Outpatient Lymphedema Program

What is Lymphedema?
Caused by an accumulation of the body’s protein and lymphatic fluid, lymphedema is a condition in which a part of the body, most commonly the arms or legs, is severely swollen.

This disorder can be the result of a congenital defect in the lymphatic system (primary lymphedema) or subsequent to damage to or removal of the lymph nodes as a complication of surgical intervention or cancer treatment (secondary lymphedema).

Left untreated, lymphedema can lead to chronic pain, infections, limb loss or angiosarcoma, a highly malignant condition. Regardless of the severity of a patient’s lymphedema, pain, decreased range of motion, decreased limb strength and decreased functional abilities are often present.

How is Lymphedema Treated?
Compression therapy involves a meticulous application of bandages that improves the efficiency of muscle pumps and prevents the re-accumulation of evacuated lymph fluid.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists with certification in Complete Decongestion Therapy (CDT) can help patients manage lymphedema. The most clinically-proven therapy, CDT is a noninvasive approach that includes two phases of treatment.

Phase I

1. Metic ulous skin and nail care
2. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
3. Compression therapy
4. Remedial/individualized home exercise program

Phase II
Patient achieves independence with the following:

1. Donning/doffing of compression garments/bandages
2. Self-manual lymphatic drainage
3. Monitor and measure the involved limb
4. Recognize signs and symptoms of infection

Post-therapy follow-up visits are arranged as needed.

For maximum efficacy, CDT treatments are performed on an individualized basis, with sessions lasting one to two hours per day, depending on the severity of the condition.

Anaheim Memorial Medical Center’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center is a recognized treatment facility for lymphedema and qualified to be listed in the National Lymphedema Network Resource Guide.