Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphatic drainage and lymphatic massage
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Diagnosis and Management of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid that can occur after damage to the lymph system. Damage is typically due to prior surgery or having undergone radiation therapy. Lymphedema swelling most commonly occurs in the arms or legs.
The Lymphatic Therapy Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers world-class care for lymphedema. Our physical therapists and specialists at the Boston Lymphatic Center are highly trained to help relieve symptoms.
Candidates for Lymphedema Therapy
Before you undergo cancer treatment at BIDMC, your cancer care team will evaluate your lymphedema risk. If your team identifies you as high-risk, you may see the lymphedema team for preventive care.
Undergoing certain surgical procedures can also increase your risk for developing lymphedema. Therefore, as part of the pre-surgical process, your doctor will send an order for physical therapy through the online medical record system. Your care team will coordinate your lymphedema care appointment with your other pre-operative appointments.
The earlier your care team can detect lymphedema, the sooner your treatment can begin and the better your long-term outcome will be.
Lymphedema Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lymphedema can often be difficult. Our experts have extensive experience with diagnosing and managing lymphedema, allowing us to choose the most efficient process for making the correct diagnosis, thus minimizing unnecessary testing and hospital visits.
Lymphedema Treatment
There is no cure for lymphedema. The Boston Lymphatic Center team will work closely with you to help determine a course of treatment tailored to your symptoms and needs. If you travel from a distance, our physicians and therapists can work with your local care team to help achieve your goals.
Therapy often starts with the least invasive treatments, optimizing edema fluid management. If further therapy is needed, we will work with you to achieve the right balance of additional measures, which may include adjustments to medications, physical therapy and possibly surgery.
Once you start therapy, we’ll check in with you regularly to make sure it’s working and that you're making progress.
More About Lymphedema Therapy
During your first visit, we will take baseline measurements of your affected arm or leg. Then, we will develop a personalized treatment plan and schedule follow-up visits as needed to monitor your recovery.
Our therapists will work with you to create a plan that you are comfortable with. The plan may include:
Compression at the First Sign of Lymphedema
Wearing a fitted compression sleeve may help keep the swelling under control. When lymphedema has already caused an increase in the size of the arm or leg, compression bandaging can help reduce the swelling. You will wear your compression bandage day and night — sometimes for a few weeks — as the limb reduces in size. Once swelling has gone down, we will refer you for a compression sleeve or stocking that you will wear during the day to keep the swelling under control.
Exercises
Range of motion exercises, stretching, strengthening and cardiovascular exercises can help improve your overall energy level. These exercises can also restore full motion and strength.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
This type of light massage can help increase lymphatic flow. At first, your physical therapist will perform the massage. Then, they will teach you self-massage that you can do at home once treatment ends.
Skin Care
This can help prevent dry, chapped skin. Skin care can also help you avoid skin punctures or injuries to reduce the chance of an infection that can worsen lymphedema.
Soft Tissue Stretching and Massage
These can help improve soft tissue and scar flexibility and reduce pain and sensitivity.
If you have not previously received care at BIDMC, please complete the Chronic Lymphedema New Patient Questionnaire in its entirety. Remember to include your full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
- Download the Chronic Lymphedema New Patient Questionnaire.
- Email us your completed form or fax it to 617-632-7840.
A team member will contact you within 3-4 business days to discuss the next steps and schedule the appropriate appointments. We look forward to assisting you.
