Lymphedema Therapy and Venous Insufficiency
Lymphedema, is the swelling of a body part, most often an arm or a leg, caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid. It most often causes a feeling of heaviness, some discomfort, cosmetic changes and an increased risk of infection and cellulites. People with lymphedema often suffer a decrease in qualify of life as a result of their symptoms.
Venous insufficiency refers to insufficient blood flow in the legs due to weakened valves in the veins. If untreated, venous insufficiency often leads to lymphedema.
Who’s at Risk?
Those at risk for lymphedema include individuals who have had:
- Post-op breast cancer (mastectomy), with or without lymph node removal
- Other surgical interventions that may impair the lymphatic system
- Radiation therapy to lymph-node bearing areas such as the neck, underarm or pelvic area
- A genetic predisposition for lymphedema
- Traumatic injury
- Burns
- Infection
Those at risk for venous insufficiency include individuals with:
- Cardiac conditions
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Early Intervention is Key
The sooner an individual seeks treatment for lymphedema or venous insufficiency, the better the outcome. The emphasis of care is on teaching patients to effectively manage their condition. While lymphedema and venous insufficiency are chronic conditions, those who successfully complete our therapy program achieve optimal results of less swelling and improved quality of life.
No single medication or surgery is effective in curing lymphedema. Traditional treatments include elevation, compression pumps, compression sleeves and complete decongestive therapy. Research has shown complete decongestive therapy (CDT), a non-invasive approach offered through St.Vincent, to be the most effective treatment.
We are committed to using proven therapies to help patients get back to the lives they enjoy. Our state-of-the-art therapeutic programs provide licensed physical and occupational therapists with extensive training and experience in managing these conditions.
“Cancer crept up on me. I had never been sick a day in my life. All of a sudden I had cancer, and on top of that, lymphedema. My physical activity was greatly restricted [because of the swelling], and I felt helpless. Your therapy changed my attitude. You treated me as a whole person. The combination of massage, exercise and dietary changes was imperative to my regaining control of my life.” ~Recent St.Vincent patient
Complete Decongestive Therapy Steps
The following are steps in therapy:
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD): This special lymphatic massage technique opens up blocked lymph vessels, improving the flow of lymph fluid into the blood system, allowing the affected limb to return to normal or near-normal size.
- Bandaging and compression: Bandaging the affected limb follows the massage session. These bandages make up for the decreased tissue and skin pressure and prevent the affected limb from filling back up with stagnant fluid.
- Exercises and elevation: Therapists work with patients to move the joints and muscles involved to increase lymph flow.
- Hygiene and skin care: Attention to this area is essential to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can lead to infection. Low pH, lanolin-based lotions are also used to reduce chance of infection.
Preventing Lymphedema
The risk for developing lymphedema can be minimized by taking the following precautions
Avoid temperature extremes, including hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, burns (cooking, smoking, sunburn) and hot climates. Protect the affected limb from the sun, especially if you have received radiation therapy, with protective clothing and sunscreen.
Avoid potential sources of infection to the affected limb, including insect bites, vaccinations, venous punctures or acupuncture, pet scratches, skin punctures or cuts, venography and lymphography.
Avoid blunt traumas, including lifting heavy objects, blood pressure cuffs on affected arms, tight clothing, heavy breast prostheses or constrictive jewelry.
Outpatient Locations
St.Vincent provides lymphedema and venous insufficiency therapy services for women in our hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty clinics.
Anderson
Saint John's Medical Center
2015 Jackson Street
Anderson, IN 46016(765) 649-2511
Carl D. Erskine Rehabilitation Center
Ambulatory Services Center
2020 Meridian Street, Suite 170
Anderson, IN 46016
(765) 646-8663
Carl D. Erskine Rehabilitation Center
2602 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1
Anderson, IN 46013
(765) 608-3970
Carmel
St.Vincent Carmel Professional Building
13450 N. Meridian, Suite 140
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 582-8170
Fax: (317) 582-7519
St.Vincent Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
1185 Carmel Drive, Building C
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 415-6980
Fax: (317) 415-6990
Indianapolis
St.Vincent Physical, Occupational, Speech and Voice Therapy
Physicians Medical Plaza
8550 Naab Road, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 338-3364
Fax: (317) 338-6491
St.Vincent Physical and Occupational Therapy (Northwest Blvd.)
8227 Northwest Blvd., Suite 160
Indianapolis, IN 46278
(317) 415-5700
Fax: (317) 415-5710
St.Vincent Physical and Occupational Therapy Center (Lafayette Road)
5460 Lafayette Road
Indianapolis, IN 46254
(317) 415-7337
Fax: (317) 415-7335
Kokomo
St.Joseph Physical and Sports Therapy – Forest Park
2130 W. Sycamore Street, Suite 140
Kokomo, IN 46901
(765) 236-8500
Fax: (765) 236-8515
St.Joseph Physical and Sports Therapy – Southway
217 E. Southway Blvd., Suite 106
Kokomo, IN 46902
(765) 236-8775
Fax: (765) 236-8785
Inpatient Locations
St.Vincent Women's Hospital
8111 Township Line Road
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 415-8111
Home Health Care Physical Therapy
In the Indianapolis area, call (317) 338-9696 for more information.
Centralized Scheduling
For centralized scheduling in the Indianapolis area, call:
- Adult therapies: (317) 338-LIVE (5483)
- Pediatric therapies: (317) 338-GROW (4769)
Tips for Outpatient Rehabilitation
Check out our steps to ensure a smooth start up to your therapy.