Lymphedema Management

Lymphedema TreatmentGet lymphedema treatment close to home at Cone Health’s outpatient rehabilitation centers, affiliated with the National Lymphatic Network (NLN). You’ll receive care from physical and occupational therapists certified by NLN-recognized programs

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema, a chronic, progressive swelling, occurs when lymph fluid builds up in a part of your body. Common causes include cancer or cancer treatment, surgery, trauma and hereditary conditions.

Call our locations in Greensboro, Burlington or Reidsville for treatment of lymphedema caused by cancer or cancer treatment. For help with managing lymphedema caused by hereditary conditions, non-cancer-related surgery or trauma, turn to Cone Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers at Burlington or Reidsville.

Your Treatment Options

Benefit from treatment options and therapies tailored to your specific needs and goals. You’ll attend personalized therapy sessions, typically two to three times per week for two to eight weeks, and learn about managing lymphedema. Your treatment may include:

  • Manual lymph drainage – Helps move fluid out of swollen areas; approximately 30-minutes of gentle, relaxing massage, depending on the nature of your swelling
  • Compression bandaging – Also moves fluid out of affected limbs; learn to apply compression bandages on your own
  • Exercise – Use your muscles to help circulate lymphatic fluid and reduce swelling; work with a physical or occupational therapist to develop your individualized, graded exercise program, also including cardiovascular exercise, stretching and strengthening
  • Education – Learn about skin care and how to recognize and avoid skin infections
  • Self-management – Learn self-care techniques and get help with obtaining compression garments to keep swelling in check

Early Detection of Lymphedema Can Make All the Difference

Our Greensboro and Burlington cancer rehab locations both offer a preventative care method for early detection of lymphedema called a SOZO Digital Health Platform. The SOZO machine has the ability to detect an onset of lymphedema several months before swelling is visible. When caught early, there is a 92% chance to reverse the lymphedema swelling and return to baseline with therapy intervention.

Cone Health was the first hospital system in North Carolina to offer this type of early lymphedema detection for breast cancer patients. Since 1 in 5 breast cancer patients is impacted by lymphedema, this type of intervention improves post-cancer quality of life for many of our patients. 

After Breast Cancer Video

Watch our after breast cancer video to learn about lymphedema risk reduction and essential post-surgery exercises for a healthier recovery.

Ask for a Referral

You’ll need a physician’s referral for lymphedema management. For more information, talk to your doctor or call the location closest to you. (Note: Brassfield location only treats cancer related lymphedema)

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