TREATMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA OF UPPER EXTREMITY & CHEST: Now available at Physical Therapy at ACAC's Occupational Therapy, Speech and Lymphedema Clinic (OTSP)

Lymphedema occurs when your lymph system has difficulty or is unable to move lymph fluid in your body. Lymphedema can occur after surgery, radiation, or other injuries to the lymph system.

Lymphedema may look like swelling that doesn’t go away and is unrelated to a sports/orthopedic injury. It may feel like heaviness in the limb, decrease range of motion, or changes in skin sensation or coloring.

PT@ACAC through our occupational therapy clinic offers:

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

• Education and skin care

• Compression therapy

• Exercises to encourage movement of fluid

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be a part of CDT but can also be completed on its own, without bandaging. MLD is a gentle movement of fluid away from affected areas to a functional area of the lymph system.

Goals of Lymphedema Treatment

• Limb size reduction

• Education on continued management of lymphedema

• Strategies to prevent fluid accumulation

• Confidence in completing self-MLD

To learn more about PT@acac's Lymphedema Treatment for Upper Extremity and Chest, please reach out to:

Melanie Brooks, OTD, OTR/L, CLT

melanieb@acacpt.com or call our OTSP Clinic at 434.220.0021