Lymphedema Management
Our Lymphedema Management Program offers comprehensive treatment for patients to control chronic swelling.
Following a thorough assessment, a treatment plan will be developed based on the patient’s individual needs and medical history. The gold standard for treatment of lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). This is the least invasive and most beneficial form of treatment which consists of the components listed below.
For more information on Lymphedema, please refer to the
National Lymphedema Network website, or download our information sheet.
Getting Started
– Patients need a referral from their medical provider
– Then a patient will have an evaluation visit.
– Following evaluation, a plan of care is sent to the patient’s medical
provider for their signature.
Treatment Sessions
– Wear loose fitting clothing to accommodate compression bandages
– Treatment Phase: Usually 3 to 5 days per week for 2 to 4 weeks based on
patient’s progress
– Maintenance Phase: A follow up appointment is set after 6 months to
re-evaluate the patient’s condition and make further recommendations.
Treatment Components
Manual Lymph Drainage
A gentle massage used to open lymph channels and promote movement of fluid to decongest the affected limb or area
Compression Bandaging
Following manual lymph drainage, low elastic compression bandages are applied to prevent the re-accumulation of fluid between sessions.
Therapeutic Exercise Instruction
These are simple exercises that are performed to allow muscle contractions to assist in pumping fluid out of the affected area. For best results, exercises are completed while in the compression bandages.
Skin care
Due to the increased risk of infection with lymphedema, skin care is imperative to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
Patient Education
Patients are educated in every aspect of care as they continue the program at home after optimal swelling reduction has been achieved.
Compression Garment Fitting
When swelling reduction has reached its optimal level, the patient will be custom fitted for compression garments. These garments are to be worn daily to prevent a re-accumulation of fluid.
Location
Snoqualmie Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic
9801 Frontier Avenue SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
t (425) 831-2376 f (425) 831-3071
Hours: By Appointment
Directions
Fauzia Karmali
RPT, CMPT, CLT
Registered Physical Therapist
Certified Manual Physical Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Fauzia Karmali graduated from McGill University in Canada in 1996 with a BSC in Physical Therapy. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and a certified manual physical therapist. She specializes in core stabilization and re-training post injury, neck, thoracic and lumbar spine stabilization, muscle energy techniques, soft and deep tissue release, pre and post-partum education and health, sports specific training, post-op joint replacement rehab, ergonomic training for back to work and lymphedema therapy.