Lymphedema Therapy

Did you know? Decatur County Hospital offers many specialty services, so you can get quality care and avoid travel to another facility. These include specialty therapy services. In addition to physical and occupational therapy services, Decatur County Hospital offers lymphedema therapy to patients who need it. This condition can severely affect those that live with it, so it is important for our community to know that you can take advantage of this service close to home.

Lymphedema is general swelling of the legs or arms due to a protein rich fluid accumulating in an extremity or body part. This condition is often associated with removal of or dysfunction of the lymph nodes. It is most commonly seen following surgery, cancer, radiation, infection, chronic venous insufficiency, and trauma. However, some individuals can be born with it.

With physician guidance, lymphedema can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care of the affected limb. Our Rehabilitation Director, Melissa Smith, P.T.A, is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and performs all our lymphedema care.

Lymphedema therapy consists of manual lymph drainage through targeted massage, compression bandaging of the affect area, exercise, and fitting the patient with appropriate compression garments for long term management.

Beginning this month we are now offering extended hours for our rehab services. If you could benefit from an appointment outside of regular business hours, call us at 641-446-2219 to learn more.