Lymphedema Treatment

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers lymphedema management programs at locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Many of our providers are certified lymphedema therapists, which means they have specialized training to provide the best possible lymphedema treatment.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema develops when the lymph pathways are unable to circulate the excess fluid due to inflammation or infection. Causes of lymphedema include lymph node removal or damage related to breast cancer surgery or another medical problem, or congenital deformity.

Patients with lymphedema may experience a constant achy sensation because of swelling in the arms or legs. They may also have trouble fitting their clothes over the swollen areas. Lymphedema symptoms may require specialized treatment.

Lymphedema Treatment

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Virginia Piper Cancer Institute have partnered to offer a Lymphedema Treatment Program, certified by the National Lymphedema Network.

Lymphedema can be treated. The goals of treatment include:

• reducing swelling and infections
• estblishing new pathways for lymph fluid
• reducing scar tissue
• improving strength, range of motion and use of the arm or leg

Physician Services

A rehabilitation physician (known as a physiatrist) who specializes in lymphedema is available to patients. The physiatrist:

• conducts a thorough history and physical examination, focusing on the cause and location of swelling
• assesses other medical problems that may be related to swelling (lymphedema), such as vascular conditions, skin problems, pain, joint stiffness, weakness, paralysis and balance problems
• recommends treatment options.

Recommendations may include diagnostic tests, X-rays, scans or other consultations as needed. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, equipment and special garments are prescribed as needed.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist with advanced training provides treatment based on an individual’s needs. The therapy may consist of:

• Manual Lymph Drainage: This is a special light massage performed by a therapist to assist in moving the fluid to other parts of the body. This will also soften areas of hardness in the tissue.
• Compression Bandaging: The therapist applies multi-layered bandages to the arm or leg after massage. Bandages keep the fluid out of the arm or leg by increasing pressure to the skin and causing the muscles to contract, stimulating the lymph vessels.
• Exercise: A specific exercise program to increase lymphatic flow is developed for each person.
• Education: Individuals with lymphedema are at a higher risk of developing infection. Education focuses on recognizing signs of infection and how to perform proper skin and nail care.
• Compression garment: If swelling has been treated and decreased as much as possible, individuals will be fitted with a compression garment. This garment helps maintain the reduction in swelling achieved during treatment.
  

Referrals and Locations

For physical therapy

An examination by a doctor is necessary to correctly diagnose lymphedema. Physical therapy for lymphedema requires a physician’s written referral. If you have a physician referral for physical therapy for lymphedema, call or fax the referral to one of our locations most convenient to you:

Buffalo
Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center - Buffalo (Gold's Gym)
Phone: 763-684-3880
Fax: 763-684-3881

Cambridge
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute - Cambridge
701 South Dellwood St.
Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-7782
Fax 763-689-7716

Coon Rapids
Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center - Coon Rapids
Phone: 763-236-8911
Fax: 763-236-8930

Eagan
Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center - Eagan
Phone: 612-775-2940
Fax: 651-686-0499

Elk River
Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center - Elk River
Phone: 763-236-0580
Fax: 763-236-0585

Minneapolis
Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center - 2800 Building
Phone 612-863-4446
Fax: 612-863-5698

St. Paul
United Hospital
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Phone 651-241-8290
Fax: 651-241-7177

White Bear Lake
Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center - White Bear Lake
Phone: 651-770-0176
Fax: 651-770-0188

Woodbury
Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center - Woodbury
Phone: 651-241-3636
Fax: 651-7241-3646

For a physician consultation

To request a consultation with a Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Associates physician specializing in lymphedema, select a location most convenient to you:

Minneapolis
Phone: 612-863-4495

St. Paul
Phone: 651-241-8295

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550
E-mail us

First published: 01/01/2002
Last updated: 09/20/2004

Reviewed by: Megan Vaught, licensed Physical Therapist, Supervisor, Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy, Allina Hospitals & Clinics