Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By James Ferrara – Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Lymphedema appears as swelling in the arms or legs and is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your immune and circulatory systems, and lymphedema usually pops up after damage to this system or if your lymph nodes have been removed. This condition is commonly seen in post-cancer treatment patients. In addition to the swelling, lymphedema can present as pain and discomfort in swollen areas. The most common treatments for lymphedema condition include exercise, wrapping, massage, and compression.
Every day in the US, over 4 million breast cancer survivors struggle with lymphedema. Up to 50% of patients will develop it. 58% of cancer patients diagnosed with breast cancer, melanoma, or pelvic area cancers are at risk for developing limb lymphedema. Early detection of lymphedema is vital.
Using a LymphaTech device, we can detect early signs of lymphedema from breast cancer. It allows us to intervene early and possibly prevent chronic lymphedema which can cause a reduction in quality of life and higher healthcare costs. In 60 seconds, we will know, with reliable accuracy, even small changes in circumference and volume. We track changes over time and percent differences in tissue size are calculated at each visit, which allows you to know your progression instantly.
New for 2023, Functional Transformation Clinic has equipped our clinic with the Soza Medical Device. Lymphedema affects up to 10 million Americans – more than muscular dystrophy, MS, ALS, Parkinson’s, and AIDS combined. Early detection of lymphedema using SOZO® with L-Dex®, combined with at-home compression treatment, reduces lymphedema progression by 95%. This devise allows us to treat and prevent lymphedema. In the past, the onset of lymphedema was too difficult to detect using standard measurement techniques. Now, SOZO® with L-Dex® technology aids in detecting lymphedema at the subclinical level, or Stage 0, before visible swelling and the condition is irreversible.
An effective lymphedema prevention program, which includes timely education to the patient, effective use of technology for early surveillance, and early detection and intervention protocol has been proven to deliver the best clinical outcomes. But while a prevention model of care has been well established in leading cancer care guidelines, the concept of lymphedema prevention is relatively unfamiliar to patients. SOZO L-Dex® measures and assesses fluid buildup in an at-risk limb compared to a healthy limb to help detect early signs of lymphedema. It uses noninvasive bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), which can detect fluid changes as small as 2.4 tablespoons (36ml) and takes less than 30 seconds to complete. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
At Functional Transformation Clinic, Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapists James Ferrara and Kanna Shepherd brings experience and a passion for healing.
New Lymphedema Clinic in Sarasota Specializing in Cancer Treatment Now Open!
IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF LYMPHATIC THERAPY, CONTACT JAMES FERRARA – FUNCTIONAL TRANSFORMATION Clinic TODAY AT 941-830-3749. TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE VISIT ftsarasotaclinic.com.
Functional Transformation
2201 Cantu Ct. Suite 109
Sarasota, FL 34232
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.
