Therapists Dedicated to Meeting Your Specific Needs

Physical therapists work with patients who are experiencing difficulty functioning because of an injury, disease, surgery or congenital problems. They use some of the latest techniques and equipment to provide patients with services such as:

• Evaluation and treatment of physical dysfunctions
• Wound care treatments
• Strength and flexibility training
• Mobility training
• Balance/coordination training
• Pain management
• Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation and mechanical traction
• Evaluation and training for work performance skills

Physical therapists treat patients recovering from:

• Strokes 
• Head injuries 
• Amputation 
• Cancer 
• Arthritis 
• Neuromuscular disorders 
• Orthopedic/sport injuries of the lower extremities 
• Burns/open wounds 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Total joint replacements 
• Back injuries/surgeries 
• Neck injuries/surgeries 
• Lymphedema

• Hand therapy and splinting 
• Adaptive equipment training and recommendations 
• Activities of daily living training (self care, work and leisure tasks) 
• Comprehensive evaluation of home and job environments 
• Customized treatment/training programs 
• Instructing caregivers in methods of caring for individuals
• Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, fluidotherapy and mechanical traction
• Evaluation and training for work performance skills

Occupational therapists and assistants treat patients recovering from:

• Strokes 
• Head injuries 
• Cancer 
• Heart attack 
• Developmental disabilities 
• Arthritis 
• Neuromuscular disorders 
• Cumulative trauma disorders (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) 
• Orthopedic/sports injuries of the arms/hands 
• Burns/open wounds 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Amputations 
• Total joint replacements 
• Lymphedema

Speech/language pathologists focus on effective communication and swallowing skills for patients. Speech/language pathologists provide patients with:

• Swallow studies 
• Hearing tests 
• Speech/language evaluations and treatment 
• Voice training 
• Cognitive retraining 
• Stroboscopy

The Lymphedema Program offers manual lymph drainage in a comprehensive program for patients with compromised lymphatic systems. Therapists trained in manual lymph drainage work to provide a comprehensive management program and client education. (See below for more information.)

After lymph node surgery, some patients may experience tightness, heaviness or tingling in their limbs.  That's because lymph node removal may leave a limb "at risk" for swelling.

Signs or Symptoms of Lymphedema

• Swelling of a limb or body part, usually arm, hand, legs, and/or feet
• Sensations of heaviness, tightness or numbness 
• Skin feeling tight 
• Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle

What is the treatment for Lymphedema?
One treatment for Lymphedema is decongestive lymphatic therapy.  It is comprised of several elements:

• Skin care 
• Manual lymph drainage 
• Bandaging and garments 
• Specific exercises 
• Self-care instructions

Licensed therapists at Good Samaritan Medical Center provide decongestive lymphatic therapy through the Lymphedema program.

What is the Lymphedema Program?
The Lymphedema program is a comprehensive lymphatic therapy program administered by specially trained therapists. A patient interested in receiving treatment for their swelling is evaluated by a physical or occupational therapist, and based upon history and condition, scheduled for the individualized phase of lymphatic therapy.

What is manual lymph drainage?
Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a specialized therapy designed to increase the natural flow of fluid in the body. The MLD technique is non-invasive, relaxing and may boost the immune and lymphatic systems.

Manual lymph drainage can be an important part of therapy in treating different kinds of lymphostatic edema including:

• Fluid retention caused by surgery or trauma 
• Scar treatment 
• Post cosmetic surgery

Outpatient services at the center are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information about this program or any of the other services mentioned, please call the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services department at (561) 650-6269.