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NEW HORIZONS PHYSICAL THERAPY
11622 El Camino Real, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92130
Phone | 858.764.2409
Fax | 858.764.2410
Email | info@newhorizonspt.com

Lymphedema Services
Tammy E. Mondry, DPT, MSRS, CLT-LANA
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences
LANA Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist
Phone | 858.764.2409 ext. 1057
Email | tammy@newhorizonspt.com

What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the tissue which can result in swelling of any body part or region.

What are the signs and symptoms of Lymphedema?
Signs and symptoms that are indicative of Lymphedema include:

• feeling of heaviness or tightness of the limb
• aching or discomfort of the limb
• restricted range of motion of the limb
• swelling of a portion of or the entire limb, including fingers or toes
• hardening or thickening of the skin of the limb
• recurring skin infections or rashes of the limb

Why is it important to treat Lymphedema?
Because Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid, this stagnant fluid increases the risk of developing an infection. The most common type of infection with Lymphedema is Celluitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the cellular or connective tissue in or close to the skin. Cellulitis, if not diagnosed and treated promtply, can be life-threatening. In addition, skin and nail infections are more likely to occur as the degree of Lymphedema progresses and worsens.

When should Lymphedema be treated?
Once identified, Lymphedema should be treated as soon as possible. Research has shown that early intervention can significantly reduce the limb girth and volume, thereby improving the cosmetic apprearance of the limb by up to 60-80%. With prompt intervention, physical function of the involved limb can be restored, and the commonly experienced sensation of heaviness, pain and paresthesias can be effectively reduced or eliminated. In addition, research has also shown that early treatment intervention results in a shorter treatment duration.

What's the most accurate way to identify Lymphedema?
The use of a Perometer®, a computerized infrared optoelectonic volumetry analysis device, has been shown to be one of the most accurrate methods of assessing the presence of Lymphedema. In addition to being accurate, it is very quick and efficient for both assessment and reassessment of limb girth and volume. New Horizons Physical Therapy is the only Lymphedema treatment facility in San Diego County that utilizes this device.

Does certification as a Lymphedema Therapist matter?
The Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) has identified the minimal level of academic training and clinical experience required to be a LANA Board Certified Lymphedema Therapist. The professional designation of "CLT-LANA" indicates that a therapist is Board Certified and has achieved the highest standards for academic training and clinical experience in treating Lymphedema. Tammy E. Mondry, DPT, MSRS, CLT-LANA has achieved this level of professional credentialing, and has been LANA Board Certified since 2000, when such certification first became available.

What is the recommended treatment plan for Lymphedema?
Ideally, the gold standard of care for Lymphedema includes daily treatments comprising of all four components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Any deviations from the recommeded daily treatment frequency or the absence of one or more of the CDT components or the use of inappropriate bandaging materials and supplies can lead to a less than optimal outcome.

At New Horizons Physical Therapy, we consistently employ all four components of CDT and require partiticants in our treatment program to attend therapy on a daily basis (five days per week). In addition, we use the best brands for our bandaging materials and compression garments.

What if I just need new compression bandages or garments?
As a licensed retailer, we sell all supplies needed for independent management of your Lymphedema. You can obtain new compression bandages, bandaging materials, and even off-the-shelf or custom compression garments directly from us. In fact, our use of the Perometer® allows us to perfectly measure you for your next set of custom compression garments. In addition, we offer vinyl shower covers to protect your bandaging from getting wet while showering.

Can I exercise with Lymphedema?
Yes! The previous concensus among "experts" in the medical community believed that exercise would aggravate or exacerbate lymphedema. However, there is great news! A recent article published in The New England Journal of Medicine has proven that exercise is not only safe for patients with lymphedema, but exercise is also significantly beneficial in reducing the incidence of exacerbation. In fact, if an exacerbation were to occur, exercise was shown to reduce the symptoms associated with that exacerbation. In addition to this groundbreaking article, more and more clinical research is being published worldwide confirming the benefit of exercise for lymphedema and cancer patients in general.