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Physical Therapy

Lymphedema Treatment

Outpatient Medical Rehab Services provides the Vodder Method, a specialized treatment of lymphedema. Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the superficial tissues that causes swelling to different parts of the body, usually the arm, or leg. It can be genetically caused, but usually the cause is a trauma to the body such as surgery or radiation treatments. This is a long-term condition, but the Vodder Method can aid in allowing a person to maintain a high quality of life while minimizing further health risks.

Vodder trained and certified therapists perform the Method's Complete Decongestive Therapy, which consists of five steps:

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - is a complete in depth body massage that works on the lymph nodes all over the body to move the fluid.
• Compression Therapy - utilizes compression wraps that are used between MLD treatments to prevent the reaccummulation of lymph fluids, which was moved out of the extremities during the MLD session.
• Customized Exercise Therapy - is done while wearing the compression wraps to help keep the fluid out of the affected areas through muscle contractions.
• Skin Care - is very important as infection is common and very serious
• Education About the Condition