CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center is now providing therapy for patients struggling with lymphedema -- a condition resulting from impaired flow of the lymphatic system.
According to Piedmont Cartersville, this condition can cause mild to severe swelling in one or more areas of a person's body. While it cannot be cured, it can be controlled. The treatment is called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and is provided by the medical center's team of certified lymphedema therapists. It involves intensive treatment followed by home management, according to a release.
Unless indicated otherwise, an average treatment session is 90 minutes, three days a week. The average course of treatment lasts four to eight weeks, a release said. The therapists use manual treatment techniques like bandaging and decongestive exercises. Patients and family members are also educated so they know how to manage their symptoms at home. Therapists also provide guidance and recommendations for garments to help patients maintain compliance with lymphedema management once they complete their treatment.
Piedmont Cartersville's Executive Director for Patient Services, Joe Wach, said he's proud that lymphedema therapy is now being offered.
"This addition is an example of our ongoing commitment to provide services needed in our community, close to home," Wach said. "The dedication of our rehabilitation team to develop the program and obtain the required certifications underscores their level of commitment to our patients."
According to the Lymphatic Education and Research Network, it's estimated that up to 10 million Americans, and hundreds of millions of people worldwide, suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic diseases. In general, the lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and the immune system.
Lymphedema, in particular, can occur when there are problems with lymph vessels or lymph nodes, a release said. This can affect any part of the body, from arms to faces. It can also involve swelling, which can limit the use of a limb, gradual thickening and hardening of the skin and increased risk of infections.
Risk factors can include:
- Cancer treatment that involved surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation
- Any surgery that cuts through major lymph vessels
- Family members with a history of swelling
- Long-standing problems with veins
- Injuries resulting in long-lasting swelling
- Repeated skin infections
- Lengthy residence in a tropical region
- Obesity
Warning signs can include clothing and jewelry feeling tight, clothing leaving indentations, and at-risk limbs feeling achy, tight, full, tired, heavy or warm, the health care system said. If experiencing any of these signs, stop doing the activity that brought it on, loosen anything that feels tight, rest and elevate your limb on pillows or other soft surfaces and contact your doctor for a referral to the Lymphedema Program for evaluation.
The Lymphedema Therapy Program at Piedmont Cartersville is inside the Advanced Wound Healing Center at Piedmont Physicians Center at 970 Joe Frank Harris Parkway, Suite 240.
If you have any signs or symptoms of lymphedema, ask your physician for a referral to Piedmont Cartersville's Lymphedema Therapy Program. For more information, call 470-490-1900.