Treatment for Lymphedema
Penn Highlands Healthcare Lymphedema Management service has specially trained therapists using a variety of treatments to help you manage your lymphedema. Treatment may include manual lymph drainage, massage, compression bandaging techniques, skin care, exercise, and patient education.
What is Lymphedema?
Swelling can occur when you sprain your ankle, get a bug bite, break your wrist or get a bump or a bruise. This swelling is normal. In these cases, your lymphatic system has to work extra hard to remove extra waste, but the swelling will eventually decrease and go away.
Lymphedema is different. When you have lymphedema, your lymph system is not able to work as hard as it used to because it has been damaged in some way. This means that your lymph system is unable to remove extra waste efficiently, so swelling will not decrease.
When it is diagnosed early, efforts to resolve lymphedema with treatment are much more successful.
Physical Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - ElkA Service of Penn Highlands Elk
Occupational Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - DuBois A Service of Penn Highlands DuBois
Occupational Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - DuBois A Service of Penn Highlands DuBois
Physical Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - AltoonaA Service of Penn Highlands Huntingdon
The Rehabilitation Center - HuntingdonA Service of Penn Highlands Huntingdon
Occupational Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - DuBois A Service of Penn Highlands DuBois
Occupational Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - ClearfieldA Service of Penn Highlands Clearfield
Physical Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - Mon ValleyA Service of Penn Highlands Mon Valley
Occupational Therapy
The Rehabilitation Center - DuBois A Service of Penn Highlands DuBois
What is the Treatment For Lymphedema?
Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goal of treatment is to reduce your swelling and maintain the reduction. This can be achieved with safe, non-invasive and reliable measures that can provide long-term results. Treatment includes:
- Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD): A gentle, non-invasive manual technique that stimulates the superficial lymphatic system and enhances lymph drainage to healthier lymphatic areas in the body.
- Multi-Layered Compression Bandaging: Used to facilitate and maintain the effects of MLD. Bandaging can also assist with softening of the skin.
- Therapeutic Exercises: In conjunction with bandages/garments, therapeutic exercise facilitates the body’s muscle pump action to move lymph fluid.
- Meticulous Skin Care: To prevent infection, cellulitis and dermatological changes.
- Education: So the patient can manage his or her lifelong condition, which includes information on precautions and restrictions for self care.
The Center for Wound Management at 1163 Country Club Road in Monongahela offers:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Lymphedema Management Services
- Wound Care Services
The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 123 Hospital Avenue in DuBois offers:
- Lymphedema Management Services
The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 757 Johnsonburg Road in St. Marys offers:
- Lymphedema Management Services
