Therapy Achievements Named Lymphedema Center of Excellence
For immediate release: October 15, 2020
Huntsville, AL: - We are excited to announce that Therapy Achievements, a local outpatient therapy service provider, was named a Lymphedema Center of Excellence by the Lymphedema Education & Research Network (LE&RN). They are one of only four in the world!
Being a LE&RN Lymphedema Center of Excellence means that Huntsville area lymphedema or lipedema patients have access to evidence based treatment protocols and cutting edge technology. They can more easily access pain relief and overall increased health through Therapy Achievements comprehensive therapy services. Previously, patients living in Huntsville and the surrounding area had to travel to Nashville, Birmingham, or Atlanta to receive the level of care that is now readily available at both Therapy Achievements locations.
Karen Hislop, OTR/L, CLT, Director, says, "In the past, we have had a number of patients who were reluctant to attend therapy because they tried it before saying 'it didn't work'. But in reality, they received services that did not adequately address their unique problems or the therapy they received was missing components. Without a comprehensive therapy approach, results are often not the same. These reluctant patients have been amazed at the results they were able to achieve when all the pieces come together.
As a LE&RN Lymphedema Center of Excellence, Therapy Achievements will address all aspects of treatment from prevention to long-term management. Specific services include multi-layer compression, skincare, exercise, self-care training, obtaining compression garments and devices, finding support groups, connecting with community resources, and completing long-term follow-up checks. The Therapy Achievements team coordinates with other medical specialists in our area to ensure coordination of care for these patients. Additionally, Therapy Achievements provides education to the patient and medical communities about what the standard of lymphedema care is and why it is important.
The Lymphedema services are offered at both Therapy Achievements clinics in Huntsville, the 802 Shoney Dr. location, and the Clearview Cancer Institute location. Appointments are one hour in length, provided in a private treatment setting, and are available weekdays from 8:00a - 6:00p.
About Therapy Achievements
Therapy Achievements, in Huntsville AL, is dedicated to providing excellence in rehabilitation services. We provide outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help people regain access to their community, maximize their independence, and reach their potential. Our therapists have degrees from accredited schools and are licensed by the State of Alabama.
About LE&RN
The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded in 1998 to fight lymphatic diseases and lymphedema through education, research, and advocacy. With chapters throughout the world, LE&RN seeks to accelerate the prevention, treatment, and cure of these diseases while bringing patients and medical professionals together to address the unmet needs surrounding lymphatic diseases, which include lymphedema and lipedema.
About Lymphedema and Lipedema
Lymphedema is swelling due to a build-up of lymph fluid in the body. Some people are born with an inadequate lymph/vein system or have hereditary lymphedema. Other patients develop lymphedema after treatment of cancer or as a result of cardio/vascular issues. Lipedema is a fat disorder that is often accompanied by lymphedema. No matter the cause, treatment is an effective way to decrease pain, reduce the risk of infection, and increase the health of your tissues.