Lymphedema Management

Lymphedema is swelling that can occur after an injury, infection or surgery where fluid builds up in the arms, legs or other areas.

At Aurora BayCare Medical Center, we understand the unique needs of people who have lymphedema. Our experienced therapy team is here to treat lymphedema and provide you with a comprehensive self-care plan.

Lymphedema Treatment: Why Choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Highlights of our lymphedema treatment program include:

• Inpatient and outpatient care: If you develop lymphedema in the hospital after surgery or an injury, therapists offer inpatient care. We can start you on a lymphedema treatment plan right away and help you transition into outpatient therapy when you’re ready.
• Expert team: Some of our physical and occupational therapists are Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CDLs). This specialized training means they’re up to date on the latest treatments based on research and proven outcomes.
• Easy access: We have a large team of lymphedema therapists at locations throughout northeast Wisconsin. We can see you quickly and provide treatment sooner.

Our Services for Lymphedema Therapy

We perform a comprehensive lymphedema evaluation before designing your treatment plan. Your therapist assesses swelling, skin quality, sensation and range of motion. We also discuss how lymphedema is affecting your quality of life. This information helps us build the best treatment plan for your unique needs.

Our lymphedema specialists offer hands-on therapies and self-care strategies to help you manage lymphedema for the long term. Your rehabilitation plan may include:

• Compression bandaging: Special bandages and compression garments create pressure to prevent or relieve fluid buildup. We teach you or your caregivers how to apply compression bandages.
• Exercise: A personalized exercise program can improve range of motion, strength and lymph drainage. We recommend wearing compression bandages during exercise.
• Manual lymph drainage: Massage stimulates the lymphatic system to decrease swelling. Our therapists specialize in manual lymphatic drainage massage, which moves fluid out of the arms and legs.
• Self-care plan: We teach you how to care for your skin, perform self-massage and reduce the risk of complications.
• Sequential pumping: We may use a gentle pumping device that helps move fluid to areas with healthy lymph nodes. These lymph nodes can then absorb and process the fluid.

Conditions We Treat

We help you manage lymphedema symptoms such as:

• Burning or itching
• Difficulty wearing clothes comfortably
• Feelings of fullness or heaviness
• Reduced mobility or range of motion
• Skin tightness or thickness
• Swelling

Benefits of Lymphedema Therapy

Lymphedema therapy can:

• Enhance your mobility and range of motion
• Improve the texture and appearance of your skin
• Improve your sleep quality
• Reduce pain and discomfort from swelling