“Managing your symptoms closer to home.”

Lymphedema Therapy of Southern Ky LLC

What is lymphedema?

It is a condition that damages the lymphatic system.

Our lymphatic system is responsible for maintaining fluid levels in our body and removing any excess.

John Hopkins defines it, “Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of protein-rich fluid in any part of the body as a result of malfunction in the lymphatic system. You can be born with it (primary lymphedema) or develop it as a result of damage to the lymphatic system, such as after surgery or infection (secondary lymphedema).”

Damage to this system can be caused by:

-Surgery from cancer treatment including removal of lymph nodes.

-Trauma that causes damage to the lymphatic system.

-Venous insufficiency

-Hereditary lymphedema

This condition is chronic in nature and there is no cure, but with treatment and education the lymphedema can be reduced and maintained.

What is lymphedema therapy?

Lymphedema therapy is provided by a OT/PT who is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) and/or a Certified Lymphedema and Wound Therapist (CLWT).

The acute phase of treatment provided by the PT/OT includes:

Manual lymphatic drainage (gentle massage).

Multi-layer short stretch bandaging

Skin Care/wound care

Exercises

Custom fitting for compression garments

Home maintenance program training.

Patient must be cleared of the following contraindications prior to treatment:

Cellulitis

Untreated CHF

Acute DVT

Active non treated cancer

If patient is appropriate for lymphedema services, please send MD order to

Lindsey Johnson OTR/L, CLT, CWT

Phone: (270) 847-8031

E-Fax: (270) 743-9592

Email: lindsey@lymphtherapy.health