By James Ferrara – Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist
The American Cancer Society purports that in 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
We put a lot of attention and focus on celebrating awareness and survivorship throughout the year, and while that is admirable and helps educate the public on the importance of screenings, for those that are in the midst of fighting cancer, the surgical procedures, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, can often make them feel very sick and lethargic. One of the most widespread issues with cancer treatment is lymphedema.
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA?
Lymphedema is a build-up of lymphatic fluid throughout the body, and it is usually a secondary issue that arises after cancer treatment or lymph node removal; it can also be a critical indicator for individuals that an illness or adverse reaction is occurring in their bodies.
Lymphedema is a threatening disorder that needs to be treated and properly managed. The fluid must be safely guided through the body to remove the excess. Lymphedema can happen to anyone, but women are more susceptible to the disorder and often, are unfortunately underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed altogether. Lymphedema can cause physical debilitations and physiological distress.
Lymphedema disposes the affected area to an ongoing inflammatory process that, if untreated, can progress to skin fibrosis, adipose tissue accumulation, and further accumulation of fluid, causing disfiguring swelling, disability, and infections such as cellulitis.1
LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT
Complete Decongestive Therapy
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) — A manual technique to mobilize fluid in the lymph system that is very light and gentle.
2. Compression — Low stretch compression bandages that help increase lymph flow by increasing resting and working pressures to decrease the lymphedema in the limb; this also assists the efficiency of the muscle pump to decrease lymphedema and prevents fluid from returning.
3. Skin Care — Reduces the risk for infection and helps prevent dry skin from cracking.
4. Exercises — Improves lymph flow and improves venous return.
5. Self-Care Management and Training — Allows the patient to minimize spikes in fluid retention.
YOU CAN GET TREATMENTS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
Many people are concerned about visiting a medical office due to COVID-19. My services are unique in that we come to you via our Mobile Outpatient Occupational Therapy Services. You don’t have to leave your home.
MOBILE OUTPATIENT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES
Lymphedema therapy
• Decrease lymphedema
• Promote wound healing
• Decrease fibrotic tissue hardening
• Increase functional mobility and quality of life
• Decrease swelling due to acute trauma
• Help reduce edema from chronic venous insufficiency
New Lymphedema Clinic in Sarasota Specializing in Cancer Treatment Opening Mid November!
Coming from Moffitt is:
Beth Daniels, OTR, CLT-LANA, ALM
Occupational Therapist for 30 years, Lymphedema therapist for 22 years, Pelvic Floor therapist for 2 years.
Specializing in cancer treatment related lymphedema, upper extremity deficits, and pelvic floor complications and diagnoses.
Bachelors degree from Texas Women’s University in Occupational Therapy – May 1992
Certification in Lymphedema – Judith Casley-Smith
Australia – November 2000
Lymphology Association of America Certification – 2001
Advanced Lymphedema Therapy – Foldi Clinic – Germany – 2012
Advanced Lymphedema Management – Academy of Lymphatic Studies – February 2020 with emphasis on Head and Neck Lymphedema, Genital Lymphedema,
and Wound Care
Herman & Wallace – Pelvic Floor Therapy – March 2021
Lindsey Vestal – Pelvic Floor for Occupationl
Therapists – September 2022
Kanna Shepherd, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Master of Occupational Therapy degree from
Louisiana State University Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she graduated Magna Cum Laude Certified as a lymphedema therapist in 2017 and has achieved the Lymphology Association of North America, CLT-LANA, certification which indicates the highest level of competency and dedication to advanced learning in the field.
IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF LYMPHATIC THERAPY, CONTACT JAMES FERRARA – FUNCTIONAL TRANSFORMATION MOBILE REHAB TODAY AT 941-830-3749. TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE VISIT suncoastftmrehab.com.
2201 Cantu Ct. Suite 109
Sarasota, FL 34232
Source:
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC5665410/