Body & Recovery

Lymphedema treatment that manages the swelling for the long term.

A limb that stays heavy and swollen. A sock line or a ring that no longer fits by afternoon. The quiet worry that it is slowly getting worse. Lymphedema is a condition we manage, and there is real, ongoing work that helps.

4.8 · 1,000+ reviews across Google, Yelp & More

What causes it

Where lymphedema starts.

Secondary lymphedema is by far the more common form. It follows damage to the lymphatic system, often from cancer surgery, radiation, or the removal of lymph nodes. It is why so many patients arrive after a mastectomy or other cancer treatment.
Secondary lymphedema after cancer care
Most often responds toManaged with Complete Decongestive Therapy, MLD at its core
How We Treat It

How We Treat Lymphedema

The recognized conservative standard for lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Rather than a single technique, it is a coordinated program of four parts. Each part connects to the same goal of moving fluid out of the limb and keeping it out. Lymphatic work is not right for everyone: we do not perform it on patients with AFib, COPD, emphysema, blood clots, or an active infection, and a severe or acute flare belongs at a hospital lymphedema clinic with emergency care on site.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for lymphedema

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

The recognized conservative standard for lymphedema. CDT combines four parts, manual lymphatic drainage, compression, skin care, and movement, into one coordinated program.

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for lymphedema

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

The hands-on core of the program, delivered with the Vogel Method. A light, skin-level technique, far gentler than a deep-tissue massage.

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Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy (L.E.T) for lymphedema

Lymphatic Enhancement Therapy (L.E.T)

A supportive modality that complements the hands-on work, added to a lymphedema plan when your therapist judges it will help.

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Real patient stories

See the relief, in their words.

Real patients from our Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and Joliet clinics, in their own words. Choose a condition to see stories from patients like you.

  • Lymphedema: Lymphedema relief with lymph drainage: Kim's story
  • Lymphedema: Lymphedema after radiation: Joe's story
  • Swelling & Water Retention: Reduce swelling and water retention: Elisavet's story
  • Swelling & Water Retention: Visible results and less swelling: a client review
  • Swelling & Water Retention: Swelling relief: a real client review
  • Swelling & Water Retention: Recovery after serious infections and swollen joints: a patient's journey
  • Post-Surgical & Injury: Results from post-surgical swelling and injury
  • Post-Surgical & Injury: Reduced knee swelling and pain after lymphatic massage
  • Post-Surgical & Injury: Chronic swelling from sports and orthopedic injuries
  • Post-Surgical & Injury: Ankle swelling years after a bicycle injury
  • Pregnancy & Postpartum: Pregnancy swelling relief: a third-time mom's review
  • Lyme Disease: Lyme disease recovery with manual lymph drainage
  • Lyme Disease: Relief from Lyme disease symptoms with lymph drainage
  • Patient review: Audra Brown: a thoughtful, detailed review
  • Patient review: Rebin Roy: a fantastic experience with lymph drainage
  • Patient review: Does lymphatic drainage really work? Real results
  • Patient review: Janice: healing through lymphatic therapy
  • Patient review: Kary G. on Sharon's care
  • Patient review: Anita: ready to dance again after lymphatic drainage
  • Patient review: Michelle P.: lymph drainage relief
  • Patient review: Kathleen Heinz: a soothing, welcoming experience
  • Patient review: Thank you for the glowing five-star review!
Lymphedema

Lymphedema relief with lymph drainage: Kim's story

Lymphedema

Lymphedema after radiation: Joe's story

Related

Reduce swelling and water retention: Elisavet's story

Patient Reviews

What patients tell us

4.8★ across 1,000+ reviews on Google, Yelp & More

The Vogel Method is the only manual lymphatic massage that has decreased my joint swelling and improved my quality of life. I am willing to drive over an hour to see Sharon and team. She keeps my vertigo and joint swelling at bay.

MH

Mary H.

Google · joint swelling & vertigo · May 2026

Browse by Concern

Not sure where to start?
Start with what you notice.

You do not need to know which discipline treats your concern. We figure that out on your first visit.

Conditions & Concerns

Lymphedema

Body & Recovery

Lymphedema

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Body & Recovery

Lymphedema

Persistent swelling from a lymphatic system that cannot drain on its own, managed long term with complete decongestive therapy and manual lymphatic drainage.

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Lipedema

Body & Recovery

Lipedema

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Body & Recovery

Lipedema

A painful, disproportionate fat and swelling condition, eased with specialized drainage and compression as supportive care.

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Post-Surgical Swelling

Body & Recovery

Post-Surgical Swelling

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Body & Recovery

Post-Surgical Swelling

Swelling that lingers after a procedure, moved along with drainage timed to where you are in recovery.

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Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema

Body & Recovery

Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema

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Body & Recovery

Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema

Arm or chest swelling after breast surgery, managed gently and coordinated with your oncology care team.

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Fibrosis After Liposuction

Body & Recovery

Fibrosis After Liposuction

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Body & Recovery

Fibrosis After Liposuction

Hardened, uneven tissue that can form after liposuction, softened over a course of tissue-directed drainage.

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Seroma After Surgery

Body & Recovery

Seroma After Surgery

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Body & Recovery

Seroma After Surgery

A pocket of fluid that collects after surgery, supported alongside your physician's management.

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Start here

Not sure if lymphedema care is right for you?

That is a fair question, and we would rather answer it honestly than book you blindly. Call us, tell us what is going on, and we will say plainly whether this work can help. If it can, we will get you in at the clinic nearest you: Hinsdale, Downers Grove, or Joliet.

FAQ

Lymphedema: Common Questions