Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT) assess you for lymphedema and fit you for compression garments. 

This might seem like a weird cancer truth. It is even weirder that who should treat this condition seems to be glossed over in the research and in guidance provided by doctors. One of the reasons for this is that nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and licensed massage therapists are all eligible to qualify as a CLT. However, licensed massage therapists operating outside of medical facilities will not take insurance. There is a shortage of CLT practitioners in the United States. This can mean long lead times to get an appointment with a specialist.

CLTs are the gold standard in lymphedema treatment. If you are referred to physical therapy, you want to know that your therapist is experienced in managing your cancer related lymphedema. It is ok to ask about their lymphedema training and how long they have been doing that work.

You also should not have to pay a fortune for screening and garment fitting. If you are being treated for an acute swelling and seeing a provider daily to get swelling under control, this may be more costly. However, if you are being screened or fitted for a new or replacement garment that cost should not be more than you would pay for an hour with a massage therapist. This is not a service that insurance should be billed hundreds of dollars for.

If you need help finding a CLT the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy has a directory of their certified practitioners. Do you need help finding a CLT?

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