|
 We
are pleased to introduce to you an important
service of the Nicolla Center for Oncology
Rehabilitation. For the first time, we will be
offering a specialized treatment for Lymphedema, a
devastating condition which is estimated to affect
between two and three million Americans. Our
state-of-the-art facility is designed to promote
relaxation and comfort for our patients as they
receive one-on-one attention during their 60-90
minute treatment session of Complete Decongestive
Therapy (CDT), performed by a Certified Lymphedema
Therapist.
WHAT IS COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY?
 Lymphedema
is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes
swelling, most often seen in the arms and legs.
Treatment for this debilitating condition is daily
and consists of manual lymph drainage, bandaging,
exercise, and skin care. Our treatment rooms are
designed to maximize comfort, with cable
television and spa-quality treatment tables.
As you may know, there is currently no cure for
lymphedema. The goal of therapy is to reduce the
swelling and to maintain the reduction of volume.
For the majority of patients, this can be achieved
through skillful application of Complete
Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which consists of two
phases and the following treatment techniques:
Manual Lymph Drainage:
This gentle, manual treatment technique increases
the activity of specific lymph vessels and
manually moves interstitial fluid. This technique
is applied daily during the first phase of
treatment.
Compression Therapy:
In order to prevent re-accumulation of fluid, it
is necessary to apply sufficient compression to
the affected extremity. Compression Therapy
increases the ability of skeletal muscles to
“pump” fluid out of the limb, helps to reduce
fibrotic tissue, and promotes venous and lymphatic
return. In the first phase of CDT, short stretch
bandages are applied and removed only while the
patient is in the clinic. Once the limb has been
decongested (Phase II), the patient wears a
compression garment during the day. In some cases,
the patient may need to wear special bandages at
nights.
Exercises:
The patient will receive a customized exercise
program, to be performed while the patient is
wearing their bandages. These exercises promote
drainage of the edema through joint and muscle
pumping.
Skin
Care:
The skin of a lymphedema patient is typically dry
and very susceptible to infection. The patient
will be educated in proper skin care management to
help manage this issue. |
