Lymphedema Therapy

Sheleene Charf, CLT, OTR/L

Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist
Services Contracted at AMH through MSM Enterprises
For an appointment, call (office) 402.887.6203 or (Sheleene's cell) 402.340.9099

Education
Undergraduate: USD, Creighton
Graduate: Vȧrdhӧgskolan, Lund Sweden

Society memberships:
AOTA
NBCOTA

Certifications:
Lymphedema

About Lymphedema:

Lymphedema is the stagnation of lymph fluid which results in a portion of the body, usually the arms and legs. Lymphedema is associated with some type of malfunction of the lymphatic system, resulting in an obstruction of venous and lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes.

Lymphedema is a progressive condition. If untreated, if results in an abnormal amount of protein fluid collecting in the tissues of one or more extremities. The stagnation causes tissue channels to increase in size while reducing oxygen through the transport system. However, lymphatic massage goes far in reversing lymphatic congestion in extremities over time.

Common causes of lymphedema include:
Surgery
Injury
Venous insufficiency
Cancer treatment.

About Lymphedema Therapy:

The lymphedema therapist uses very light pressure to stimulate the lymph vessels that lie just beneath the skin. These vessels are small and thin. Firm pressure in any one area can actually shuts them down momentarily, so the gentleness of the pressure is essential. This important technique moves lymph fluid out of the congested area and back into circulation in the center of the body.

The direction and order of lymphedema therapy is as important as the gentle stroke. First, the areas of the body where lymph nodes are concentrated (neck, axilla or groin) are stimulated in order to ready them to receive more fluid. Then the therapist begins, close to the nodes, moving fluid toward them with slow and rhythmic strokes. The massage continues with the therapist's hands moving farther away from the cleared nodes by degrees, but always directing the fluid back toward them.

Biography:
Originally from Neligh, Sheleene currently resides in Chambers. She has three children and one grandson. She owns her own therapy practice in O'Neill. She enjoys the outdoors, camping and music.

Sheleene's services at AMH include lymphedema therapy and occupational therapy. (Click here for AMH's Occupational Therapy page.)