Medcenter One Lymphedema Treatment Center

The Lymphedema Treatment Center at Medcenter One offers comprehensive treatment and education to individuals with lymphedema, or those at risk of developing lymphedema. Our therapists are registered occupational therapists who are certified lymphedema therapists through the Lymphology Association of North America. They have advanced clinical training and certification in complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) using the Vodder method.

Treatment

An effective treatment for the management of lymphedema is Manual Lymphatic Draining and Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy (MLD/CDP). Treatment for the management of lymphedema is non-invasive and pain-free. MLD/CDP treatment consists of four components:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Remedial exercises
• Skin care
• Compression therapy

Each treatment program is tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

Certified therapists

Jessie Markovic	Jessie Markovic graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in 1994. In 1999, she received her certification in manual lymphatic drainage and complete decongestive physiotherapy through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. In 2001, she became a certified lymphedema therapist through the Lymphology Association of North America. Markovic is also a certified Healthy-Steps (formerly known as Lebed Method) instructor.
Jen Newman	Jen Newman graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2003 and from Colorado State University with a master's in occupational therapy in 2005. In 2007, she received her lymphedema certification in manual lymphatic drainage and completed decongestive therapy through the Norton School of Lymphatic Studies. In 2009, she became a certified lymphedema therapist through the Lymphology Association of North America. Newman is also a certified Healthy-Steps (formerly known as Lebed Method) instructor.

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Frequently asked questions

What is lymphemdema?

There are two types of lymphedema:

• Primary lymphedema may be present at birth or develop later in life. It is due to a malfunction of the lymphatic system. Swelling may appear suddenly if stress is placed on the lymphatic system, such as a sports related injury.
• Secondary lymphedema is commonly caused by removal and/or radiation therapy of lymph nodes, injuries or scarring. Any of these occurances can interrupt the body's normal fow of lymphatic fluid and result in swelling of a body part or region.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

Early symptoms of lymphedema may include a subtle feeling of heaviness, tightness, or fullness even though no swelling is visible. Lymphedema commonly begins with swelling in the hands or feet. Swelling may initially appear for a short time at the end of the day and disappear by the morning. Untreated, lymphedema will progress and the involved part of the body may become more swollen with harding and decreased elasticity of the skin. Other skin complications such as infection (cellulitis) are common.

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Patient stories

• Healing hands and healing bandages—Medcenter One's lymphedema expertise
     helps Carson woman
• Treating lymphedema—Medcenter One program features certified lymphedema therapists
• Life beyond cancer—Cancer survivors often fight lymphedema

Recommended links

Links to other websites
Links to websites outside Medcenter One are provided for convenience and information only, and Medcenter One assumes no responsibility for their content. Medcenter One is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. You should always read the privacy policy at a website before revealing any personal information.

• National Lymphedema Network
• Lymphology Association of North America
• Circle of Hope—order lymphedema awareness jewelry and gifts

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Contact information

Medcenter One
Rehabilitation Center
300 N. Seventh St.
Bismarck, N.D. 58501
701.323.6373

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