teaching people how to prevent further swelling. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists provide treatments for lymphedema that include:

• Compression garments and pumps
• Special medical compression bandaging
• Education on preventing lymphedema
• Exercise
• Lymph drainage massage
• Complete decongestive therapy
• Manual lymphatic drainage

About lymphedema

Lymphedema causes swelling and fluid buildup in your legs, arms, groin or stomach. Without treatment, the swelling may increase.

The lymphatic system removes waste from body tissue. That waste travels to the large blood vessels that go toward the heart. The kidneys and liver then remove the waste products. Lymphedema occurs when there’s a defect in the lymphatic system caused by:

• Anomalies in the lymph vessels present at birth
• Damage from surgery, chronic venous insufficiency, radiation or trauma
• Chronic inflammation
• Infection