Aurora Health Care©

Lymphedema Therapy Program

Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part, most often an arm or leg, resulting from the accumulation of fluid when lymph nodes and vessels are blocked, removed or damaged. It is triggered by the removal or radiation of lymph vessels or nodes and may occur following surgery or treatment of breast, cervical, prostate, uterine or colon cancer, as well as post injury or other surgical procedures.

Both men and women are at risk. The condition may occur following a recent medical condition or procedure, or many years later.

Lymphedema causes tissues to become swollen, thick and painful, and increases the risk for infection leading to more complicated medical conditions. With proper evaluation and intervention, lymphedema therapy can allow a person to lead a positive and productive life.

Experienced staff

Aurora Rehabilitation Center employs therapists trained by the Leduc Method of Lymphedema Management, which promotes high standards of education and research.

Individualized treatment

To determine the proper individualized course of treatment for our clients, we conduct a thorough evaluation which includes the following:

  • Patient medical history
  • Assess previous scars
  • Strength testing
  • Range of motion testing
  • Pain level assessment
  • Sensation level assessment of affected area
  • Circumferential measurement of affected area
  • Skin integrity assessment (color, texture, firmness, temperature and moisture)
  • Functional mobility assessment (ability to walk, stand up, etc.)
  • Assessment of daily activities impaired (ability to self-care, home management, etc.)

Comprehensive care

Lymphedema therapy starts with evaluation to determine the proper and individualized course of treatment. Treatment includes:

  • Manual lymph drainage – A gentle massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to decrease the swelling
  • Medical compression bandaging – Facilitates lymph flow and assists in maintaining positive effects of the manual lymph drainage between treatments
  • Sequential pumping – Used as needed to assist in lymph drainage in combination with manual lymph drainage and medical compression bandaging
  • Client education – In areas of skin care, self massage, exercise and precautions to assist in making positive lifestyle choices
  • Exercise program – A personalized exercise program to assist in improving range of motion, strength and ability to perform every day activities

Locations that offer this service

Fond du Lac County

Aurora Health Center
210 Wisconsin American Drive
Hwy. 23 East
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 907-7000

Milwaukee County

Aurora Rehabilitation Center
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
Physician Office Building, Suite 160
2901 W. Kinnickinnic River Pkwy.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
(414) 649-7946

Aurora Rehabilitation Center
Aurora West Allis Medical Center
8901 W. Lincoln Ave.
West Allis, WI 53227
(414) 328-6640

Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Program
Aurora West Allis Medical Center
8901 W. Lincoln Avenue
West Allis, WI 53227
(414) 328-6640

Ozaukee County

Aurora Rehabilitation Center/Aurora Sports Medicine Institute
Aurora Medical Center – Grafton
975 N. Port Washington Road
Grafton, WI 53024
(262) 329-2700

Racine County

Aurora Wellness Center Burlington
300 McCanna Parkway
Burlington, WI 53105
(262) 767-7120

Sheboygan County

Aurora Rehabilitation Services
Aurora Health Center
2600 Kiley Way
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 449-7120

Walworth County

Aurora Lakeland Medical Center
W3985 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262)741-2147

Washington County

Aurora Rehabilitation Center
Aurora Health Center
1048 E. Commerce Blvd.
Slinger, WI 53086
(262) 644-6268

Waukesha County

Aurora Rehabilitation Center
Aurora Health Center
1640 E. Sumner St.
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 670-4300

Aurora Rehabilitation Center
St. Luke's New Berlin Health Care Center
14555 W. National Ave., Suite 195
New Berlin, WI 53151
(262) 827-2929

Aurora Rehabilitation Center/Aurora Sports Medicine Institute
Aurora Medical Center in Summit
36500 Aurora Dr.
Summit, WI 53066
(262) 434-2600

Winnebago County

Aurora Rehabilitation Center
Aurora Medical Center
855 N. Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920) 456-7100