The SSM Physical Therapy Lymphedema Management Program specializes in the treatment of
lymphedema, a chronic swelling in the arms or legs which occurs as a result of damage
to or removal of the lymph nodes or vessels.
Surgery and radiation related to specific cancers such as breast, testicular and
Hodgkin's disease may cause lymphedema. Other causes of lymphedema include, but
are not limited to chronic venous insufficiency and traumatic edema. Onset of lymphedema
may occur immediately or several years later. Infection or injury to the lymphatic
system may also be a causative factor.
Symptoms start with a heaviness in the limb which can then progress to swelling.
This swelling occurs slowly, but deliberately, develops until the affected limb
is significantly larger than the unaffected limb. A person's daily activities and
body image can be severely impaired. Lymphedema can be life-altering, although
not life-threatening, and can be challenging both physically and psychologically.
How We Do It?
The SSM Physical Therapy Lymphedema Management Program is located at the SSM Physical Therapy Outpatient
Physcial Therapy clinic in Kirkwood, and is staffed by therapists specially trained
to treat lymphedema. Together with your physician, our therapists can help you to
reduce the size of the limb, and enhance self-esteem and body image.
Lymphedema Management Program consists of:
-
Manual lymph drainage (MLD) - Hands-on therapy to stimulate lymph drainage
-
Bandaging - Use of specific non-elastic bandages to reduce and maintain limb size
-
Exercise - Promotion of flexibility, strength, and lymph drainage
- Education - Instruction in self-bandaging, skin and nail care
A single therapy session lasts approximately one hour. Frequency and duration
of therapy are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Our physician-referred program is designed to accommodate individuals who are suffering
from lymphedema. When you participate in the Lymphedema Management Program,
our skilled therapists help you become educated about your condition in a caring
and warm environment. In this relaxed atmosphere, a therapist works with you privately
to help you achieve reduced limb size.
Treatment benefits include:
-
Improved limb function to enhance performance of daily activities
-
Relief of discomfort
- Reduced incidence of infection
To participate in the Lymphedema Management Program, you need a referral
from your physician. If you do not have a primary care physician or specialist,
we can refer you to one who is familiar with lymphedema issues with whom you can
feel comfortable discussing your problem.
To make an appointment or discuss any questions you have about the program, please
contact us.
Treatment Locations / More Information:
SSM Physical Therapy - Bridgeton
12266 DePaul Drive, Suite 115
Bridgeton
,
MO
63044
Phone: 314.209.7700
Fax: 314.209.7705
SSM Physical Therapy -
Bridgeton
3446 McKelvey Road
Bridgeton
,
MO
63044
Phone: 314.298.0353
Fax: 314.298.9741
SSM Physical Therapy -
Columbia
1150 Columbia Centre Drive
Columbia
,
IL
62236
Phone: 618.281.6681
Fax: 618.281.6691
SSM Physical Therapy -
Florissant
3501 Dunn Road
Florissant
,
MO
63033
Phone: 314.839.0002
Fax: 314.839.5994
SSM Physical Therapy - Kirkwood
201 South Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood
,
MO
63122
Phone: 314.984.9220
Fax: 314.984.9225
SSM Physical Therapy - St. Louis Hills
6555 Chippewa, Ste 125
St. Louis
,
MO
63109
Phone: 314.781.0011
Fax: 314.781.0410
