Oklahoma’s lymphedema specialists.
The Lymphedema Institute of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s dedicated center for lymphedema treatment. Lymphedema is chronic swelling caused by a lymphatic system that can no longer drain fluid from the arms, legs or other areas of the body. Our certified lymphedema therapists treat it exclusively, and work closely with every referring provider.
Referral line (405) 449-4491
Lymphedema is underdiagnosed. We’re here to change that.
Lymphedema is widely underdiagnosed and undertreated, in part because many providers have limited training in it and patients lack access to specialized care.* Many clinics aren’t equipped to treat it or choose not to offer it, so patients live with swelling for years without answers.
The Lymphedema Institute of Oklahoma exists to close that gap. Lymphedema is the only thing we do, from first evaluation through lifelong management, and we bring that care to patients at our clinics, in their homes, and in assisted living and skilled nursing communities.
* Multidisciplinary approach to lymphedema diagnosis and management. PubMed 41386913.
More common than most people realize
Chronic swelling shows up after cancer treatment, in hospitals and in long-term care. Many people who have it never get treated.
women develop arm lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.1
of hospital inpatients screened in a Danish study had chronic swelling lasting more than three months.2
of residents in a long-term care facility studied in Japan had chronic swelling.3
of people with lymphedema in a UK community survey were receiving treatment. The rest were not.4
- 1. DiSipio T, et al. Incidence of unilateral arm lymphoedema after breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol. 2013;14(6):500–515.
- 2. Nøerregaard S, et al. LIMPRINT: Prevalence of chronic edema in health services in Copenhagen, Denmark. Lymphat Res Biol. 2019;17(2):187–194.
- 3. The prevalence and functional impact of chronic edema and lymphedema in Japan: LIMPRINT study. Lymphat Res Biol. 2019.
- 4. Moffatt CJ, et al. Lymphoedema: an underestimated health problem. QJM. 2003;96:731–738.
Lymphedema treatment in Oklahoma, start to finish
Every plan follows complete decongestive therapy, the standard of care for lymphedema, and is carried out by a certified lymphedema therapist.
Evaluate
A full lymphedema evaluation, including history, skin and tissue assessment and limb measurements.
Treat
Manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise and skin care to reduce swelling.
Maintain
Compression garment fitting and home-care training so results last after treatment ends.
More than one kind of swelling
Primary lymphedema
Congenital or inherited differences in the lymphatic system, appearing at birth, in adolescence or later in life.
Secondary lymphedema
Swelling after cancer surgery, radiation, infection or injury that has damaged lymph nodes or vessels.
Lipedema
A chronic fat-distribution disorder, often mistaken for obesity, that can progress to lipo-lymphedema.
Phlebolymphedema
Combined venous and lymphatic insufficiency, usually in the lower legs, treated alongside your vascular provider.
Head and neck lymphedema
Swelling of the face, jaw or neck after head and neck cancer treatment, which can affect swallowing and speech.
Swelling with chronic wounds
Leg swelling that slows wound healing, managed together with your wound-care team.
Where to find us
Edmond
South Oklahoma City
Midwest City
We also treat patients at home and in assisted living and skilled nursing communities.
Answers to the questions patients ask first
Swelling that won’t go away deserves a specialist.
Request an evaluation with a certified lymphedema therapist, or call (405) 449-4491.