LYMPHEDEMA CLINIC
COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT FOR LONG-STANDING SWELLING
Covenant Medical Center offers treatment
and preventative care for patients who have
been diagnosed with lymphedema, edema or
venous insufficiency on either an inpatient or
outpatient basis.
Lymph-ed-ema
Lymphedema is an abnormal build-up of lymphatic
fluid that causes swelling in an area of the body.
This condition is often caused by a blockage in your
lymphatic system, an important part of your immune
and circulatory systems. This condition typically
develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are
missing, impaired, or damaged.
E-de-ma
The medical term for swelling – it is an abnormal
amount of fluid between body cells. It can occur in
one area or many areas of one’s body.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part
(arm[s], leg[s], trunk, face) due to trauma of the
lymphatic system. This trauma can include cancer
(with lymph node removal), radiation, surgery, or
other conditions in which the lymphatic vessels
and/or lymph nodes have been compromised.
Lymphedema can also occur when there are
co-existing medical conditions such as chronic
venous insufficiency, diabetes, kidney disease, and
heart disease which may further overwhelm the
lymphatic system.
This excess swelling of a body part(s) can cause
decreased mobility, increased complaints of pain
and difficulty performing daily tasks. Lymphedema
also interferes with wound healing and provides an
environment for bacteria, increasing the potential
for infection. As swelling and inflammation persist,
the tissue thickens and becomes fibrotic, causing
discomfort and decreased mobility which intensifies
the condition. This can lead to depression and
decreased quality of life.
How is lymphedema treated?
Covenant has occupational therapists that are
specially trained in the therapeutic management of
lymphedema, edema, or venous insufficiency.
Treatment consists of:
l
Assessment of inflammation/swelling
l
Manual lymphatic drainage through
therapeutic massage to promote fluid
mobilization
l
Compression bandaging to decrease size
of affected area
lTherapeutic
l
Exercise
Education/instruction for modification of
daily activities
l
Patient/family/caregiver training
for independent self-management
and assistance with prevention of
reoccurrence
l Use of compression pump, as medically
appropriate
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more, ask your
doctor. Lymphedema services are available at
the following convenient Wheaton Franciscan
Healthcare locations.
Length of treatment depends on severity of
lymphedema/edema.
Covenant Medical Center
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program
Treatment is provided with a physician’s referral.
For more information regarding the Lymphedema
Clinic please call 319.272.2352 to speak with
a lymphedema therapist. To schedule an
appointment please call 319.272.7200.
Covenant Cancer Treatment Center
200 East Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50702
Covenant Medical Center
Outpatient Rehabilitation
3421 West 9th Street, Waterloo, IA 50702
Benefits of this comprehensive
treatment program include:
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
Kimball Ridge Rehabilitation
211 East Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50702
Covenant Medical Center
I
Improved functioning
Decreased swelling
Pain management
Increased strength
Improved range of motion
Improved skin care
Cosmetic and psychological value
COVENANT
CANCER TREATMENT CENTER