75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 • 631.473.1320
| Lymphedema Treatment
Center |
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Welcome
to the Lymphedema Treatment Center at John T. Mather Memorial
Hospital
 What is Lymphedema?
All of us produce proteins in the tissues of our bodies.
Usually these proteins, along with excess cells and water,
are carried away by our circulatory or lymph systems.
If these systems are damaged, the proteins, cells and water
begin accumulating in the body's soft tissue, which results
in swelling. The swelling, usually in an extremity, is called
lymphedema.
Although, lymphedema is a chronic condition, with proper
care and treatment, it can be managed.
How can the Lymphedema Treatment Center help?
The Lymphedema Treatment Center at Mather Hospital uses a
specially designed program to help patients manage Lymphedema.
It's called Complete Decongestive Therapy, or (CDT). This
is a non-invasive treatment program consisting of four
parts.
Part One
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
This is a "hands on" manipulation of both the
body tissue with lymphedema and adjacent selected areas.
The therapist uses gentle pressure to empty and decompress
obstructed lymph vessels. Such therapy facilitates the unhindered
flow of the lymph fluid and allows the limb to return to
normal or near normal size.
 Part Two
Compression Bandaging
Once the MLD treatment is completed, the area is wrapped
with layers of compression bandages. This helps the affected
area maintain its reduced size.
Part three
Exercise
 With the bandages in place, the patient will exercise to
strengthen the muscles and improve lymph and circulatory
system function.
Active muscles enhance the process
of pumping proteins, cells and water away from areas affected
by lymphedema. The compression bandages provide support
to the muscle's "pump
system," prompting the absorption of excess lymphatic
fluid.
Part Four
Skin Care and Education
 Patients with lymphedema are at high risk for infection,
so proper skin care and nutrition are critical to success.
That's why the CDT treatment includes individualized education
sessions.
Patients become proficient in CDT techniques: MLS compression
bandaging, exercises and skin care to continue after completion
of treatment.
How long does treatment at the Lymphedema Treatment Center
take to complete?
Every patient is unique, so the specific course of treatment
of each patient varies. However, after an initial referral
to the Lymphedema Treatment Center, patients should expect
to be treated five days a week, for a period of two to six
weeks. The treatment used will be the CDT program described
in this brochure, and will include individualized instruction
in self-care.
Following an initial program of therapy, all patients will
be re-evaluated. A long-term course of treatment will be
decided upon in consultation with the physician. Depending
on the severity of the condition, lymphedema treatment will
continue at greater intervals for some, lesser intervals
for others. Remember that lymphedema is a chronic condition,
and must be managed for life.
Our Therapists
CDT treatment is provided by Mather Hospital's Department
of Physical Therapy. All therapists at the Lymphedema Treatment
Center are certified CDT therapists.
How can I get more information?
To learn more about lymphedema, or if you or a loved one
have been advised to seek treatment for lymphedema, speak
to your doctor or call The Lymphedema Treatment Center at
John T. Mather Memorial Hospital at 631-686-7648.
The Lymphedema Treatment Center is located across the hall
from the Physical Therapy Department at John T. Mather Memorial
Hospital.
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