Kathryn Krastin
Hee hee... well, it's been good to me so far. Just throwing the idea out there for others to consider as well --- especially if they don't have insurance options to consider and/or if their insurance options have been used up.
Danielle JarvisI am a PT who went to a well-respected Massage therapy school and learned 'lymphatic massage' among my trining. I wouldn't use it becasue I didn't feel comfortable with what they taught me. Good thing, too - after becoming a certified lymphedema... moreI am a PT who went to a well-respected Massage therapy school and learned 'lymphatic massage' among my trining. I wouldn't use it becasue I didn't feel comfortable with what they taught me. Good thing, too - after becoming a certified lymphedema therapist I realize there is SO MUCH MORE that a physical therapist and certified therapist can provide. Based on my experience of going to P.T. school, Massage school, AND Lymphedema certification training, I can not in good conscience recommend anyone getting any lymphedema care from anyone other than a CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist/Specialist). It may just feel like we are going through the motions and pushing the skin around, but there is a lot more to it than that! less
Kathryn KrastinOh, I hear ya, Danielle. Sometimes cost is a factor (especially for those not with health insurance) and sometimes, too, something is better than nothing. I have a MLD DVD too that provides instruction and tips so that I can learn better to do it to... moreOh, I hear ya, Danielle. Sometimes cost is a factor (especially for those not with health insurance) and sometimes, too, something is better than nothing. I have a MLD DVD too that provides instruction and tips so that I can learn better to do it to myself when necessary.
Just threw out the suggestion to give some folks an idea of something to try in a pinch. Of course, I would recommend the full-fledge therapist when afforded the opportunity. From what I understand, they do have some full-fledge certified lymphedema therapists on staff. Perhaps they are moonlighting to get additional exposure.
What we know, as patients, is that, if we don't get SOME kind of management on our lymphedema, it escalates to awfully, painful lymphedema pressure wounds. I want to avoid that at all costs for me to go down that road again when I didn't have health insurance.
Additionally, I had to not go to a doctor 12 months prior getting on full-time and getting covered under their insurance policy. Predicting... less
Molly MillerI am a physical therapist that has just started the on-line course for lymphedema, planning to complete the hands-on portion in October. I am already amazed at what these therapists learn. I have been a massage therapist for 20 yrs, went to PTA school,... moreI am a physical therapist that has just started the on-line course for lymphedema, planning to complete the hands-on portion in October. I am already amazed at what these therapists learn. I have been a massage therapist for 20 yrs, went to PTA school, then on to get my Master's in Physical Therapy. The thing that has always struck me as a continued my education, is that the more I learn, I realize how little I knew before. There are really good massage therapists out there, but I don't think "something is better than nothing" applies in many cases, especially if you are getting massage from people with little practical experience with your medical condition. Just be REALLY careful, the lymph is a delicate tissue, and if you are start noticing any signs of increased problems, see your doctor and get back on your regular regimen as soon as possible. less
