Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment Program

The Marianjoy Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment Program provides education, treatment and self-management training for patients who are affected by lymphedema or at risk of developing lymphedema due to disease.

There are many causes or reasons why a patient may require treatment for lymphedema. Some of these reasons may include:

Removal of lymph nodes due to cancer
Damage to the lymphatic system due to radiation
Cellulitis
Chronic venous insufficiency
Trauma
Congenital lymphedema
Milroy's disease

 

Perometer

Marianjoy is the only facility in the Chicagoland area with a Perometer — a state-of-the-art device which provides highly accurate measurement of edema, assists in tracking a patient’s progress, and enables patients to obtain properly-fitted compression garments.

Services

Marianjoy’s Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment program services include any of the following:

• A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s history, lymphedema, and functional limitations
• Education on lymphedema prevention and skin care
• Education on home exercise, use of compression, and adaptive equipment
• Manual lymphatic drainage to decrease the swelling
• Compression bandaging
• Family education and training to assist the patient in managing their condition

A typical patient will receive 3-5 outpatient therapy sessions per week for approximately 2-4 weeks.

Marianjoy is committed to excellence in care for patients affected by lymphedema. Marianjoy hosted a 12-day lymphedema certification class featuring instructors from Klose Training. Two more Marianjoy therapists were certified as a result of this training.

From left to right: Colleen McQuillan, PT; Michelle Hustead, PTA; Linda Roherty, Lead Instructor; Guenter Klose; Kathleen Yosko, Marianjoy President and CEO; and Cindy Rechenmacher, PT.

For more information about lymphedema, check these related links:

• National Lymphedema Network
• Lymphology Association of North America
• Lymphatic Research Foundation

For more information

For the best choice in rehabilitation programs and services to address lymphedema, please call 630-909-6050 or e-mail Marianjoy’s Lymphedema Program Coordinator, Cindy Rechenmacher, PT, clt-LANA.

Chicago Area Lymphedema Study Group

Marianjoy hosts the Chicago Area Lymphedema Study Group. The group is for therapists who treat lymphedema and are interested in collaborating on patient care issues and further education in the area of lymphology. For information about the Study Group, contact Cindy Rechenmacher at 630-909-6050.