What to Look for In Lymphedema Treatment Centers

Before looking into any type of lymphedema treatment centers it is important to understand the meaning of lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a “swelling or blockage” of the lymph nodes” It can be extremely painful and may require a lifetime of treatment. Generally lymphedema is treated by manual lymph drainage (MLD).

Here are a few tips in looking for lymphedema treatment centers:

1. Check out the staff of the treatment center. What is the training and certification of the lymphedema massage therapists?

This includes where they received training, how they were certified, do they participate in organizations like the National Lymphedema Network, where they are kept current of new developments and treatment modalities.

2. Is the treatment supervised daily by a physician or is it operated by a lymphedema therapist?

Ask to have the treatment plan given to you in writing and insist it be followed as described. This way you know what the expectations are.

3. The treatment should include the following:

A. Given Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and manual lymphatic drainage by the therapist.

Complete decongestive therapy consists of four components:

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD )

• Graduated Compression Garments

• Therapeutic Exercises

• Meticulous Skin Care

B. You should be taught how to do self CDT. Since you need to do this on a consistent daily basis, your partner will need to learn this as well.

C. You may need to use diuretics.

Generally, the use of diuretics is opposed in the treatment of lymphedema; there may be times of urgency, when the fluid accumulation can be life threatening that diuretics may be needed. This must be discussed with your lymphedema doctor to see if it is necessary and appropriate for you.

B. Bandaging…both having it done by the therapist, and learning how to do it correctly yourself.

C. Exercise….absolutely essential as it will not only help get the body strengthened, but exercise/movement facilitates lymph movement and flow.

D. Water exercises are another excellent method of helping to clear the fluid out…
E. Your diet is very important.

It is important to eat in a healthy manner for couple of reasons:

1. get the nutrients you need

2. maintain regular body weight

If you are overweight from bad dietary habits, you are seriously complicating your lymphedema and this issue simply has to be addressed and worked on.

Finally, write down completely your expectations of the treatments and promised results.

Give a copy to your doctor and discuss it with them. Keep a copy for yourself.

Ask yourself and the lymphedema doctor if in fact an inpatient stay is really what is needed – or can your expectations and needs be met successfully in an outpatient setting.

How to Find Lymphedema Treatment Centers

A. Ask the doctor who diagnosed you with lymphedema if he knows of any treatment centers in the area. Your physician can give you contact information for local lymphedema treatment centers as well as information about what the treatment will do.

B. Call a cancer center and ask about local lymphedema treatment centers. These types of organizations will be able to put you in contact with centers in your area.

C. Contact local hospitals. Nearby hospitals will be able to give you relevant contact information for lymphedema treatment centers.

Lymphedema treatment