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Lower Body Lymphedema: What All Occupational Therapy Practitioners Should Know

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1.  Why should OTPs know about LBL? To support OTP’s reputation among interdisciplinary colleagues. LBL presents unique health challenges, affects occupational performance, and is within OT’s scope of practice. OTPs can obtain better reimbursement for clients with LBL. Clients with LBL are more likely to attend OT appointments than others.

2.  What is lymphedema? Acute swelling resulting from lymphatic damage, often acquired from sun exposure and living at high altitudes. Chronic swelling that is painless and rarely associated with other health conditions. Chronic swelling comprised of protein-rich fluid that arises from lymphatic damage and often results in decreased tissue health. Any swelling caused by surgery or acute injury.

3.  Why is lower body lymphedema so challenging in particular? The lower body is harder to see and reach. LBL limits the main functions of our lower body (functional mobility and ADLs). Distance of the toes to the heart and effects of gravity complicate swelling reduction. All of the above

4.  Which intervention is NOT within an OT generalist’s scope of practice? Prescribe compression garments. Implement an elevation-activity schedule. Provide skilled instruction in proper donning/doffing, use of AE, wear schedule, and care of compression garments. Train the client in safe transfers and activity modifications.

5.  Which impactful intervention is often under-utilized with clients who have LBL? Elevation Massage Compression Education