Lymphedema Podcast

Blood and lymph flow

There are exciting topics coming up for Lymphedema Podcast. But first, I want to revisit a couple of important episoes.

What is Lymphedema? That is the number one question I am asked every week in the clinic. It’s the number ome question I am asked on social media. And it is the number one question I am asked when I tell people I am  Lymphedema therapist.

 

There are exciting topics coming up for Lymphedema Podcast. But first, I want to revisit a couple of important episoes. What is Lymphedema? That is the number one question I am asked every week in the clinic. It’s the number ome question I am asked on social media. And it is the number one question … Continue reading "Episode rewind: What is Lymphedema?"

Sometimes saying yes is easy,  but most often it requires a leap of faith.  Sharon’s experience in the fashion industry and her strong Christian faith lead her to where she is now. The first time I heard her story I was nothing short of speechless. As a Christian myself, I’ve seen and experienced this divine series of events lead me to where I am now.

I hope you enjoy learning about how she began Xpandasox ® and her vision for global expansion to help those with Lymphedema and Lipedema worldwide.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7

Sometimes saying yes is easy,  but most often it requires a leap of faith.  Sharon’s experience in the fashion industry and her strong Christian faith lead her to where she is now. The first time I heard her story I was nothing short of speechless. As a Christian myself, I’ve seen and experienced this divine … Continue reading "Episode 16: Fashion for Lymphedema and Lipedema"

This episode is short and sweet…literally less than 10 minutes. I did this for a reason. Many times people living with lymphedema hear a laundry list that is a mile long about things to avoid, specific garments to buy, or a certain lotion to wear…it goes on and on. It is a lot at once…heck, it is a lot every single time. So, this episode is a short and sweet reminder to anyone who has left an appointment saying “what did they tell me to do?”

Check out this quick reminder of Lymphedema do’s and dont’s. (And yes, I am aware that dont’s is not actually a word)

If you enjoyed this episode share it with someone who needs to hear it to or leave a comment to tell others how much it helped you.

This episode is short and sweet…literally less than 10 minutes. I did this for a reason. Many times people living with lymphedema hear a laundry list that is a mile long about things to avoid, specific garments to buy, or a certain lotion to wear…it goes on and on. It is a lot at once…heck, … Continue reading "Episode 15: Do’s and Dont’s of Lymphedema Management."

https://www.lymphcareusa.com/professional/therapy-solutions/complete-decongestive-therapy.html

Complete Decongestive Therapy is known as the Gold Standard of care for Lymphedema patients among Certified Lymphedema Therapists.

There is not one aspect of CDT that can provide the same results when functioning alone. If you have lymphedema and currently receive lymphedema treatment this is what you should be getting. If you have been to therapy before but did not receive the gold standard of treatment you were likely left feeling a little discouraged. If that is you, I hope this episode serves as a reminder that you have the right to look for a new therapist that provides the highest quality of care, and you deserve the gold standard of treatment.

If you enjoyed this episode please share it with others or leave a comment.

Episode 14 explains what (CDT) complete decongestive therapy and how each phase is unique. It is a good refresher for anyone who has been through therapy already AND an informative resource if you are new the lymphedema treatment.

Brad Smith, SLP, CLT

Brad Smith is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in the treatment of head and neck lymphedema. He has been treating head and neck lymphedema patients since 2006. For ten years he was the lead therapist at MD Anderson’s HNL program until he relocated to continue his research and treatment of head and neck lymphedema patients at Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

In addition to his clinical experience he has been the instructor for the Norton School of Lymphedema’s Evaluation and Management of HNL course since 2009, as well as teaching at the prestigious Foldi Clinic in Germany in 2015. If you are interested in taking the Norton HNL Management and Evaluation course register soon because there are only three dates open.

Provided below are a few suggested retailers for custom garments:

www.bartoncarey.com

www.bio-con.com

www.gottfriedmedical.com

www.jobst-usa.com

www.juzousa.com

www.solaris.com

Examples of custom garments provided by Brad Smith

Provided below are a few suggested retailers for off the shelf garments:

Canfield Inc: Innovator of Thermal Therapy and The Jaw Bra

https://www.contourmd.com/Facial-Surgery-Garments-2

https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/facial-wear

http://www.jobst-usa.com

https://raineyrecoverywear.com/collections/facial-neck-and-chin-compression/FACE-LIFT

https://marenagroup.com/compression-garments/unisex-recovery/post-operative-face-masks/

https://www.caromed.us/product-category/head-and-neck/

Examples of off the shelf compression garments provided by Brad Smith.

If you are not able to attend one of Brad’s courses this year you can keep yourself up to date by reading relevant articles on Head and Neck Lymphedema Treatment….

Smith B, Lewin J. Lymphedema Management in Head and Neck Cancer. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery 2010, 18:153-158

Smith B, Hutcheson K, Little L, Rosenthal D, Skoracki R, Lai S, & Lewin J. Lymphedema Outcomes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery published online 11 November 2014.

Smith B. Head and neck lymphedema ; In Lymphedema management. The comprehensive guide for practitioners. Joachim Zuther,

Brad Smith is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in the treatment of head and neck lymphedema. He has been treating head and neck lymphedema patients since 2006. For ten years he was the lead therapist at MD Anderson’s HNL program until he relocated to continue his research and treatment of head and neck lymphedema … Continue reading "Episode 13: Head and Neck Lymphedema"