Aspirus Medford Therapy offers early detection for lymphedema
Aspirus Therapy & Fitness in Medford is now offering a procedure that can detect a patient’s risk for developing lymphedema. The new state-of-the-art SOZO Scanner is a non-invasive method for detecting lymphedema, even when symptoms are not present. Early detection allows for immediate intervention and treatment before the effects of lymphedema are irreversible.
“As many as 10 million people in the United States suffer with lymphedema,” said Samantha Lang, OTR/L, CLT, a lymphedema-certified occupational therapist at Aspirus Therapy & Fitness-Medford. “Lymphedema causes swelling in affected areas due to build-up of lymph fluid. Lymphedema can raise a person’s risk of infection, prevent wounds from healing and cause stiffness in affected joints.”
Lymphedema can be caused by a tumor that blocks the lymph system, surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and radiation treatment for cancer. Completing a SOZO Scan prior to surgery and/or radiation can identify at-risk patients.
“Early detection helps patients diagnosed with lymphedema better manage the condition and offers a chance at a return to normal,” Lang said. “The SOZO Scanner allows us to identify lymphedema before a person experiences any physical signs so treatment can be started right away. It’s our pleasure to provide lymphedema treatment and regular monitoring for patients close to home in Medford.”
SOZO Scanners are also available at Aspirus Wausau and Aspirus Langlade Therapies.
Patients must be referred by a health care provider to receive a scan. Patients should ask their provider for a referral if they are undergoing surgery for cancer or are starting radiation treatment.
