Relief from Your Lymphedema Symptoms Feel Like Yourself Again
Lymphedema symptoms like swelling, skin tightness and heaviness, can keep you from doing what you most enjoy. At AdventHealth Ottawa we’d like to help change that. With personalized care to help you return to the things that nourish your spirit, our expert team will use the latest lymphedema treatments to reduce your swelling and help you move with ease. From diagnosis and therapy to making sure you know what to do at home, we’ll guide you on your path to feeling your best.
About Lymphedema Therapy
- What is Lymphedema?
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Lymphedema happens when lymphatic fluid doesn't drain normally — usually as a result of damage to your lymph nodes or vessels. Common causes include removal of lymph nodes due to cancer, infection, injury, obesity and radiation therapy.
Most often, lymphedema causes swelling in your arms or legs. However, it can happen in any area of your body where lymph vessels are affected.
- What Are Lymphedema Symptoms?
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Swelling from lymphedema can develop quickly or gradually, and get progressively worse. It can happen anywhere in your body but most frequently in your arms, legs, fingers or toes — and can make it difficult for you to move them. Other lymphedema symptoms include:
- Achiness or discomfort in your affected limb(s)
- Heaviness in your arms and/or legs
- Skin changes, such as pitting, hardening or tightness
- Skin infection
If you notice any of these symptoms or believe lymphedema therapy may be right for you, talk with your doctor right away.
- How Can Lymphedema Therapy Help?
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At AdventHealth Ottawa our compassionate team will help you take control of your symptoms through hands-on therapies, guidance and education — so you can learn how to reduce swelling and manage your lymphedema symptoms confidently. Lymphedema therapy can help:
- Improve the look and feel of your skin
- Lower your risk of infection
- Relieve heaviness and discomfort
- Reduce swelling
Medicare and most insurance plans cover lymphedema treatment, but check with your provider to find out about your coverage.
- What Causes Lymphedema?
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Lymphedema can be caused by an abnormal development of the lymphatic system, Surgery/Radiation, Cancer, Trauma, Infection, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, and Obesity.
- Will my Insurance Pay for the Program?
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Yes, Medicare and most insurance companies pay for Lymphedema Therapy
Helping You Regain Your Life
Lymphedema treatment isn’t the same for everyone. The expert team at our Ottawa hospital takes the time to understand your symptoms — and how they’ve impacted your life — to create a treatment plan that’s just for you. Drawing from a variety of approaches, your care team will create a Lymphedema therapy program to help you feel like yourself again which may include:
- Compression therapy
- Education
- Manual lymph drainage
- Nutrition counseling
- Personalized exercise guidance
- Skin and nail care
Our Lymphedema Treatments and Services
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Manual Lymph Drainage
Light, gentle massage can help remove lymph fluid and improve circulation. Our trained lymphedema therapists specialize in this soothing, hands-on approach.
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Compression Therapy
Bandaging and compression garments, such as socks and sleeves, can help improve the flow of lymph fluid. The lymphedema team at our local Ottawa hospital fit you for garments and show you how to bandage swollen areas safely, so you can feel confident in your self-care and reduce swelling.
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Exercise
Stretching and light exercise can improve lymph circulation and prevent buildup. Your therapist will design a stretching and exercise routine to improve your range of motion and boost your body’s ability to remove excess fluid.
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Skin and Nail Care
Lymphedema symptoms include an increased risk of skin and nail infections, so it's important to take good care of them with a good cleansing and moisturizing routine. We’ll show you how.
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Nutrition Counseling
A healthy diet can positively impact many health conditions, including lymphedema. If you’re overweight, the nutrition counselors at AdventHealth Ottawa can help set you up for successful weight loss. Or, if you simply need to maintain a healthy weight, can help you understand how following an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce your lymphedema symptoms.
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Education
The more you know, the better you can take care of yourself. We give you one-on-one guidance and support to make sure you know what to do to prevent and relieve swelling and other lymphedema symptoms.
AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab Ottawa
A service of AdventHealth Ottawa
Formerly known as Gollier Rehabilitation and Wellness Center