Lymphedema Therapy Lymphedema Therapy Helps Eliminate Painful Symptoms Program Objectives R Alleviate symptoms such as swelling and pain R Administered at home under doctor’s orders R Visits are conducted 3-4 times each week for a total of 4-6 weeks in duration R Diabetic counseling, safety counseling, and exercising are integral factors R Proper administration requires supervision by a lymphedema specialist R Lymph drainage maneuvers, multi-layer bandaging, and fitting of compression garments are covered Program Benefits R Increased mobility R Balance improvement R Increased self-esteem through awareness R Reduced swelling and discomfort R At home treatment Treatment/Care R Assessment of skin integrity R Assessment of functional mobility R Assessment of impaired daily activities R Assessment of pain level R Strengthening test R Assessment of affected areas and levels of sensations R Manual lymph drainage — a gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to decrease the swelling R Medical compression bandaging — facilitates lymph flow and assists in maintaining positive effects of the manual lymph drainage between treatments R Sequential pumping — used as needed to assist in lymph drainage in combination with manual lymph drainage and medical compression bandaging R Exercise program — a personalized exercise program to assist in improving range of motion, strength, and ability to perform daily activities R Patient/caregiver education — proper skin care, self massage, exercise, and precautions to assist in making positive lifestyle choices
