What type of therapist for LE- Physical or Occupational?

Polkadot1
Polkadot1 Member Posts: 60
edited August 2019 in Lymphedema

My breast surgeon gave me a referral for therapy for Lymphedema assessment. It is for two appointments, one with a PT and one with an OT. Can anyone tell me which is the appropriate therapist to use or why I have to see both? I am only 5 weeks out of lumpectomy so may not even be lymphedema, just trying to be proactive with the swelling and numbness.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited August 2019

    A LE therapist should be certified in LE treatment. PT may be ok. I’d ask to be sure.

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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited August 2019

    I have a PT who is certified in lymphademia but she is also certified in myofascial release by the barnes method. She has helped with Chording, range of motion, trunkal lymphodemia and circulation in both my hands and feet

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2019

    Polkadot, After my lumpectomy, I was sent to a specialist for lymphedema education, and where I had my arm measured as a baseline measurement. I was not told to go to a PT or OT and I don't have lymphedema. Was your swelling and numbness considered lymphedema?

    exercise_guru, What's "certified in myofascial release by the barnes method?" I looked it up and find it difficult to understand. I'm unsure about "chording" too.

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  • Polkadot1
    Polkadot1 Member Posts: 60
    edited August 2019

    Thank you for your responses. I am seeing the PT today so I guess I will see what they say and I will check her credentials. I have not been diagnosed with lymphedema so am just going for an assessment at this point.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited August 2019

    Polkadot: My RO at MD Anderson sent me to both a LE trained PT and an LE trained OT.

    You can get some good information at this site, compiled with lots of input from our BCO sisters.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited August 2019

    I'm not sure it matters PT vs OT as long as they are well trained. My LE person is an OT.

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  • OTMom
    OTMom Member Posts: 121
    edited August 2019

    Yes, this is a place where there is overlap between PT and OT and the LE training and certification is what matters most. Both should have the skills to address it appropriately.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited August 2019

    Sorry PolkaDot - the site didn't post before. Do take a look.

    https://stepup-speakout.org/


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  • Polkadot1
    Polkadot1 Member Posts: 60
    edited August 2019

    MinusTwo- thanks so much. That is a very helpful site with tons of information.

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  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 616
    edited August 2019

    I now have lymphedema in my left arm .. the cancer side..6 yrs post diagnosis and surgery. My oncologist referred me to a lymphedema therapist. But my first appointment was several weeks away. Miserable and looking like the Michelin Man, I decided to try lymphatic drainage massage. OMG! I am still swollen some, but the improvement after two sessions is amazing! My hand is back to normal, I can see my elbow. I can bend my elbow! I have another session tomorrow. I will continue seeing this massage therapist even after starting physical therapy. He is nothing short of a godsend! I highly recommend adding manual lymphatic drainage massage, if you can, to your arsenal! If you are in the Austin/Round Rock area, PM me and I'll turn you on to my massage therapist. So relaxing and quick results!

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