[H3] Problem Solving: Creative Solutions for New Lymphedema Therapists

Jeannette Zucker, DPT, CLT-LANA, CSCS
Lymphedema Specialist
Senior Physical Therapist
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Annelise Eramo, MPT, CLT
Lymphedema Specialist
Senior Physical Therapist
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

The objective of this workshop is to provide therapists with some creative strategies for tackling some of the frequent problems that arise for new therapists.

Topics to be discussed will include the following:

• Educating patients on how to overcome the difficulty of donning and doffing compression garments
• Educating patients on how to perform self-MLD over hard to reach areas
• Educating patients on how to more efficiently perform self-bandaging
• How to keep bandages intact and prevent them from sliding down
• Suggestions on how to address the discomfort that patients often experience while undergoing intensive therapy
• Benefits of a sewing machine
• Incorporating splinting materials to facilitate self-care
• How to keep bandages from getting wet while patients are in the intensive phase of therapy
• Tips on laundering compression bandages and garments
• Special considerations such as neuropathy, severe weakness, and fatigue

Attendees are encouraged to email the instructor at zuckerj@mskcc.org with any problems that have presented in the clinic and would like to be addressed in this session. There will also be an opportunity for participants to share their own creative solutions during the workshop.