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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Specialized Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Programs

• Laryngeal Videoendostroboscopy
• Lymphedema Center
• Wound Care/Pulse Lavage

Laryngeal Videoendostroboscopy
This procedure has been an active part of the speech-language pathology service since 1995. It allows speech-language pathologists and otolaryngologists to evaluate and treat patients with voice disorders. The human vocal folds vibrate too rapidly to be seen by the unaided eye; however, with this procedure, the visual image of the vocal folds appears as if observed in either slow motion or stop action, making physiological aberrations easier to observe and diagnose. For professional singers, the detailed technical information provided by these studies proves invaluable.

Lymphedema Center
More than three million Americans suffer the physical and psychological effects of lymphedema, a condition that can occur when an insufficient or damaged lymph system fails to drain lymph fluid from the tissues of the body. Lymphedema can lead to severe swelling and pain in the extremities.

Approximately 35 to 40 percent of women with breast cancer will develop lymphedema following axillary node surgery or radiation therapy. Men are at risk of developing lymphedema in their legs following surgery for prostate or testicular cancer. Left untreated, the swelling can become painful and infection can become a serious risk. While no cure is currently available for lymphedema, there is hope for patients who take precautions and manage their symptoms.

The Lymphedema Program aims to reduce the swelling and pain associated with lymphedema and to educate the patient to monitor, maintain, and improve his or her condition throughout his or her lifetime.

Treatment for lymphedema may include the following:

• Skin care: The patient is educated in precautions to protect the skin and avoid infection, in proper use of skin care products, and an individualized skin care program
• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): Manual lymphatic drainage is a specific superficial manual technique that facilitates the opening of collateral lymphatic pathways.
• Multi-layer bandaging: Bandaging consists of a technique involving three primary layers of bandages applied to the affected area to facilitate lymph flow.
• Individualized exercise program: Exercise programs are tailored to each patient to enhance lymphatic drainage and also restore strength, flexibility, endurance, and function.
• Patient education: Patients are educated about their condition, the goals and purpose of the treatment regimen, as well as life-long skin care.

Click here to learn more about lymphedema.

Wound Care/Pulse Lavage
Specially trained physical therapists work closely with medicine and ostomy to provide the most current techniques in skin and wound care to patients.

Read about the members of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Team.

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