ESH Offers Relief Through Local Lymphedema Therapy

Excelsior Springs, Mo. — Excelsior Springs Hospital (ESH) continues to bring specialized therapies to the community. Certified Lymphedema Therapist Natalie Lewis and Occupational Therapy Assistant Amanda Rogers provide compassionate care close to home.

Lewis began her journey into healthcare after earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri, followed by a master’s in occupational therapy from Rockhurst University in 2012. She became a certified Lymphedema Therapist in 2020.

Before coming to Excelsior Springs, Lewis worked at Kansas University Hospital for eight years in the rehabilitation department. She started as a PRN therapist at ESH in 2018, later transitioning to a full-time role in 2021. Since then, she has become the community’s go-to specialist for lymphedema therapy.

Rogers, a therapist in the hospital’s rehabilitation department, is not certified in lymphedema therapy but works closely with Lewis. She assists in treating patients once an initial evaluation and care plan are established.

Lewis explained that lymphedema is caused by abnormalities in the body’s lymphatic system. These issues lead to fluid buildup, most commonly in one arm or leg, though both limbs or other areas of the body can be affected.

“Lymphedema therapy treats swelling in the extremities, prominently the legs, arms, torso, and stomach,” Lewis said. “At ESH, we mostly treat lymphedema in the legs.”

Lewis noted that lymphedema is often a result of cancer treatments that affect the lymph nodes. Other conditions that can lead to lymphedema include chronic venous insufficiency (a disease that affects the veins), cellulitis and other infections, and congestive heart failure.

“For those with congestive heart failure, the heart isn’t able to pull fluid up through the body effectively, and it pools in the legs. This can lead to wounds, which may cause infection and become very dangerous if not treated,” she explained. “It can also significantly affect mobility and be emotionally difficult for people, especially if wounds or sores develop.”

Patients seen at ESH for lymphedema therapy receive a combination of three treatments: compression, manual decongestion, and exercise.

Compression therapy involves using short-stretch bandages, compression stockings, or wraps to reduce swelling and move fluid out of the affected area. Manual decongestion consists of specific hand movements that stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage fluid movement. Targeted exercises are also used to help improve circulation and mobility in the affected areas.

Lewis shared that treatment includes two phases: a reduction phase to minimize swelling, followed by a maintenance phase to help prevent future flare-ups. “The goal is to help patients manage lymphedema, prevent infections, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life,” she said.

To begin treatment, patients should start with a visit to their primary care doctor, who will evaluate their condition and determine if therapy is needed.

One patient, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude for the care received:
“I was in Excelsior Springs Hospital two years ago and started receiving lymphedema services. I could hardly walk at the time. I feel I have come a long way in the last two years with the help of Lewis and the services offered for lymphedema through the hospital. She has gone above and beyond to help me get through some rough patches. I highly recommend their services.”

Lewis said she enjoys working in the Excelsior Springs community, which reminds her of her hometown of Chillicothe, Missouri. She added that working closely with her patients—and feeling supported by her team, including Rogers—makes the job especially rewarding.

“My co-workers are very supportive, and I get to know my patients,” Lewis said. “We see a lot of the same people, and we don’t just get to know them—we also learn about their families, their lives, what their careers were, and even the history of Excelsior Springs.”