Lymphatic manual therapy is a gentle touch therapy that aids in the management of lymphedema. It reduces swelling resulting from surgery cancer treatment or traumatic injury.

There is no need to leave your community because RMC offers lymphedema management therapy at the Tyler center in Anniston. Our center is the essential place for you if you have experience swelling due to any of the following conditions:

• Lymphedema
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Post-surgical swelling
• Lipo-lymphedema
• Amputee stump edema

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is defined as the swelling of a body part most often affecting the extremities. It may also occur in the face, trunk, abdomen, and genital area.

Lymphedema is often classified by its origin:

• Primary: caused by congenital malformations of the lymphatic system. These forms generally affect the legs but may affect the arms.
• Secondary: (most common type) often the result of surgery or radiation therapy of surgery or radiation therapy or cancer surgical procedures that are due in conjunction with the removal of lymph nodes e.g. Mastectomy, lobectomies with removal and or radiation of the lymph nodes under the arm. Other causes include trauma infections of the lymph system or severe venous insufficiency.

Let us evaluate your lymphedema (whether primary or secondary) and develop an edema management program customized to meet your needs.

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Compression therapy
• Complete decongestive therapy
• Skin care

Therapy and treatment options

Manual lymphatic drainage is used to help the body in many ways.

• Reduce and help manage fluid retention in tissue support the immune system by enhancing removal of body tissues.
• Decrease pain and inflammation associated with fluid retention.
• Restore lymph function by increasing circulation.
• Free up resources your body can use for tissue repair

Breast Cancer Treatment

Lymphatic manual therapy is often prescribed after Mastectomy of breasts, other breast surgery to reduce pain and swelling following the removal of the lymph nodes and or radiation treatments. Goals of manual lymphatic drainage are to resolve the accumulated fluid and increase comfort. This is accomplished by rerouting the lymph flow via tissue channels and limp vessels around the block to

Compression bandaging is used after therapy sessions and is accomplished by applying bandage materials to the area after each manual lymphatic drainage session. These bandaging techniques are used to prevent re-accumulation of lymph fluid (swelling) which has been moved out of the affected body part during the treatment session.

Lymphedema Therapy Brochure

“The treatment was very relaxing very comfortable. This was the most incredible fantastic thing I have ever done for my health. It has helped my lymphedema tremendously. It put me back to feeling like a normal person. This was the most positive getting healthy experience I have ever had. It was noninvasive painless and effective.” — patient testimonial

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the RMC Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic at The Tyler Center at: (256) 235-5688.