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Lymphedema Therapy for the Arms

Westbury Total Health Care is a multi-specialty rehabilitation practice specializing in Complex Lymphedema Therapy, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Chiropractic services in Nassau County, New York. Our physicians have over 35 years combined experience treating thousands of complicated Lymphedema conditions, Pre & Post operative inuries and spinal disorders.

The Lymphedema treatment which our office provides involves decongestive manual lymphatic drainage followed by multilayered short stretch compression strapping of either the upper or lower extremities that is worn 24/7. The patient remains in the bandages until the next treatment session. Total patient’s treatment time is in the vicinity of 90 to 120 minutes per day, treatment is optimal at five days per week. The patient will remain in compression bandages while active care of manual lymphatic drainage is being performed, once the extremity stabilizes and no further progression is anticipated then the patient is fitted for a compression garment, such as a sleeve/glove, stocking, thigh or knee high.

When seeking treatment please make sure the individual you have chosen is a certified lymphedema therapist. They should have received credentials from one of the schools or associations recognized by the National Lymphedema Network. For more information on treatment or a free brochure please contact our office.

Upper Extremity Lymphedema

Example: This illustration below shows acute Lymphedema affecting the right arm and hand (left picture) and the results of effective complex lymphedema therapy treatment (right picture)

Treatment is provided in our office and consists of the following:

  • Meticulous skin and nail care
  • Cleansing, lubrication, debriding and administration of antimicrobial therapy.

Lymphedema therapy reduces and controls the amount of swelling in the affected limb, as well as restoring its function. The objective of this method is to redirect and enhance the flow of lymph through unharmed cutaneous lymphatics. Initial gentle massage technique or the (Vodder Method) is intended to redirect lymph and edema fluid towards adjacent functioning lymph nodes.

Compression Therapy with Bandaging and Compression Garments

For the prevention of any reaccumulation of excavated edema fluid and the ultrafiltration of additional fluid into the interstitial space.

In order to enhance lymphatic flow from peripheral to central drainage components, exercises are aimed at augmenting muscular contraction, enhancing joint mobility, strengthening the limb and reducing the muscle atrophy that frequently occurs secondary to lymphedema.

Patient instruction for continuous ongoing self management:

The patient maintains and optimizes the results by applying the techniques learned as well as by wearing a garment/sleeve during the day or bandaging the affected limb overnight and exercising for 15 minutes per day while wearing the bandages. This is continued until swelling resolves.