Swelling, or edema, is the build up of fluid in 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 (primary lymphedema)
• Orthopedic swelling
• Repeated cellulitits
• Trauma Neurological (ie. MS, stroke)
• Unresolved swelling

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 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

Fairview Lakes Health Services has a Lymphedema Treatment Center in its Chisago City location

Fairview Lakes Health Services
Rehabilitation Services
11725 Stinson Ave.
Chisago City, MN 55013
Schedule appointment: 651-257-8469

Certified Lymphedema Therapists at this location:

• Christie Crep, PT. CLT
• Berandette Hoisington, PTA, CLT
• Linda Koehler, PT, CLT-LANA
• Kim Schminkey, PT, CLT

For other locations in the Twin Cities metro area, call Fairview’s Lymphedema Treatment Centers 612-273-6507.

University of Minnesota Medical Center, University campus
Mayo Building 4th floor Rehab
420 Delaware St. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Information: 612-273-8400
Schedule appointment: 612-273-5560

Fairview Southdale Hospital
6401 France Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55435
Information: 952-924-1340
Schedule appointment: 612-273-5560