Lymphedema Specialist AZ in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Arizona
If you are looking for lymphedema specialist AZ, specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Mayo Clinic in Arizona help restore movement and function to people disabled by diseases or injury.
PM&R physicians (physiatrists – pronounced fizz ee at’ trists) provide compassionate rehabilitation care that considers the unique needs, abilities and objectives of each patient. Physiatrists work closely with a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation professionals. Your PM&R team may offer treatment options including physical modalities such as heat or ice, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise to improve function.
PM&R staff provides many patient education opportunities to help you understand your medical condition and rehabilitative care.
The department provides both inpatient care at Mayo Clinic Hospital and outpatient care. Among special services offered by the department are:
- Sports medicine clinic
- Treatment of movement problems and other nervous system conditions
- Rehabilitation following trauma or surgery
- Acupuncture
Services at Lymphedema Specialist AZ
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
Treatment is available 365 days a year at Mayo Clinic Hospital, as well as consults for transfers from other hospitals. Primary treatment reasons include:
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, non-traumatic myelopathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome)
- Complex postoperative rehabilitation for orthopedic procedures (joint replacement, etc.)
Consultative services
PM&R staff provide evaluations, diagnoses and compassionate care for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Spinal disorders (e.g., spinal stenosis, radiculopathies). Can also involve referral to Neurosurgery or the Pain Clinic.
- Musculoskeletal disorders, including:
- Sports injuries—includes golf rehabilitation
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease). Can also involve consultations with neurological and neurosurgical specialty clinics.
- Amputations
Therapy services
Therapy services are available at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix and Mayo Arrowhead Family Medicine. We offer the following special services:
- Certified hand therapists
- Certified vestibular specialists
- Certified lymphedema specialists
- Certified geriatric specialists
- Bowel and bladder rehabilitation
- Allen cognitive assessments
- Runners’ evaluations/sports rehabilitation
- Certified orthopedic specialists
Diagnosis
A thorough physical examination, appropriate imaging studies, and other tests allow Mayo Clinic doctors to determine the cause of the swelling. Scans and tests that may be used to diagnose what is causing lymphedema include:
Physical examination — The physical examination by the doctor will include a detailed medical history of the patient, skin inspection, and, when appropriate, baseline measurements of the arm or leg.
Basic laboratory tests — Blood tests ordered by the physician may include measurements that evaluate how well the kidney, liver, and thyroid are working.
Lymphoscintigraphy — This test uses a radionuclide dye to look at the flow of lymphatic fluid in your limbs. The dye is injected under the skin and then scanned at several time intervals to assess how fluids travel in the lymphatic system and lymph nodes. This test is available in Rochester.
Vascular ultrasound — In vascular ultrasound, very high-frequency sound waves produce images of the blood vessels. The physician examines these images to find acute or chronic obstructions.
Echocardiogram — An echocardiogram provides the physician with information about the heart without using surgery or X-rays. Echocardiography uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of the heart. An echocardiogram helps determine the size of the heart, how the heart valves are working and how well the heart is pumping. An echocardiogram is usually done to detect heart or blood vessel problems such as heart attack, leaking valves, weakened heart, heart defects, blood clots and other normal or abnormal conditions. A transthoracic echocardiogram is the standard way to perform the test. An ultrasound probe is placed on the chest, and the heart is scanned from various angles.
CT scan — Computed tomography (CT) produces images of the body in cross sections, allowing a more detailed view.
MRI scan — A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan gives the doctor a better look at the body’s tissues. An MRI can show characteristics of lymphedema.
