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Rehabilitation services: Lymphedema

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Lymphedema and edema management

Lymphedema diagnosis

An examination by a doctor is necessary to correctly diagnose lymphedema.

For an appointment with a lymphedema specialist, call Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute's central scheduling line at 612-262-7900.

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Lymphedema

Lymphedema means swelling of the lymph passages. Lymphatic obstruction is a blockage of the lymph nodes -- vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed.

Learn more about lymphatic obstruction in our health library.

Treatment goals

The goals of your treatment program are to:

  • keep your arm or leg from swelling
  • increase the amount of fluid your remaining lymph vessels can handle to decrease the load of swelling in affected areas
  • establish new pathways for the lymph fluid to travel through
  • decrease scar tissue
  • avoid the return of lymph fluid in your arm or leg
  • reduce infections
  • improve the strength, range of motion and use of your arm or leg.

Lymphedema and edema management locations

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers lymphedema and edema management services at many Allina Health clinics, hospitals and Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center locations.

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Source: Allina Health Patient Education, The Lymphedema Treatment Program at Sister Kenny® Rehabilitation Institute, pt-ahc-21175 (6/09)
Reviewed by: Allina Health Patient Education experts, including Nancy Hutchison, MD, CLT-LANA, medical director, Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Virginia Piper Cancer Institute
First Published: 06/01/2009
Last Reviewed: 06/01/2009