LYMPHEDEMA
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that’s usually drained through the body’s lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, and even genitals.
How does Lymphedema occur?
Lymphedema occurs when your lymph nodes in your lymphatic system are damaged or removed, this may be the case following cancer treatment or surgery, or when the lymphatic system is overloaded with fluid due to issues with the circulatory system.
Specialized Lymphedema Management
At Not Your Average Therapy, our Co-Owner, Zari Cooper, MOT, OTR/L, CLT-ALM is a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) with a specialization in advanced lymphedema management (ALM). She has been passionate with helping those with this condition for over a decade.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Our Gold-Standard Approach: CDT Guided by Zari’s expert clinical judgment, we implement all four pillars of CDT—precision Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), multilayer short-stretch bandaging, individualized therapeutic exercise, and meticulous skin care. Delivered several times per week in the initial phase, this evidence-based protocol accelerates fluid removal, softens fibrotic tissue, and provides rapid, lasting relief. CDT is widely recognized as the premier approach for lymphedema management.
Precision Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Using a gentle, skin-stretching technique, Zari’s expertly honed therapeutic touch stimulates healthy lymph vessels to reroute excess fluid and soften congested tissue. The result is lighter limbs, reduced pain, and an ideal foundation for precision compression.
Custom Compression & Bandage Solutions
After decongestion, Zari will measure and fit you for medical-grade garments and will reapply multi-layer short-stretch wrapping to lock in your improvements made between visits. Proper compression raises tissue pressure, supports lymph flow, and prevents fluid from returning. This results in improved circulation, maintenance of limb size, and even improved wound healing.
Therapeutic Exercise & Skin-Care Education
Individualized movement routines keep your muscles active, which assists with fluid management, while tailored skin-care strategies protect fragile tissue and minimize infection risk. Regular follow-ups will be needed to reinforce technique, answer questions, and keep you confidently on track with self-management.
SEE THE RESULTS
INITIAL EVALUATION
with Zari Cooper, MOT, OTR/L, CLT-ALM-
1.5 - 2 hour One-on-One session covering assessment, education, and initiation of treatment
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Comprehenisve evaluation; detailed measurement of affected areas
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Complete decongestive therapy plan with MLD and wrapping if applicable
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Discussion of expected outcomes and review of what is needed to maintain progress between sessions.
TREATMENT SESSION
with Zari Cooper MOT, OTR/L, CLT-ALM-
Targeted manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
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Skin care treatment and recommendations
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Assessment of progress through routine circumferential measurements
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Education centered care
