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Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Baylor Medical Center at Irving

 
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Lymphedema Program 

Persons with lymphedema often find their quality of life is compromised due to the embarrassment of disfigurement, discomfort, limited physical functioning, the loss of ability to work or engage in social activities, and constant medical care and expenses.  The Baylor Rehabilitation System Lymphedema Program can provide these patients with effective, non-invasive treatment to return the lymphedematous limb to normal or near-normal size and teach the patient self-maintenance techniques.

Lymphedema can occur with no apparent cause or may be the result of many factors including:

  • Surgery and / or radiation therapy
  • Surgery and post-operative infection
  • Infections (insect bites, athlete's foot, etc.)
  • Tight clothing or jewelry
  • Inactivity / sedentary lifestyle
  • Dependent limb position
  • Recurrent tumor
  • Heavy breast prosthesis
  • Injury to remaining lymphatics

Treatment

The Lymphedema Program provides Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) treatment.  Patients receive one treatment per day, five days a week for an average of four weeks.  This method of treatment is a four step process.

Hygiene and Topical Skin Products - Focus on eliminating bacterial and fungal growth through meticulous hygiene and prevention of infection through frequent use of skin lotions.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - Specific manual movements along lymphatic pathways are given once a day to empty and decompress obstructed lymph vessels.

Bandaging and Compression - After MLD, minimally elastic bandages are placed on the affected limb to prevent refilling with stagnant lymph and compensate for the diminished tissue pressure.

Remedial Exercises and Elevation - Patients are given exercises to perform while bandaged to activate each muscle group and joint of the swollen limb.  This movement will increase lymph flow and in time dilatation of the lymph vessels.  Patients are also advised to sleep with the affected limb elevated.

Home Care and Follow Up

Patient and family are given instruction on MLD, nutrition, weight control, skin care, and infection prevention.  The patient is measured for a custom-made lightweight sleeve or stocking and advised to follow-up after six months.

Admission to the Lymphedema Program.

Appointments and Referrals

Appointments are made by calling 972.579.8155.  For referral, you will need a prescription signed by your physician.

Address and hours:

Baylor Medical Center at Irving
Physical Medicine Department
1901 North MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, Texas 75061
Phone: 972.579.8155
Fax: 972.579.4398

Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Patients are seen by appointment.