Wellness One is the largest and most comprehensive Lymphedema Treatment Center in central North Carolina. Our 6 Vodder credentialed therapists specialize in the treatment of Lymphedema and rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors. To date, we have helped over 1200 patients successfully get control and manage their condition.
Why Choose a Vodder Credentialed Therapist?
Wellness One uses the Vodder method of MLD/CDT (Manual Lymph Drainage/Combined Decongestive Therapy). Wellness One Lymphedema therapists are Vodder Credentialed. Vodder credentialing assures you of the most extensive therapist training in MLD® and CDT in North America. Vodder Credentialed therapists must be recertified every two years to ensure competence and proper hands-on technique. Vodder Credentialing requires over 160 hours of training including detailed instruction in :
- Compression Bandaging
- Manual Lymph Drainage (Dr. Vodder)
- Lymphatic Pumping Exercises
- Skin Care to Prevent Infection
- Compression Garment Fitting
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the swelling of soft tissues as a result of the accumulation of protein rich fluid in the extra cellular spaces. It occurs most frequently in an extremity but can be seen in the head, neck, chest,abdomen, and genitalia.
Types of Lymphedema
There are two types of lymphedema. Primary lymphedema occurs without any known precipitating cause, and is due to inadequate or non-functional lymphatic vessels. Primary lymphedema present at birth is called congenital lymphedema. Lymphedema praecox evolves in adolescence or mid-life. Lymphedema tarda evolves late in life.
Secondary lymphedema is precipitated by an event causing blockage or interruption of the lymphatic vessels. In the United States the most common causes are surgery involving the lymph nodes, radiation therapy, trauma, and cancer.
Who is at risk for developing secondary lymphedema?
Breast cancer patients with lymph node dissection are at risk for developing lymphedema as are other cancer patients with lymph node removal with or without radiation therapy. On average, approximately 5-25% of women who undergo a lymph node dissection for breast cancer will eventually develop lymphedema. Other patients at risk include those with cancer in the pelvic area and patients with resections for lymphomas and melanomas. Currently, there are several million cases of lymphedema in the United States alone, the greatest majority occurring after surgery, trauma or radiation therapy. While the majority of lymphedema develops within 2 years after cancer surgery and treatment, patients continue to be at risk for lymphedema throughout their lives.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
Many times the first symptoms of lymphedema associated with breast cancer is evident in the axilla (arm pit) area or in the chest wall. Many women describe a rubbing of the upper arm against the side of the chest that they did not experience before surgery. It is important to realize that not all lymphedema after breast cancer surgery begins in the arm or hand. Women with lumpectomies may experience lymphedema in the breast during or after radiation therapy. Some edema after surgery is normal but is usually localized and resolves within a few weeks of surgery.
Upper Extremity
Rubbing of the upper arm on the chest that did not exist before surgery.
Bra begins to feel too tight.
A feeling of fullness or pressure; heaviness or fullness in the arm.
Rings or jewelry feel too tight.
A feeling of heat in the arm or affected side of the body.
IMPORTANT NOTE: redness, inflammation, warmth or a fever are signs of an infection. If you experience any of these, you should contact your physician immediately.
Lower Extremity
Swelling in the foot or ankle
Shoes become tight
Tight skin or swelling at the base of the toes or in the toes
Numbness and tingling in the toes or feet
IMPORTANT NOTE: redness, inflammation, warmth or a fever are signs of an infection. If you experience any of these, you should contact your physician immediately.
As lymphedema progresses, the involved areas swell more and more. Mobility can be severely impaired as the affected areas increase in girth. Joint movement is restricted and painful, and the skin over the involved areas becomes taut and dry. The subcutaneous tissues can become hard and fibrotic which impairs the flow of blood and oxygen to the area. This unhealthy state often leads to recurrent infections because the high protein lymph fluid is a good growth media for bacteria and fungi. These infections can be life threatening and may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Each subsequent infection can further damage the already impaired lymphatic system.
Treatment
Lymphedema can be greatly reduced and managed through Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT includes MLD, compression bandaging, skin care, and patient specific physical therapy exercises. The concept of CDT is to maximize central lymphatic drainage. This is accomplished by opening collateral vessels to channel peripheral lymph into normally functioning lymphotomes.
Patients undergo an intensive course of treatment, usually lasting three to four weeks and often see a reduction in the swelling within a few visits. Maintenance therapy is usually required at much less frequent intervals in order to maintain the reduction. Patients are given specific guidelines to help them maintain their reduction at home.
The effectiveness and therapeutic benefits of the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy are well known in Europe, where the technique is widely prescribed in hospitals and clinics.
In clinics and hospitals in North American as well as in other parts of the world, Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy are becoming well known therapeutic methods, especially in the treatment of lymphedema. Most insurance companies pay for CTD and MLD if it is performed by a licensed, specially trained Physical or Occupational Therapist.
Results
Results achieved by Vodder MLD/CDT are clearly more beneficial than any other treatment, including surgery, massage, and compression pumps. This method is safe and does not require any invasive procedures. Most patients will see a significant result within the first two weeks of therapy.
For information on our free Lymphedema Prevention and Management Class, click here:
http://www.wellnessone.com/lymphedema_class | 
