Providing Lymphedema Care Since 2005
TuDor is one of the very few facilities in our community that offers specialized lymphedema treatment by Certified Lymphatic Therapists and Certified Wound Therapists. We achieve results unmatched by anyone in the tri-county area.
Our high level of treatment and expertise allows us to be recognized by the National Lymphedema Network. In the majority of patients, TuDor’s treatment programs produce complete healing, within a short period of time.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often the extremities. It may also occur in the face, the trunk and the abdomen. Lymphedema is a result of an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in superficial tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if it goes untreated. – www.acols.com
Early stages of lymphedema may be temporarily reduced by simple elevation of the limb. Without proper treatment, however, the protein-rich swelling causes a progressive hardening of the affected tissues, along with recurrent cellulitis, and possibly fungal infection.
Common Symptoms
- Chronic swelling of part or all of your arm or leg, including fingers or toes
- A feeling of heaviness or tightness
- Restricted range of motion
- Aching or discomfort
- Recurring infections
- Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
Treatment of Lymphedema
TuDor offers a range of treatment methods to our lymphedema patients, including:
- Manual Lymph Drainage
- Compression Therapy
- Lipomassage - The lipomassage machine assists in micro circulation and lymphatic flow along with softening of the skin. Recommended treatment is 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks.
- Decongestive Remedial Exercises
- Wound Care & Skin Care
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- Fitting For Permanent Garments & Reid Sleeves (if necessary) by Certified Fitters
- Education To The Patient And Family On How To Care For Affected Limbs
- ABI (ankle-brachial index) testing - ABI testing is a noninvasive way to check your risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) a condition in which the arteries in your legs or arms are narrowed or blocked. The Ankle Brachial Index compares your blood pressure measures at the ankle with your blood pressure measured at your arm.
- Venous Refill testing - Venous Refill Testing System includes a sensor for sensing patient blood volume at a testing location along a patient’s leg during and after dorsiflexion of the patient’s foot, and for automatically evaluating whether a venous refill time following the time of cessation of dorsiflexion of the patient’s foot is less than approximately 20 seconds.These tests are available to our patient’s and aid in the treatment of Lymphedema.
Gail DeMartino, PTA, LLT, CLT, WCC from TuDor Physical Therapy demonstrates Lymphatic Drainage.
General Nutrition Guidelines
A healthy diet and weight for those with lymphedema begins with eating right. This includes consuming well-balanced meals consisting of: lean meats, beans, lower fat dairy, fruits & vegetables, and whole grains. Each of these is important in providing adequate nutrition and balance. It is also important to consume the right amount of calories and incorporating a variety of whole foods, rather than highly processed foods which tend to contain less healthy ingredients and higher calories.
Portion control is also critical in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. The average adult portion size found in most restaurants is 2-3 times the amount that it should be. If hunger is a problem, aim to consume frequent low calorie, filling snacks throughout the day, such as a few almonds or a piece of low-fat cheese, and drink a tall glass of water before meals in order to fill up and avoid overeating. Although there is no recommended diet for lymphedema, making nutritional choices that maintain the body’s overall fluid balance may help.
Testimonials
Lymphedema Treatment Center
Cornersburg
2959 Canfield Rd., Suite #7
Youngstown, OH 44511