Lymphedema Management

When damage to your lymphatic system causes painful swelling, you can count on WakeMed Outpatient Rehab.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs but can also occur in the torso, genitals, head and neck. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged or removed.

Lymphedema is treated through a process called complete decongestive therapy which includes a lymphatic massage, compression bandaging, range of motion exercises, monitoring of skin care, instruction on lymphedema management and referral to a vendor to obtain the appropriate compression garments or devices as needed.

WakeMed therapists are trained in complete decongestive therapy, the international gold standard therapeutic treatment for lymphedema. Treatment includes in-office therapy combined with an at-home maintenance program that, when done appropriately and consistently, can provide a lifetime of relief.

Who is at Risk? 

If you have had any of the following procedures, you may be at risk of developing lymphedema:

Simple mastectomy with or without axillary lymph node removal
Lumpectomy with or without axillary lymph node removal
Modified radical mastectomy
Surgery and or damage in any lymph node region including neck, armpit, groin, pelvis or abdomen
Radiation therapy to a lymph node region
Cardiac issues which cause prolonged swelling of the legs such as congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation
Chronic venous insufficiency
Chronic kidney disease
Orthopedic injuries/surgeries with prolonged swelling present

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphedema may show up days, weeks, months or years after surgery. Contact your provider if you have any of the following signs and symptoms in your arms, hands, legs, neck, torso or other areas:

Swelling (clothing, rings, watches feeling too tight)
Feeling tightness, heaviness or fullness
Skin redness, pain or thickening
Difficulty talking or swallowing

Our Lymphedema Therapists

Our certified lymphedema therapists are licensed occupational and physical therapists who have over 130 hours of specialized lymphedema education and training. Our team works with the patient to provide individualized therapies and self-care guidance to reduce swelling and prevent further progression of lymphedema.