lymphedema and cancer care
Cancer affects 1 in 3 people worldwide during their lifetime.
For every 100 people that have lymph nodes removed, 15-25% of people struggle with swelling in the affected area from an accumulation of protein-rich fluid, which is also referred to as “lymphedema.”
For those who are struggling with lymphedema not associated with cancer treatment, around 80% of cases are due to peripheral vascular disease. Lymphedema affects 1 in 1000 Americans.
what can i help with?
Did you know that in addition to being a pelvic floor physical therapist that I am also a Certified Lymphedema Physical Therapist? I have extensive experience working with clients with cancer and various conditions causing swelling. Here are some of the different things that we can work on together during our treatment sessions:
Swelling or feelings of heaviness or tightness throughout or in different areas of the body
Axillary web syndrome (dense tissue that develops in the armpit during or following radiation treatment that resembles a spider web or guitar strings and can cause pain and difficulty moving the affected arm)
Pain from scar tissue following cancer surgery or radiation treatment
Limited movement (range of motion), strength, or ability to participate in different activities as a result of cancer treatment, swelling, or lymphedema
Any pelvic floor symptoms while undergoing or following cancer treatment
See more here for a comprehensive list of issues relating to cancer treatment, swelling, and lymphedema treatment that are treated at Flora.
what will we do?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your swelling, pain, or other issues that may be having going on as a result of cancer treatment? Or maybe you are struggling with swelling or skin changes as a result of a vascular condition or from surgery. I would love to work with you!
It is important to me to provide a holistic approach to my clients that I work with who are struggling with various issues relating to cancer treatment, swelling, and lymphedema. Working with a lymphedema and cancer physical therapist means that we have a lot of things we can work on together to help you reach your goals and feel better.
Here are some of the things that I do while working with my clients:
Determine your baseline functioning of your pelvic floor and treatment to address any ongoing dysfunction prior to cancer-related surgery and treatment
Provide preventative education to help prevent pelvic floor issues as a result of cancer treatment
Become educated about the functioning of your lymphatic system and how it can become impacted during cancer treatment or in response to various vascular and arterial conditions
Become educated about the functioning of the pelvic floor musculature and how it can impact bladder, bowel, and sexual functioning as a result of cancer treatment
Establish care with a knowledgeable provider to help create your team for during and after cancer treatment
Provide recommendations to prevent long-term issues relating to cancer treatment, surgery, and various medical conditions such as how to perform manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and which compression garments are best for you and your situation
Want to learn a little more about how to help manage lymphedema? Check out my blog post:
what clients are saying about flora
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dr. orvis helped me after i had a complex orthopedic surgery with edema. she taught me manual lymphatic drainage techniques and helped me figure out what kind of compression to get. she met my frustration and pain with kindness and empathy.
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i received a lymphatic drainage massage and it was absolutely wonderful...dr. brook was very personable and created a space where i felt comfortable and at ease throughout the entire session...I definitely recommend checking her out if you're dealing with swelling or inflammation or simply want to relax!