Lymphedema Therapy Clinic Sarasota
Our clinic provides lymphedema management with personalized plans for increased quality of life for each patient. We’re here to help you thrive.
First, let’s understand the lymphatic system:
The lymphatic system maintains the fluid levels in the body and supports the immune system. Running throughout the body, the vessels, nodes, and organs can become damaged or blocked causing fluid build up (lymphedema). This can happen very early in life, even as an infant, or later in life after a trauma, like cancer, or a crushing injury.
In the case of cancer, removal of lymph nodes and radiation therapy can overwhelm the lymph system. It is estimated that 1 out of 3 cancer patients will develop lymphedema days or years after treatments are completed.
Lymphedema most commonly affects an arm or leg, but it can occur anywhere in the body. With breast cancer, for example, there could be lymphedema in the arm, underarm, chest, or breast.
Symptoms may start out very subtly, but should not be ignored. If you, or a loved one, experience symptoms such as:
- A feeling of tightness, fullness, or heaviness in any body part
- Swelling you can see
- Decreased flexibility or movement
- Clothing or jewelry that feels to tight
- Decreased visibility of veins, tendons, or wrinkles
- Increased swelling on humid/hot days or after physical activity
- Pitting edema (indentations of the skin with applied pressure)
- Fibrosis (a hardening and/or thickening of the skin)
If you see any of these signs, call your doctor first and then call us. Our certified lymphedema specialists are here to help.
Our therapists are trained and certified in CDT (Complex Decongestive Therapy) which is the gold standard treatment for lymphedema.
Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
CDT consists of 5 essential elements:
MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage): MLD is a light massage technique that helps improve lymphatic low and move the fluid out of the affected area.
Compression Therapy: Compression bandages are used to enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling.
Skin and Nail Care: Having good skin care is important for those with lymphedema at any stage, but is absolutely necessary in more advanced stages. The skin can break open, become infected, and develop cellulitis. Our therapist will give you action steps to take to reduce skin complications.
Exercises: Your muscles create a pumping action during contraction which enhances your lymph flow. Because of this, exercise is vital in the management of lymphedema. Specific exercises will be given to you by our therapists and they will make sure you can perform them safely and with modifications when necessary.
Patient Education: Currently there is no cure for lymphedema and being educated about the condition and self-care is of the utmost importance. Without treatment, the condition will continue to worsen and early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent complications and manage it.
Medi Vision
The NAPBC requires member clinics to perform or refer to regular surveillance of lymphedema for breast cancer survivors including rehabilitation and support.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all cancer survivors receive regular screening for lymphedema during medical check-ups, including measurements of the affected area of the body.
Contact Us Today!
Get the personalized care you deserve in our Sarasota clinic. Functional Transformation Clinic has licensed and specially trained therapists here to improve your mobility and quality of life. Please contact us directly with any questions, comments, or scheduling inquiries you may have. Remember if you have any questions please write them down and ask our certified therapists when discussing your potential treatments.
Visit our other service pages to find out more! Occupational Therapy, Lymphedema Therapy, and LSVT BIG® for Parkinson’s.
We are located in the Live Oak Office Center
941-371-1185
2201 Cantu Ct. Suite 109
Sarasota, Fl. 34232
