Lymphedema Management
Get lymphedema treatment close to home at Cone Health’s outpatient rehabilitation centers, affiliated with the National Lymphatic Network (NLN). You’ll receive care from physical and occupational therapists certified by NLN-recognized programs
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema, a chronic, progressive swelling, occurs when lymph fluid builds up in a part of your body. Common causes include cancer or cancer treatment, surgery, trauma and hereditary conditions.
Call our locations in Greensboro, Burlington or Reidsville for treatment of lymphedema caused by cancer or cancer treatment. For help with managing lymphedema caused by hereditary conditions, non-cancer-related surgery or trauma, turn to Cone Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers at Burlington or Reidsville.
Your Treatment Options
Benefit from treatment options and therapies tailored to your specific needs and goals. You’ll attend personalized therapy sessions, typically two to three times per week for two to eight weeks, and learn about managing lymphedema. Your treatment may include:
- Manual lymph drainage – Helps move fluid out of swollen areas; approximately 30-minutes of gentle, relaxing massage, depending on the nature of your swelling
- Compression bandaging – Also moves fluid out of affected limbs; learn to apply compression bandages on your own
- Exercise – Use your muscles to help circulate lymphatic fluid and reduce swelling; work with a physical or occupational therapist to develop your individualized, graded exercise program, also including cardiovascular exercise, stretching and strengthening
- Education – Learn about skin care and how to recognize and avoid skin infections
- Self-management – Learn self-care techniques and get help with obtaining compression garments to keep swelling in check
