Upland Hills Health offers new therapy to minimize painful chronic swelling

Many people suffer with painful and unsightly swelling of an arm, leg or other body areas when lymph nodes are impaired or removed. The lymph fluid doesn’t flow and tissue becomes swollen and sometimes hard. Termed lymphedema, this painful condition increases the chance of infections and limits a person’s range of motion and even life style.

Lymphedema can develop at any time, months or years after surgery, injury or radiation. Often it’s triggered by a new injury or trauma to the extremity.

Amy Hofkes, Occupational Therapist at Upland Hills Health, explains how lymphedema patients should properly wear and use a compression bandages.

While there is no cure for lymphedema there is very effective treatment. Amy Hofkes, an Occupational Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist at Upland Hills Health’s Therapy Center, has seen dramatic results for many patients. “The key to managing this condition is early intervention and therapy,” states Hofkes. Unfortunately some don’t learn of Lymphedema therapy until they are at a point of great discomfort and suffering. “Even then” Hofkes shares, “therapy can have a wonderful positive impact.”

Hofkes completed an in-depth training program with 80+ hours of education as well as rigorous testing to receive certification. Lymphedema therapy is unique to few healthcare organizations in Southwest Wisconsin and Hofkes is proud to offer this beneficial service to area residents. The program involves specialized gentle massage to reroute and remove excess fluid, an exercise program for patients to do at home, and compression bandages. In addition patients are educated on skin care to avoid triggers that exacerbate the condition—such as bug bites, sunburn, and cuts.

Amy Hofkes, Occupational Therapist at Upland Hills Health demonstrates massage & exercise techniques of lymphedema therapy.

Education is a big part of the program. Hofkes explained, “What may be a nuisance to most folks can be very problematic to lymphedema patients. For example, even the cabin pressure change when flying can trigger a swelling reaction.”

For more information on lymphedema and Upland Hills Health’s Lymphedema Therapy Program call 930-7147.