To understand lymphedema better, we spoke with an expert on the subject – Lymphedema Therapist Sophia White, OTA/PTA – CLT - LANA.
Sophia has years of experience working in health care and has a passion for Lymphology, which led her to become the Clinical Advisor of Lymphology for Essity Canada.
Interview with Sophia White, OTA/PTA - CLT - LANA
Nightingale Medical Supplies (NMS): How you decided to become a Lymphedema Therapist?
Sophia White (SW): I noticed that there was a significant need in my area and a lack of knowledge of lymphedema and lymphedema related issues. I really wanted to close a gap that I was observing.
NMS: That makes sense! So what exactly does a Lymphedema Therapist do?
SW: The main goals of a Lymphedema Therapist are to reduce swelling, manage the patient’s condition and reduce the risk of complications related to lymphedema. Lymphedema Therapists are highly educated on skin health and wound care, so a large part of our work is helping the patients learn more about their skin. We also manually drain the lymphatics, reroute the lymph fluid, bandage the affected area and inspect the area for any further break down or high-risk areas.
NMS: It sounds like you have a wide range of skills that can really help people suffering from lymphedema. How does lymphatic massage work as a treatment?
SW: Lymphatic massage is performed very differently than a regular deep tissue massage. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a light, rhythmic stretching of the skin that in turn works on increasing the fluid moving out of the affected area. Diaphragmatic breathing is another technique that we use in an MLD session to assist and increase movement of fluid throughout the body.
NMS: That’s good to know! What is one common misconception about lymphedema?
SW: The biggest misconceptions about lymphedema are that a) the patient has too much water or fluid on board, or b) that lymphedema is related to diet. Unfortunately, many people believe these misconceptions.
NMS: What is one product you would recommend?
SW: A product I really love is the FarrowWrap, it comes in quite handy if you are experiencing a ‘flare up’ and cannot self-bandage. It’s a very versatile garment. (Editor’s note: JOBST FarrowWrap is an easy-to-use short-stretch compression wrap for clients with limited mobility. It comes in a variety of pieces from arms to legs, and is also available custom-made. Reach out to your local Nightingale store to find out more about FarrowWrap today!)
NMS: Finally, what is one piece of advice you would give to people who are suffering from lymphedema?
SW: Don’t be afraid to seek out professional help for both treatment and maintenance of your lymphedema. Lymphedema Therapists and fitters are an essential piece to lymphedema journey and are more than happy to help.
NMS: Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Sophia! It was great to learn more about lymphedema.
