Swelling, or edema, is the build up of fluid in your tissues, and can occur for many reasons. It may be the result of injury, scarring, obesity, disease, surgery, radiation treatment, trauma or repeated infection. Some people’s veins are too weak or damaged to properly move fluid through the body.  If the lymphatic system is damaged, it cannot remove lymph fluid from tissues as it normally does. This fluid builds up in the body causing lymphedema.

Early symptoms of edema or lymphedema may be subtle: a feeling of heaviness, tightness or fullness in a limb even though no swelling is visible. Swelling may initially appear for a short time at the end of the day and disappear by morning. The limb may tire more easily and feel achy. Allowed to progress untreated, the skin and soft tissues of the limb lose elasticity and may harden, and the likelihood of infections such as cellulitis increases.

Conditions we treat
We treat swelling resulting from:

• Post-cancer treatment
• Chronic venous problems
• Congenital, or primary, lymphedema
• Orthopedic injuries and surgeries
• Plastic surgery
• Repeated cellulitits
• Trauma
• Neurological (ie. MS, stroke) conditions

Treatments we offer
Therapeutic care may include:

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) – massage-like technique gently redirects fluid from the impaired lymphatic area to areas of the body where the lymphatic system is functioning normally 
• Bandaging following MLD – applying low-stretch bandages using graded pressure to improve and prevent fluid from returning to swollen areas and to prevent tissue hardening
• Compression garments – helps prevent fluid from refilling in the tissues. Following intensive treatment, custom garments may be prescribed and measured for daily wear
• Exercises – increases fluid flow away from the affected area. These exercises are done while wearing compression bandages or garments
• Skin care education – teaches good hygiene and skin inspection techniques to reduce the risk of developing cellulitis or fungal infections

The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) recognizes the Fairview Lymphedema Treatment Centers. Our physical and occupational therapists have advanced clinical training in complete decongestive lymphedema treatment and are certified through the nationally recognized training centers of Vodder, Lerner, Klose, Norton, Academy of Lymphatic Studies and Casley-Smith.

We also offer preventative care and education for those at risk for lymphedema.

Contact Information

For an appointment, call 612-273-6228

Fairview Edema Treatment Center
Riverside Campus
2512 S. 7th Street.
Minneapolis, MN

For other Fairview Edema Treatment Center locations, call 612-273-6228