Dear Physician, ,
When a patient presents with Lymphedema, where do you refer them for treatment. So many of our patients have come from Physicians like yourself who were not aware of the specialized form of decongestive manual lymphatic drainage/compression bandaging that is available for these patients. Our office has specialized in treating Lymphedema for over the last 15 years.
It is very important to you, the referring physician, that you are confident that your patient will receive the proper treatment necessary for their Lymphedema. Our physicians are Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a special interest in Lymphedema. Our treating therapists are all certified in the Vodder Technique, and are members of the governing body of the National Lymphatic Network.
Lymphedema is a condition for which there is no cure, at the present time. It occurs in patients, primarily women coping with breast cancer, healing from the lymph node dissection surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments associated with it.
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. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired
(Primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed (secondary).
When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity of the vessels, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size, but also reduces oxygen availability in the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in lymphangitis (infection).
The accumulation of the high protein lymphedmatous fluid causes chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the affected extremity, due to the large size of protein molecules not being able to be transported through the lymphatic circulatory system. This condition can be extremely debilitating at times if left untreated. Stage 4 level of Elephantiasis can occur in these extremities where the limb is left useless and susceptible to infection.
The signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decrease flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area or ring/watchband/bracelet tightness. If your patients notice persistent swelling, it is very important that you address these concerns immediately. Medical advice as with an early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis for the condition.
With the expertise of our Lymphedema Therapy Unit, support staff Physicians, Physical and Occupational therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants and other administrative personal we are now able to help those people in our community deal with this condition. Lymphedema is not a well known condition with limited access for treatment.
When seeking treatment please make sure the individual you have chosen is a certified lymphedema therapist. They should have received credentials from one of the schools or associations recognized by the National Lymphedema Network. For more information on treatment, to arrange for an inservice or for a free brochure please contact our office:
Westbury Total Health Care
516 333 3253 or Email WTHC1@aol.com
Sincerely
Dr. Kwan L Jakobsen, DO, FAAPMR
Dr. Gabriela Jano, DO, MD. FOABPMR
Ira S. Fisher D.C., C.C.S.P.
