March Is Lymphedema Awareness Month

By Jennifer Jones, PT, MHA, manager, outpatient rehabilitation & sports medicine, Premier Health

Early Recognition and Specialized Therapy Improve Outcomes

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month — an opportunity to highlight a chronic, often under-recognized condition that can significantly affect function and quality of life.

Lymphedema results from impaired lymphatic drainage, leading to persistent swelling, most commonly in the extremities. It may occur following lymph node dissection, radiation, trauma, hereditary conditions, prolonged standing, or idiopathic causes. Without early intervention, progression can include fibrosis, recurrent cellulitis, skin changes, and reduced mobility.

Certified Lymphedema Care at Premier Health

Premier Health Therapy Services provides certified lymphedema treatment at:

• Atrium Medical Center (Middletown)
• Miami Valley Hospital North (Englewood)
• Dayton
• Beavercreek
• UVMC Outpatient Care Center North (Piqua)

Care is delivered by certified lymphedema specialists using the gold standard of treatment, Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which includes:

• Skin care and infection prevention education
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Compression bandaging and professionally fitted garments
• Targeted therapeutic exercise

Treatment typically begins two to three times per week for four to six weeks, with transition to long-term self-management. Patient engagement is critical to sustained outcomes.

Clinical Impact

A recent patient with a 30-year history of lower extremity swelling, refractory to prior therapies, was referred to lymphedema therapy after developing cellulitis and worsening edema. Following CDT, custom nighttime garments, adjustable compression wraps, and home pump therapy, she experienced marked symptom improvement and functional gains — describing the intervention as life-changing.

Coverage and Referral

Under the Lymphedema Treatment Act, Medicare and most commercial insurers now provide expanded coverage for therapy and medically necessary compression garments.

Early referral remains key to preventing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Depending on insurance, a referral may be required. Patients may schedule through MyChart or by contacting therapy services directly.

Back to the March 2026 Premier Pulse