BUCKHANNON – WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital is excited to announce that the St. Joseph’s Wound Care Clinic now offers Lymphedema Treatment with our Occupational Therapist, Lindsay Zirkle, MOTR/L, CLT.

“I am passionate about helping my patients regain their independence in order to live happy and productive lives, and I’m excited to be able to offer this much needed service to our great community!” says Lindsay.

She received her Lymphedema Certification and can perform manual lymph drainage, compression wrapping, and measuring for compression garments, along with providing skin care and exercises to decrease swelling and improve function in individuals with lymphedema.

Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling that can develop in the arm, hand, breast, leg, or torso on the side where there is damage to the lymphatic system. It develops when the lymph vessels in an area are no longer able to carry all the fluid away from the area. If this happens, the fluid can build up and cause swelling. Signs and symptoms include: full sensation in the limb(s); tight skin; decreased hand, wrist, or ankle flexibility; and difficulty fitting into clothing. With proper education and care, you can recognize lymphedema’s symptoms and seek treatment early. For more information, visit www.stj.net.

Lymphedema services will be provided from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. An order from a provider will be required for all patients. For more information, please call 304-460-7461.