TREATMENT AT SWELLING SOLUTIONS LYMPHATIC HEALTH CENTER

As Massage Therapists the staff of Swelling Solutions are familiar with giving home exercise prescriptions. Unique to this clinic is that you will be taught and given a DIY drainage routine that not only includes self lymphatic drainage massage techniques but also lymphatic stimulating exercises.  Swelling Solutions staff unites the ideologies of both the Casely- Smith and Vodder methods of treatment to give you the right tools to manage your swelling.

CHRONIC EDEMA MANAGEMENT

The way we look at the anatomy and physiology of the body is changing. Lymphedema used to be considered separate from chronic edema. Lately, the terms are being used interchangeably. This is due to a new awareness regarding the lymphatic system and how it plays more of a role in body homeostasis ( a state of normal functioning or physiologic equilibrium)  than was previously thought. Regardless, the treatment is virtually the same for chronic edema and lymphedema. What changes is the method of treatment based on the individual needs of the person. 

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​WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SWELLING SOLUTIONS ON YOUR FIRST VISIT?

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1. A thorough history and physical evaluation including limb circumferential measurements​ and evaluation of circulation.

2. Risk assessment 

3. Knowledge assessment

4. Pain assessment

5. Mobility assessment

6. Range of motion assessment

7. Chronic edema education and compression option discussion

8. Client goal making

9. Treatment planning/ Self-Care

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The goal of Swelling Solutions is to enable all clients to become as self-sufficient with their edema care as soon as possible. Treatment planning involves taking into consideration the determinants of health and working out a plan that will suit the needs of the client.

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HOW MANY TREATMENTS?

The answer to this question is different for everyone. The reduction phase of treatment (also known as the intensive phase) can take up to 6 weeks and will depend on the ability, mobility and agility of the client as to how independent they can be. However, the maintenance phase that follows should see the individual able to manage their swelling condition proficiently on their own and Swelling Solutions is used as a resource.

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CHRONIC SINUS CONGESTION MANAGEMENT

Lymphatic drainage is indicated in chronic conditions of sinus irritation. It is clinic policy to consider any sinus infection a contraindication to having lymphatic drainage. Most sinus infections are viral in nature.  If however you have been taking antibiotics for a bacterial sinus infection for at least 7 days and improvement is felt, treatment may begin.
Chronic sinus congestion such as occurs with allergies responds well to lymphatic drainage massage treatments.

PAIN, ACUTE EDEMA AND SCAR MANAGEMENT

Lymphatic drainage massage can be helpful after:

• cosmetic surgery

• orthopedic surgery

• amputation

• sprain or strain

• complex regional pain syndrome

• axillary web syndrome (cording)

POST-CONCUSSION/ HEADACHE/MIGRAINES

Once thought not to have lymphatic connections, new discoveries of lymphatic drainage pathways from the brain to the neck region in the past 5 years are re-writing anatomy books. Lymphatic drainage massage has helped those with post-concussion symptoms

and chronic headaches and migraines since the time of Emil Vodder (founder of the Vodder MLD technique). We now have some more insight as to why.

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EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

Catharine Burt RN, BScN, RMT, CDT has many years experience designing courses and developing programs for massage therapy students, nurses and the public. She has had the pleasure of speaking at a local cancer support center as well as national conferences on the topic of lymphedema, exercise for lymphedema and compression options for lymphedema.

Proactive Measures Program

(Free interactve workshop)

At Swelling Solutions, Catharine has developed and holds a Proactive Measures program for cancer survivors who are at risk for lymphedema. The two hour sessions are held once a month on a Saturday. Registrants receive education on lymphedema, risk reduction strategies and learn how to monitor and measure their at-risk limb. Contact the clinic for further information.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES AUTHORIZATION

Individuals diagnosed with Lymphedema are eligible for funding through the MInistry of Health and Long Term Care's Assistive Devices Program (ADP).

The initial application, changes to garments and biannual re-application require a signature by an authorizer. An authorizer is available at Swelling Solutions. The process involves an assessment and measurement of your limb.  There is a fee for this assessment. Please bring your ADP form, signed by a doctor, to the clinic for your appointment.

Authorizers at Swelling Solutions:

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Catharine Burt RN, BScN, RMT, CDT

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Lydia Vasek RMT, RRPr, CDT

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Rachelle Wright BSc, RMT, CDT

HOME VISIT EDUCATION AND TREATMENT

The need for in-home therapy is recognized by Swelling Solutions in order to provide equal care to all our community members. Catharine Burt provides in-home visits for palliative care, long-term care residents and for those who cannot get to the clinic. These services are only offered in Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Jacobs and Elmira at the present time. It is Catharine's goal to see as many people as she can, but time is a limiting factor. Therefore, using the same principles of empowerment and independence, she encourages family participation as much as possible. Teaching self-MLD, self-lymphatic exercises and finding optimal compression in a timely manner is at the forefront of the in home visit.

A DOCTORS REFERRAL IS NEEDED FOR HOME VISITS. 

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OTHER SERVICES OFFERED

Manual Osteopathy, reiki and reflexology