Crews News | August 2024
August 1, 2024 | Russell Crews, President & CEO
by Russell Crews, President and Chief Executive Officer
In the May and July issues of the Lifestyle Guide, we shared information about our robust therapy programs at CC Young. Besides our award-winning therapy space and offerings, and the addition of aquatic therapy with the opening of The Vista, our specialties continue to expand. You may recall we now offer FEES testing to help diagnose and treat speech issues and symptoms accompanying Parkinson’s Disease. But did you know that our team also provides lymphedema therapy? Although not as common as other therapies, there is definitely a need for this specialty.
Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that’s usually drained through the body’s lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals. Lymph nodes are an important part of your lymphatic system. Lymphedema can be caused by cancer treatments that remove or damage your lymph nodes. Any type of problem that blocks the drainage of lymph fluid can cause lymphedema.
Severe cases of lymphedema can affect the ability to move the affected limb, increase the risks of skin infections and sepsis, and can lead to skin changes and breakdown. Treatment may include compression bandages, massage, compression stockings, sequential pneumatic pumping, careful skin care and, rarely, surgery to remove swollen tissue or to create new drainage routes.
Lymphedema therapy is a comprehensive program for chronic swelling of a body part that may have resulted from illness, physical trauma, or surgery. Our occupational therapists and physical therapists are trained in the care of lymphedema. Patients receive complete decongestive therapy that stimulates the lymphatic drainage system to decrease swelling.
Lymphedema care includes:
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Multilayer compression bandaging
- Comprehensive patient and caregiver education
- Compression garment fitting
- Skin care management
Benefits of lymphedema therapy:
- Decreased pain
- Decreased swelling
- Improved overall function
- Improved range of motion
Blair Viehe is our designated therapist who manages patients needing lymphedema therapy. She is a certified occupational therapy assistant and is also a certified lymphedema and wound care therapist.
Additionally, our massage therapy team is working toward certification for lymphatic massage.
If you have need for therapeutic treatment for lymphedema, contact our Therapy Department at 972-638-8795 or extension 68795 if dialing from a CC Young phone.
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