Lymphedema Rehab Opens in Concord

A licensed physical therapist has opened a clinic in Concord devoted exclusively to treating patients with edema or lymphedema, a disruption to the lymphatic system that can create swollen limbs that often make it hard to perform daily tasks.

Megan McLean, the founder of Lymphedema Rehab, says there are only a handful of certified lymphedema therapists in the state, and most work in nursing homes or hospitals. “My hope is that people in the community will see that lymphedema can be managed effectively and that it doesn’t have to affect their day-to-day life,” says McLean, who opened the practice in March.

She says any physical therapist can provide treatment, but certified lymphedema therapists have at least 135 hours of intensive education and practice beyond the standard licensing requirements. McLean says the majority of lymphedema is the result of lymph node removal following breast cancer surgery but can also be a result of any type of  surgery or injury that disrupts the lymphatic system. “Patients with lymphedema often feel like they have a heavy, swollen limb and historically, have been told that it’s just something they have to live with,” McLean says. “Lymphedema can be treated, and while it cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed.”

According to McLean, the “gold standard” for the treatment of lymphedema consists of three parts. The first is a manual technique, called manual lymphatic drainage, which is a gentle massage to decongest the lymphatic system and encourage the flow of fluid—the way it would naturally flow in the body. The next step is wrapping the limb with special compressive bandages to further decongest the area and decrease the edema.

After the excess fluid is out of the area, the patient is often fitted for a compression garment, such as a sleeve or wrap, that provides gradient compression to maintain the fluid loss and allow the patient to get back to normal function.

McLean says lymphedema therapy is covered through most insurance plans under a physical therapy benefit, and anyone with swollen limbs can benefit, including those with orthopedic traumas/surgeries, wounds, arthritis, dependent edema, or pregnancy-related edema. “In addition, anyone who has had surgery for cancer but has not developed lymphedema can benefit from therapy for risk reduction strategies.” For more information, visit lymphedemarehab.com.