Lymphedema Management and Treatment at Mercy
The specialized team of Certified Lymphedema Therapists at The Center for Restorative Therapies at Mercy in Baltimore provides comprehensive services for patients with all stages of lymphedema or who are at risk for developing lymphedema as a result of cancer treatment or other conditions. Our therapists work closely with physician specialists at Mercy to treat lymphedema.
Mercy is particularly known for its work with breast cancer patients who experience lymphedema in the arm. The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy physicians work collaboratively with therapists to provide patients innovative technologies to aid in the early detection of lymphedema/fluid changes following breast cancer surgery.
What is Lymphedema Management?
Lymphedema can be divided into four stages (0 to 4) and most easily is treated in stage zero to one. Patient education begins during pre-operative evaluations prior to any surgical interventions, with the primary goal being to establish the patient’s individual baseline measurements of the involved limb(s).
This pre-surgical baseline measurement is essential to document, as any future post-surgical measurements need this reference point to provide an accurate comparison of the patient's normal state.
The evaluation is performed by the certified lymphedema specialist taking measurements at regular 4 cm intervals. Bio-impedance measurements for body composition and arm tissue fluid levels also will be assessed as part of a research database.
Types of Lymphedema Management
The Center for Restorative Therapies offers a comprehensive lymphedema treatment program which includes:
- Experienced, licensed therapists with advanced training
- Private therapy rooms for patients with lymphedema
- Comprehensive patient education, beginning in the patient’s pre-operative stage
- Pre-operative evaluation to obtain baseline measurements
- Intensive treatment for chronic lymphedema, including specialized massage techniques, compression bandaging and targeted exercises
The Center for Restorative Therapies at Mercy helps patients manage secondary lymphedema due to treatment for breast cancer, melanoma, gynecological cancer, head/neck cancers as well as other conditions.
How does Mercy’s team treat Lymphedema following breast cancer surgery?
The clinical team of The Hoffberger Breast Center, along with the therapists of The Center for Restorative Therapies, work in concert to minimize post-surgical complications including pain, cording and limitation of arm mobility.
Mercy's team takes a proactive approach to lymphedema with its early intervention program. With a focus on maintaining or improving a patient's quality of life, the early intervention program is based on national standards set forth by the National Lymphedema Network. Treatment begins before surgery with patient education and the acquisition of baseline measurements as a reference point for post-surgical mobility.
The program includes:
- A proactive approach to the prevention of secondary lymphedema after cancer treatment
- Maintaining or improving a patient’s quality of life
- Decreasing the incidence of chronic lymphedema and the need for lifelong treatment
- Decreasing a patient’s cost of managing lymphatic disease
- Developing a treatment protocol for patients with sub clinical lymphedema
Following surgery, an individualized treatment plan is put into place for patients. For those patients who have more severe, chronic cases of lymphedema, The Center for Restorative Therapies offers an intensive treatment program, including specialized massage techniques, compression bandaging, lymphatic exercise and comprehensive self-care education.