Lymphedema Care
When lymph nodes are dissected (removed) from the axilla (armpit), there is an increased risk for a particular kind of arm and/or trunk swelling called lymphedema. This condition can be medically serious and should not go without treatment. However, it is a treatable, preventable, and manageable condition which benefits from specialized physical therapy treatments known as Complete Decongestive Therapy.
The Survivor PT
Dr. Jasia is a trained and Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. She has many years of oncology experienced and began her career in the Outpatient Rehab Department of MD Anderson Cancer Center. During her time there, she founded and developed the Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Program, helping women with breast, GI, and pelvic organ cancers.
As a licensed Physical Therapist and Breast Cancer Survivor, Dr. Jasia is able to uniquely combine the knowledge and skills of her specialized training in Cancer Rehab, Women's Health/Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, and Complete Decongestive Therapy with her personal experience as a patient, survivor, and thriver.
Complete Decongestive Therapy
The Gold Standard Treatment of Lymphedema Treatment
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Lymphedema Education - prevention, treatment, management
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage - specialized massage to mobilize stagnant lymphatic fluid
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Gradient Compression Wrapping - specific bandaging techniques applied to the arm and hand using medical-grade short stretch bandaging and padding to remove the fluid and decrease size of the arm and/or trunk.
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Lymphedema Exercises - a specialized program which encourages lymphatic flow, joint mobility, strength, and flexibility
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Sleeve Measurements - after the arm has reduced in size, a compression garment will be recommended. Your PT will measure your arm and assist you in obtaining the most appropriate garment(s) for your management needs.
Your Treatment Program
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2 Hour Initial Evaluation
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Lymphedema Education​
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Initial Measurements
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IASTM Fibrosis Treatment (as needed)
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage
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Therapeutic Tape Application
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Gradient Compression Wrapping Discussion and Application (if available)
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Materials are not included in cost of your evaluation due to variety of options to choose from in terms of the best kind of compression for you. This will be discussed and decided upon together at your session unless you already own compression/wrapping materials, which you are welcome to bring! We will use them!
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Home Program Instruction
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Weekly 90 minute Follow Up Visits
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Unwrapping​ the limb
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New measurements
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Skincare
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IASTM Fibrosis Treatment (as needed)
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage
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Therapeutic Tape Application
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Gradient Compression Wrapping​
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At the end of your program, final measurements will be taken and lymphedema management products will be recommended:
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Compression Sleeve/Garment​
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Lymphedema Pump System
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There are local companies around Houston who can assist you in fitting, receiving, and billing insurance for these medical-grade devices. We will help establish these referrals for you and continue assisting you in any way we can (sending documents to insurance, etc).
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