Lymphatic Care / Lymphedema
Lymphedema therapy that gives you control again.
Persistent swelling can feel overwhelming — but it is manageable with the right plan. As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Dr. Carolyn Baek combines gold-standard treatment with the practical support that makes day-to-day life easier.
You’re not managing this alone
Lymphedema is a long-term condition, not a one-time problem — and you shouldn’t have to coordinate it by yourself. We handle the treatment, the compression, and the paperwork, and we teach you to manage confidently at home.
Our approach: Complete Decongestive Therapy
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for lymphedema. It has two phases — an intensive reduction phase and an ongoing maintenance phase — and includes:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) — gentle, hands-on techniques that reroute trapped fluid
- Compression bandaging to reduce and then control swelling
- Decongestive exercise to use your muscles as a natural pump
- Skin care to lower infection risk
Compression garment fitting & concierge support
The right garment is what holds your progress in place. We measure and fit compression garments, recommend the right options, and help with ordering — plus concierge support with paperwork, compression pumps, and supplies so you’re not navigating vendors alone.
Conditions & situations we treat
Breast-cancer-related lymphedema
Arm, chest, and trunk swelling after lymph node surgery or radiation, plus axillary and breast cording.
Post-surgical swelling
Swelling that lingers after orthopedic, vascular, or cosmetic procedures.
Primary lymphedema
Swelling from a lymphatic system that didn’t develop typically.
Cording & tissue restriction
Axillary web syndrome and myofascial tightness that limit motion.
Head & neck lymphedema
Head and neck lymphedema — swelling of the face, neck, or under the chin after head and neck cancer surgery or radiation — needs specialized care. Dr. Baek holds a specialization in the management of head and neck lymphedema, using gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage, targeted exercises, and self-care training to reduce swelling and ease tension that can affect comfort, speech, and swallowing.
Hands-on & adjunct techniques
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Myofascial release
- Axillary and breast cording treatment
- Low-level laser therapy where appropriate
- Exercise and movement programs tailored to you
Education & long-term self-management
The goal is independence. You’ll learn self-MLD, skin and garment care, and flare-prevention strategies so you can keep swelling under control between visits.
Maintenance, prevention & follow-up
Once swelling is controlled, we shift to maintenance — quarterly check-ins or remote follow-up where appropriate, garment reassessment over time, and a plan to prevent flare-ups.
What to expect on your first visit
A thorough evaluation and measurements, a clear explanation of your situation, and the start of a personalized plan — all one-on-one with Dr. Baek.
Patient stories
Real progress, real support
Read verified patient reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Lymphedema FAQs
Is lymphedema curable, and how long will I need care?
It’s managed rather than cured. We reduce swelling first, then move to a maintenance phase with a home program and periodic check-ins.
Do you measure and fit compression garments?
Yes — measuring, fitting, ordering help, and concierge support with paperwork, pumps, and supplies.
Can you help after cancer treatment?
Yes — breast-cancer-related lymphedema and cording are a core focus. See Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.
Do you treat head and neck lymphedema?
Yes — Dr. Baek has a specialization in head and neck lymphedema, common after head and neck cancer treatment. Care uses gentle MLD, targeted exercises, and self-management.
Is MLD here different from a spa massage?
Yes — this is medical treatment from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, part of a complete plan.
Related reading
Take the first step toward less swelling
Request a lymphedema consultation — we usually respond within 24 hours.