Valley Hospital has been offering lymphedema treatment since 1997. Specially trained and certified therapists evaluate patients by measuring the circumference of the limb and assessing range of motion, strength, tissue texture, and function. Treatment may include Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, a specialized massage technique that stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid back to the lymphatic system, and compression wrapping.
For more information on this program, please call 201-447-8131 or e-mail us at webinfo@valleyhealth.com.
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body. It is due to impaired flow through the lymph vessels, which return water and proteins (lymph) from various tissues back to the bloodstream.
Primary lymphedema can be present at birth (congenital) or develop after puberty. It may run in some families and may be associated with other inherited conditions. Secondary lymphedema occurs after damage to or obstruction of the lymph vessels. This may result from surgery, infection or trauma..
Below are some web sites that provide information on this condition:
National Lymphedema Network
www.lymphnet.org
Lymphology Association of North America
www.clt-lana.org
Lymphatic Research Foundation
www.lymphaticresearch.org
Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation, Inc.
www.lymphedemacircleofhope.org
Lymphedema Awareness Foundation
www.elymphnotes.org
American Society of Lymphology
www.lymphology.org
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