CORAL Center Services
From Decongestive Therapy to Oncological Rehabilitation, CORAL Centers offers the complete range of treatments and fittings for lymphedema.
Complete Decongestive Therapy
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the most successful treatment for chronic extremity Lymphedema. CDT is sometimes referred to as Complete/Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP). Here at CORAL we offer CDT as our primary modality for treating Lymphedema. Post mastectomy lymphedema and other related conditions respond extremely well to this gentle, non-invasive, and highly-effective therapy.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) consists of the following four steps:
STEP 1: Manual Lymph Drainage
In Lymphedema therapy MLD is used to reroute the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels, which drain into the venous circulation. MLD is a very gentle manual treatment that improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body.
In the 1930s the techniques of MLD were first introduced by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT from Denmark. MLD is becoming widely recognized in the United States as a treatment for many pathologies including post-surgical swelling, post-traumatic edema (e.g., sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. MLD is further used to promote general relaxation and for cleansing (detoxification) of the skin and superficial fascia.
STEP 2: Compression Therapy
Compression therapy, uses multilayered bandages to increase tissue pressure and is applied between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of evacuated edema fluid. It also increases the efficiency of the the body’s own muscle and joint pumps, and is used until the limb is sufficiently decongested to be fitted for compression garments.
STEP 3: Exercises
Remedial exercises, with the bandages in place, are performed to activate the muscle and joint pumps of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and, over time, in further reduction of the swollen limb.
STEP 4: Skin Care
Skin care and general hygiene are essential for eliminating bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can cause repeated attacks of Cellulitis or erysipelas. Because infections are very common complications of lymphedema, meticulous skin and nail care are integral elements of CDT.
STEP 1: Manual Lymph Drainage
In Lymphedema therapy MLD is used to reroute the lymph flow around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels, which drain into the venous circulation. MLD is a very gentle manual treatment that improves the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body.
In the 1930s the techniques of MLD were first introduced by Dr. Emil Vodder, PhD, MT from Denmark. MLD is becoming widely recognized in the United States as a treatment for many pathologies including post-surgical swelling, post-traumatic edema (e.g., sports injuries), migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. MLD is further used to promote general relaxation and for cleansing (detoxification) of the skin and superficial fascia.
STEP 2: Compression Therapy
Compression therapy, uses multilayered bandages to increase tissue pressure and is applied between treatments to prevent the re-accumulation of evacuated edema fluid. It also increases the efficiency of the the body’s own muscle and joint pumps, and is used until the limb is sufficiently decongested to be fitted for compression garments.
STEP 3: Exercises
Remedial exercises, with the bandages in place, are performed to activate the muscle and joint pumps of the affected extremity. This results in an increase in lymphokinetic activity and, over time, in further reduction of the swollen limb.
STEP 4: Skin Care
Skin care and general hygiene are essential for eliminating bacterial and fungal growth, either of which can cause repeated attacks of Cellulitis or erysipelas. Because infections are very common complications of lymphedema, meticulous skin and nail care are integral elements of CDT.
Oncological Rehabilitation
The Oncology Rehabilitation Program at CORAL provides expert outpatient rehabilitation treatment to cancer patients enduring the adverse effects of treatment. With a mission to restore and improve the cancer patient’s quality of life, Oncological Rehabilitation provides a safe setting that can address each patient’s individual needs. The office at CORAL offers several exam and treatment rooms, a rehabilitation gym where patients can work on improving strength and stamina under the supervision of physical therapists and exercise specialists trained in oncological rehabilitation.
- Mobility, flexibility and strength
- Scar adhesions and restrictions
- Depleted functional capacity and energy conservation issues
- Sensory loss, neuropathy related pain
- Adaptive devices, equipment, braces and splints
- Safety, balance and coordination
Fitting Clinic
At CORAL we have therapists and certified fitters who can determine the appropriate grade of compression garments suitable for your specific needs and conditions such as:
- Lymphedema
- Venous Insufficiency
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Post – Plastic Surgical Garments
- Post – Surgical Garments
- Pregnancy
Our fitting clinic includes a private fitting room, and a wide variety of high-end garments to suit all of your needs.
Post Surgical Edema
Reducing Recovery Time from Surgery
Recovery time after surgery is reduced through the systematic application of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to reduce swelling, followed by NeuroMuscular Therapy to rapidly restore tissue mobility and further reduce scarring as healing progresses. In addition, it provides the benefits of increased lymph circulation in the tissues, which include faster healing, reduced scaring, increased immune system response, and it prevents adhesions.
NeuroMuscular Therapy applied in the postoperative period reduces the muscular hypertonicity around joints that results in reduced range of motion. Patients are thrilled with the rapid results and your skill is enhanced.