Lymphedema Therapy Program

At Mercy Health Partners, all lymphedema services are provided by licensed Occupational or Physical Therapists who have specialized training in Lymphedema Therapy. Treatment planning is individualized. After an initial assessment, the therapist will make recommendations for the amount of service necessary for each specific case.

With early and skilled treatment, the condition can be controlled, allowing the individual to lead a full and normal life. A therapeutic home program is a key factor for this control.

Why Choose Outpatient Lymphedema Treatment at MHP?

• Improved outcomes
• Accelerated healing
• Fewer complications
• Improved daily function
• Compassionate and caring staff

What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein-rich fluids in the tissues resulting in swollen, enlarged limbs or skin surfaces. It occurs most frequently in an extremity but can be seen in the head, neck, abdomen and genitals.

There are two types of lymphedema:

• Primary lymphedema may be inherited or occur at any age for no known reason.
• Secondary lymphedema is more common and may develop after surgical removal of lymph nodes or other obstructing factors, including scarring from infection or radiation therapy. It may happen immediately after treatment or many years later.

As lymphedema progresses, the involved areas swell and mobility can be severely impaired. Movement is restricted and painful, and the skin over the involved areas becomes taut and dry.

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema
Please contact your physician if you experience any of the following:

• Increase in size of a limb
• Feeling of heat in a limb
• Red patches (would indicate infection)
• Puffiness of a limb
• Swelling or heat in the trunk on the same side as surgery following cancer or venous surgery
• Feeling of tenderness in the groin or bloated abdomen following pelvic surgery
• Swelling in the thigh following removal of a mass or radiation to groin or pelvic areas

Treating Lymphedema
Lymphedema can be managed and greatly improved through therapy. This may consist of any combination of the following techniques:

• Lymphatic drainage
• Compression bandaging
• Skin care
• Patient-specific therapy exercises

Your Role in Lymphedema Management
Your active participation is essential to healing. Once a plan for treating your lymphedema is developed, you will need to follow that plan to the best of your ability to achieve the best possible outcomes in the least amount of time. We encourage you to call the Mercy General Therapy Center at any time with questions or concerns. Since the therapy we provide is medical, we require a physician referral (prescription) to initiate treatment.

You can contact us at:
Lymphedema Therapy Program at MHP
1500 E. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI
231-672-3905