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Deer River HealthCare Center Launches Lymphedema Therapy Program Deer River, MN (January 24, 2006) - Deer River HealthCare Center's Rehabilitation Department launched a lymphedema program designed to minimize symptoms of lymphedema, a condition that affects approximately 1% of the US population. "Lymphedema is a disease that cannot be cured, but it can be managed, which is why comprehensive treatment is so important," stated Cortney Orstad, DRHC Physical Therapist. Orstad, who joined DRHC in 2004, received specialized lymphedema certification from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in August 2005. She now works with medical providers at DRHC to identify patients that might benefit from treatment. Lymphedema is caused by a dysfunctional lymphatic system. Normally, lymph nodes filter fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes. After surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation, chemotherapy or other damage, the lymph passages can become blocked, causing a build up of fluid in the arms or legs. Lymphedema can be debilitating and get in the way of every day activities. Breast cancer treatments have been known to increase risks of lymphedema. However, offering advanced surgical options to patients undergoing breast cancer treatment remains a specialty at Deer River HealthCare Center (DRHC). Along with a revolutionary mammography system and surgical options such as the sentinel lymph node biopsy, which helps minimize the risk of lymphedema, the new lymphedema therapy program serves as a fundamental component to breast cancer treatment. "Breast cancer patients aren't the only patients who suffer from lymphedema," added Orstad. "Primary lymphedema can be present at birth or develop during puberty or adulthood, and secondary lymphedema can result from repeated infections, trauma or malignancies. Both primary and secondary lymphedema can be treated through DRHC's lymphedema therapy program." Orstad provides manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, remedial exercises, education and self-instruction to patients suffering from lymphedema. As a fulltime physical therapist, she believes that a 5-day per week treatment program for 4 weeks gives the most benefit to her patients. "Providing lymphedema therapy is exciting and challenging," described Orstad, who received her physical therapy education from St. Scholastica and worked in long-term care before joining DRHC. "Working as a physical therapist for DRHC means getting unique opportunities to further my training and investigate new treatments. I am especially pleased that this specialized, hands-on therapy provides hope to our patients." Lymphedema therapy, along with a full list of other therapy services, is now available through Deer River HealthCare Center's Rehabilitation Department. Call 218-246-3065 for more information.
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