Lymphedema is tissue swelling in the arm, chest, head and neck, leg or trunk. It occurs when surgery or radiation removes or damages lymph nodes. This can damage the flow of lymphatic fluid.

Physical and occupational therapists at the lymphedema clinic work with your surgeons and medical specialists. They are trained to provide treatment for lymphedema and issues that may occur as a result of surgery.

What to Expect From Lymphedema Therapy

Therapy can treat and manage lymphedema to help you return to an active lifestyle. However, lymphedema can be a chronic issue. Without treatment, it can get worse over time. A physical/occupational therapist works with each patient to customize a treatment program.

Treatment includes:

• Manual lymphatic drainage to mobilize and remove fluid from the affected area through a non-invasive, manual therapy technique
• Multi-layer bandaging to reduce swelling and help soften the skin and tissue in a swollen limb
• Flexibility, strength training and aerobic exercises to improve lymph drainage
• Patient education where patients learn to manage lymphedema at home
• Compression garments that reduce swelling during daytime activities
• Compression pumping (in select cases) in which state-of-the-art pneumatic pumps help circulate lymphatic fluid

No two patients are the same. Your physical therapy treatment includes self-help technique instruction. So you learn to manage the condition on your own.

How to Get Started With Lymphedema Therapy

You need a referral to the lymphedema clinic from your physician.

Office Locations

• Annapolis
• Bowie North
• Odenton

Learn more about physical therapy for men and women.