Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment Program

The Marianjoy Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment Program provides education, treatment and self-management training for patients who are affected by lymphedema or at risk of developing lymphedema due to disease.

There are many causes or reasons why a patient may require treatment for lymphedema. Some of these reasons may include:

Removal of lymph nodes due to cancer
Damage to the lymphatic system due to radiation
Chronic venous insufficiency
Trauma
Congenital lymphedema

Services

Marianjoy’s Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment program services include any of the following:

A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s history, lymphedema, and functional limitations
Education on lymphedema prevention and skin care
Education on home exercise, use of compression, and adaptive equipment
Manual lymphatic drainage to decrease the swelling
Compression bandaging
Family education and training to assist the patient in managing their condition

A typical patient will receive 3-5 outpatient therapy sessions per week for approximately 2-4 weeks.

Marianjoy is committed to excellence in care for patients affected by lymphedema. Therapists who treat in our outpatient program are certified in lymphedema treatment and by the Lymphology Association of America.

For more information about lymphedema, check these related links:

For more information

For the best choice in rehabilitation programs and services to address lymphedema, please call 630-909-6050 or e-mail Marianjoy’s Lymphedema Program Coordinator, Cindy Rechenmacher, PT, MS, Clt-LANA, OCS at crechenmacher@marianjoy.org.

Chicago Area Lymphedema Study Group

Marianjoy coordinates an email question resource for therapists who treat lymphedema and are interested in collaborating on patient care issues and further education in the area of lymphology. For information, contact Cindy Rechenmacher at 630-909-6050 or crechenmacher@marianjoy.org.