Lymphedema Therapy
Reid Health offers expert lymphedema care, including manual lymph drainage and compression therapy, to reduce swelling and improve your quality of life.
What is lymphedema therapy?
Lymphedema therapy is a specialized treatment designed to reduce swelling caused by the buildup of lymph fluid in the body. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fighting infections and maintaining fluid balance. However, when lymph nodes or vessels are damaged or blocked — often due to cancer treatments or surgery — lymph fluid can accumulate and cause swelling. This swelling typically affects the arms or legs, but it can also occur in other areas.
Our lymphedema therapy focuses on helping people who develop this condition, which can lead to discomfort, limited movement, and skin infections. Using a combination of techniques, our trained physical therapists work to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and prevent complications.
Why is lymphedema therapy important?
Lymphedema therapy aims to improve quality of life by controlling swelling and teaching you how to manage your condition long term.
Without treatment, lymphedema can develop into a chronic condition, causing persistent swelling and discomfort. It can also lead to:
- Frequent skin infections
- Hardening or thickening of the skin
- Reduced flexibility and movement in the affected arm or leg
Post-cancer rehab
Lymphedema & post-cancer therapy
We provide specialized lymphedema therapy alongside comprehensive post-cancer rehabilitation services. Our certified therapists help reduce swelling, restore mobility, and improve quality of life for cancer survivors. Explore our Cancer Survivorship program and CancerFit — a tailored exercise and wellness initiative designed to boost strength, reduce fatigue, and promote long-term health after cancer treatment. Whether managing lymphedema or recovering from cancer, we support your journey to wellness with expert care.
What is a certified lymphedema therapist, and what does treatment involve?
A certified lymphedema therapist is a physical or occupational therapist with specialty training to treat lymphedema — swelling caused by the buildup of lymph fluid. These experts provide personalized care to reduce swelling and improve the function of the affected area through several key steps:
- Assessment: Your therapist begins by examining the swollen area, measuring swelling, and checking skin health. They’ll also review your medical history, including any prior surgeries or cancer treatments that might affect your lymphatic system.
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD): This gentle, rhythmical massage technique helps move lymph fluid from swollen areas to healthier parts of your lymphatic system, encouraging drainage and comfort.
- Compression therapy: After MLD, your therapist applies special compression bandages to keep fluid from pooling again. As swelling lessens, you might be fitted with custom compression garments to wear daily for long-term management.
- Therapeutic exercise: You’ll learn targeted, low-impact exercises designed to promote lymph flow, improve strength, and maintain flexibility in the affected limb. These exercises are safe to do at home under your therapist’s guidance.
- Skin care education: Because lymphedema can increase the risk of skin infections, your therapist teaches you how to care for your skin — keeping it clean and moisturized, checking it daily for cuts or sores, and protecting it from injury.
How long does lymphedema therapy take?
The length of lymphedema therapy depends on the severity of your swelling and your overall health. Therapy often has two phases:
- Intensive phase: This initial phase might last several weeks and involves multiple treatments per week. Therapists perform manual lymph drainage and apply compression bandages regularly to reduce swelling effectively.
- Maintenance phase: After swelling is reduced, you’ll learn how to manage lymphedema at home. This phase involves wearing compression garments daily, performing exercises, and following skin care routines.
Our therapists work closely with you to develop a personalized schedule. Many people see improvement in swelling and comfort within a few weeks of therapy.
Why is lymphedema therapy important?
Lymphedema therapy plays a crucial role in managing and improving the quality of life for anyone experiencing swelling due to lymph fluid buildup. Without proper treatment, lymphedema can lead to increased discomfort, decreased mobility, and a higher risk of infections, such as cellulitis. Effective therapy helps reduce swelling, relieve pressure, and restore movement, allowing you to maintain independence in daily activities.
Our lymphedema therapy not only addresses physical symptoms but also helps prevent complications that can worsen the condition over time. Early and consistent treatment promotes better skin health, reduces pain, and supports overall well-being — helping you feel stronger, more comfortable, and confident in your recovery journey.