The Rehabilitation Center of Penn Highlands Healthcare Adds Lymphedema Services in State College

Penn Highlands Healthcare is pleased to announce that The Rehabilitation Center in State College has added lymphedema management services for people whose lymphatic system is not able to drain properly.

Karolyn Jenkins, PT, CLT, who provides outpatient therapy at The Rehabilitation Center in State College and Huntingdon, recently received her lymphedema certification which enhances the services at both locations.

Lymphedema occurs when an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that is usually drained through the body's lymphatic system causes tissue to swell. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals. Ms. Jenkins focuses on therapeutic interventions to reduce the swelling and prevent complications. She uses many different techniques and devices including exercises; manual lymph drainage; compression bandages; compression garments; and sequential pneumatic compression to help bring relief and healing.

“It is very important to seek therapy for lymphedema,” said John Leytham, Director of Rehabilitation at Penn Highlands Huntingdon. “If left untreated, lymphedema can cause severe discomfort and life-threatening infections. Our lymphedema management services, which help reduce the swelling, by providing helpful patient education and exercises, lead to an improved quality of life.”

The Rehabilitation Center in State College offers outpatient physical therapy to individuals of all ages in Central Pennsylvania. Penn Highlands Healthcare prides itself on providing quality rehabilitation services that help people recover from illness, injury or surgery in an outpatient setting. The Rehabilitation Center is located at 611 University Drive in State College.

To learn more about Penn Highlands Healthcare’s Rehabilitation Services in State College, visit www.phhealthcare.org/rehab or call 814-699-9700.