VCHS Now Offers Lymphedema Therapy

ORD, Neb. – Valley County Health System (VCHS) now offers lymphedema therapy through its Rehabilitation Services and Home Health departments. VCHS’s Sabrina Naprstek, PTA, and Jill Lane, PT, completed lymphedema therapy and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) training in January, allowing them to provide services such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging and compression garment fitting.

Lymphedema is accumulation of fluid due to a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining the body of toxins, waste and fluids. The accumulation leads to swelling, typically in the arms or legs, and can be caused by injury, infection, radiation or surgery.

“We are very excited to offer this service to our patients and community,” Naprstek said. “Some people in our communities are traveling multiple times a week to larger cities to receive this treatment, so VCHS are now able to meet that need locally.”

While incurable, the condition is manageable with therapy.

“Our goal with lymphedema therapy is to restore a patient’s physical function, so they can return to the everyday activities they enjoy and improve their quality of life,” Naprstek.

VCHS employees regularly complete continuing education coursework and training to meet the health needs and interests of patients locally.

“In the future, I plan to receive further in-depth training, so I can further help patients with complex issues regarding their lymphedema. This includes potentially becoming a certified lymphedema therapist,” Naprstek said.

Talk to your primary care provider to find out if lymphedema therapy is right for you, and contact the VCHS Rehabilitation Services Department at 308.728.4247 for more information.

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Pictured: Sabrina Naprstek, PTA