The Department of Rehabilitation at UConn Health offers services for patients with lymphedema or patients at risk for developing lymphedema. These services include collaboration with the Carole and Ray Neag Cancer Center for pre-op visits as well as services for patients with lymphedema resulting from cancer, surgery, vascular, and a variety of other origins. Our therapists are certified in Lymphedema management and are represented in each of our disciplines; physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. We provide comprehensive assessment and treatment of extremity, trunk, and head and neck lymphedema.
Pre-operative Education
Early detection and management of lymphedema is important in minimizing the effects of lymphedema on your lifestyle. The objective of this visit is to provide patients who will be undergoing breast surgery or groin surgery as part of their cancer treatment, education on lymphedema, risk reduction and exercises to complete after surgery. Our therapists will take pre-operative measurements as a baseline for the patient record and recommend any compression garments that may be beneficial.
Goals of the Lymphedema Program
- Reduce edema in affected area via manual lymph drainage (light massage) and compression
- Educate patients and caregivers on home program and skin care
- Educate patients and caregivers on infection risk reduction
- Fit and assist in ordering appropriate compression garments