Swelling or fullness
Swelling in one or more limbs, or in the corresponding area of the trunk, may be a sign that deserves attention.
Lymphedema therapy · Great Falls, VA
Lymphedema care.
A clearer way forward.
Understand the changes you are noticing. Build a plan for managing swelling. Get support for the care you do every day. Serving Great Falls, Reston, McLean and Northern Virginia.
Your therapist
Dr. Kelly McGraw
PT, DPT, CMTPT, CLT · Certified lymphedema therapist
Kelly completed intensive training as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and provides outpatient lymphedema treatment for adults and children, in the clinic and with a plan for home.
CLTCertified lymphedema therapist
All agesCare for children and adults
Clinic + homeSupport in the clinic and for the care you do every day
NoVAGreat Falls, Reston, McLean and beyond
Recognize the changes
What are you noticing?
Lymphedema can look and feel different from person to person. New or changing swelling is worth discussing with a qualified clinician.
Tightness or reduced flexibility
A limb that feels full or tight, or changes that make movement harder, can affect daily comfort and function.
Skin changes
In more advanced cases, skin can thicken, tissue can feel harder, and swelling can become more significant.
Your treatment plan
Care that works with your life.
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) brings together hands-on treatment, practical education, and care at home. Lymphedema is a chronic condition. While there is currently no cure, management can include clinical treatment, education, and a plan for care at home.
- Manual lymph drainage
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is one part of complete decongestive therapy. Your treatment plan is shaped around your individual presentation and goals.
- Compression support
- Care may include compression bandaging and guidance on compression garments when they are appropriate to your plan.
- Movement and skin care
- Exercise, skin care, and self-care education can be part of a practical routine to support ongoing management.
- Maintenance planning
- Long-term management is personal. The team can help build a maintenance approach that fits your needs, your support system, and daily life.
Getting started
A simple first step. A personal plan.
Primary lymphedema can be related to differences in the lymphatic system present from birth or developing later. Secondary lymphedema can follow surgery, radiation, trauma, or infection, and may appear years after the original event.
Contact the team
Reach out in person, by phone, or by email. Let us know the basics of what you are experiencing and any referral or diagnosis you already have.
Coordinate care
Many insurance plans require a physician order for evaluation and treatment. Our staff can work with you, your family, and your physician on the information needed to begin.
Build a confidential plan
Your outpatient program is developed around your individual needs, with guidance for both in-clinic care and the work you do at home.
Before your visit
Questions, answered.
A little clarity can make it easier to begin. Our team is here for the questions specific to you.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling that can affect one or more limbs and sometimes the corresponding quadrant of the trunk. It results from disruption of the lymphatic system and can be chronic and progressive.
Is there a cure for lymphedema?
There is currently no cure. Effective management may include clinical treatment, education, and individual efforts at home.
What is complete decongestive therapy?
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) may include manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercise, compression garments, skin care and self-care education, and a maintenance program.
Who can receive lymphedema therapy?
Great Falls PT provides outpatient lymphedema treatment for adult and pediatric populations. Contact the team to discuss your situation and the appropriate next step.
Do I need a physician order?
Most insurance companies require a physician order to evaluate and treat. Our staff can help you understand what information may be needed before your visit.
When should I reach out?
Do not ignore swelling or changes that concern you. Contact a qualified healthcare professional to discuss an appropriate evaluation and next step.
Here for your next chapter
You do not have to navigate it alone.
Talk with Great Falls PT about lymphedema care, referrals, and a personalized outpatient plan. Our Great Falls clinic welcomes adult and pediatric patients from Reston, McLean, and throughout Northern Virginia.