Lymphedema and Complete Decongestive Therapy

What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema, also known as lymphatic
obstruction, is a condition of localized fluid
retention and tissue swelling caused by a
compromised lymphatic system.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The main symptom is persistent or chronic
swelling of the arm or leg. The symptoms of
lymphedema may develop at any age
Payment Options
Medicare
Private Medicare Plans including
Priority Medicare, Medicare Plus Blue
Private Insurances
Workmen’s Comp
Lymphedema and
Complete
Decongestive
Therapy
WHAT CAUSES LYMPHEDEMA?
Primary lymphedema may be due to
heredity or unknown causes. Secondary
lymphyedema is a result of surgery, cancer,
radiation, chemotherapy, infection, obesity,
chronic venous insufficiency or trauma.
CAN LYMPHEDEMA BE CURED?
While there is no cure for lymphedema,
treatment can be provided to significantly
reduce the symptoms and decrease the risk
for further complications.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
There are 1.36 million cases of
Lymph-edema in the Medicare population
in the United States, according to
Robert Weiss MS.
CALL 616-235-5113 today for more
information to see if you or a loved one are
appropriate for treatment with Complete
Decongestive Therapy
HomeCare of Holland Home
2100 Raybrook St. SE
Suite 303
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616-235-5113
www.homecareofhollandhome.org
We are proud to be a part of
Holland Home, provider of services
to seniors in the greater
Grand Rapids area for over a century.
9/13
Specialized decongestive
therapy...in the home
Treatment
Testimonials:
HomeCare of Holland Home’s therapists are
trained in Complete Decongestive Therapy
(CDT)-a successful, gentle, non-invasive
treatment for chronic edema. CDT is mostly
used to treat lymphedema; the techniques can
also be used with post-traumatic and postsurgical edema and chronic venous insufficiency.
From our clients:
“I feel so much better, I never could have
gotten out for the treatment.”
HomeCare of Holland Home
has two Certified Lymphedema
Therapists
“The staff were knowledgeable, explained
the process well, in all respects professional.
The results were amazing and gratifying.”
Karen Reusch, PT CLT
compression therapy – includes application
of multilayer bandages to prevent
re-accumulation of fluid. Compression
garments are worn in later phases
Karen has over 20 years experience
as a physical therapist. A graduate
of GVSU, she has provided a wide
range of therapy at Holland Home
for over 15 years. She attended
the Norton School of Lymphedema
and has earned her certification as
a lymphedema therapist. Karen is
passionate about progressing function
and independence through education
and management of lymphedema.
exercise therapy – increases muscle and joint
activity and reduces swelling
Sandy Reatini, PTA CLT
CDT techniques include: manual lymphatic
drainage (MLD) therapy – a massage
technique that drains excess fluid from the
affected tissues
skin and nail care – provides education for
preventing serious infections
The goals of treatment include:
• managing the edema symptoms
• improving functional abilities
• facilitating independence
• encouraging personal responsibility to
maintain progress
• maximizing client quality of life
• decreasing pain
• improving skin integrity
Call 616-235-5113
for more information
From a client’s physician:
“The results were impressive. The treatments
made tremendous improvements. Karen did
a great job with my patient.”
HomeCare of Holland Home can also
provide many other services to ensure a
successful recovery:
Skilled nursing for medical complications,
disease management/teaching, medication
education and wound care
Social work for long range planning,
community resources, and assistance
Occupational Therapy for progression of
self care skills including bathing, dressing,
meal prep and arm strengthening
Certified Home Health Aides to assist with
showering and other in-home tasks
Sandy is a graduate of Baker College
and received her lymphedema training
and certification through Klose Training
and Consulting. She has five years
experience in CDT. She has helped
patients manage their edema using
CDT in a variety of settings including
outpatient, inpatient, rehabilitation
and hospice. Sandy is excited to
bring her knowledge/skills into the
home and provide lymphedema
management to the homebound
individual.
www.homecareofhollandhome.org