Comprehensive Lymphedema Resources: Accessing Exercises and Education for Patients with MedBridge

When we hear from clinicians, they tell us that the patient engagement resources they have access to don’t always include patients with lymphedema, which makes it harder for patients to relate to the material. To address this feedback, we created more than 60 exercises and patient education resources for patients that have lymphedema in their lower extremities, upper extremities, or head and neck.

This more inclusive offering showcases people with lymphedema completing updated exercises and activities to manage their condition. In addition, it provides resources on highly requested topics such as bandaging techniques, up-to-date Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) techniques, and lifestyle strategies patients can use to effectively control their symptoms and live well.

In this article, we’ll show you how to find this new lymphedema content and suggest programs you can build for your patients. 

Finding Lymphedema Resources in the MedBridge HEP Builder

Physical therapists and occupational therapists can find both exercises and education in the MedBridge HEP Builder.

To find exercises,

1. Navigate to the HEP Builder by selecting Patient Engagement, then select Home Exercise Program.
2. With the List filter selected, select Specialty.
3. In the Specialty menu scroll down and select Lymphedema. 
4. In the Lymphedema category, you can further narrow results by selecting Upper Extremity,  Lower Extremity, or Head and Neck. Available exercises will appear in the center of the screen. You can sort these by most recent, most sent, and more. 
5. Select the Add Button to add a resource to your program, or drag and drop it into the program builder on the right side.

To find education,

1. Navigate to the HEP Builder by selecting Patient Engagement, then select Home Exercise Program.
2. Select the Patient Education tab at the center of the screen.
3. Select the Edema Management filter on the left slide, then select Lymphedema.
4. Available exercises will appear in the center of the screen. You can sort these by most recent, most sent, and more. 
5. Select the Add Button to add a resource to your program, or drag and drop it into the program builder on the right side. 

Building Home Programs for Lymphedema Patients

A clinician can create programs that combine exercises and education to provide to their patient. For example, a clinician can create a program with MLD techniques with education about why MLD is important, along with other education about the nature of lymphedema and lifestyle factors that can help control lymphedema. 

MedBridge is always collecting feedback from our clinician and organization partners, and this package of resources was created based on that feedback. We’re always always updating and expanding our library based on our clients needs so we can help them better support their patients and provide a more holistic HEP Builder. 

If you don’t have access to the MedBridge HEP Builder, it’s easy to gain access. If you're already a MedBridge subscriber, you can upgrade today. If you're not a subscriber, learn how you can join the thousands of clinicians already using MedBridge.