Chronic Wound Care, Lymphedema and Lipedema Therapy

Specialized Treatment and Support for Long-Term Healing

Harrison Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive care for patients with chronic wounds, lymphedema, and lipedema. Our team offers personalized treatment plans and hands-on support to improve healing, reduce discomfort, and restore quality of life.

Chronic Wound Care

Chronic wounds are those that fail to heal properly over time. These wounds may result from underlying conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, or immobility and require specialized treatment to prevent infection and support healing.

Common Causes of Chronic Wounds:

• Diabetic ulcers
• Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
• Arterial and venous ulcers from poor circulation
• Surgical wounds that reopen

Our Wound Care Services Include:

• Wound assessment and infection prevention
• Moisture-balanced dressing changes
• Skin protection and barrier techniques
• Nutritional education to promote healing
• Customized home wound care instruction
• Patient and caregiver education on dressing changes and hygiene

Lymphedema Care

Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid, often causing swelling in the arms or legs. It may occur due to inherited conditions (primary lymphedema) or as a result of damage to the lymphatic system (secondary lymphedema).

Primary Lymphedema Causes:

• Milroy’s disease
• Meige disease
• Late-onset lymphedema

Secondary Lymphedema Causes:

• Cancer and cancer treatment
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Infection or trauma

Lipedema Management

Lipedema is a chronic condition marked by the abnormal buildup of fat, typically in the lower body. It most commonly affects the buttocks, thighs, calves, and upper arms, and is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema. Lipedema can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility if not properly managed.

Treatment Options

Our therapy program includes two phases designed to reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and maintain long-term results.

Phase I – Intensive Phase:

• Meticulous skin and nail care
• Manual lymph drainage (MLD)*
• Compression bandaging
• Remedial exercises
• Self-care and caregiver training

Phase II – Maintenance Phase:

• Compression garments for daytime wear
• Nighttime bandaging as needed
• Continued MLD sessions as appropriate
• Ongoing exercise and skin care

*Manual lymph drainage is a gentle, hands-on technique that stimulates lymphatic flow and reroutes fluid away from congested areas into healthy drainage pathways.

Contact Information

To learn more or schedule an evaluation, call the HMH Rehabilitation Department at (859) 235-3553.