All Physical Therapy services are led by Michael Sharr, PT, DPT, CLT, a practitioner with 32 years experience including clinical concentrations in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spine Care, Industrial Rehab, Amputee Care, Wound Care, Geriatrics, Neuro and Lymphedema Management. Mike earned his Masters in Physical Therapy in 1984 through The US ARMY/Baylor University Program in Texas and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Slippery Rock University. Mike has practiced in a wide variety of clinical settings: Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Tuckahoe Orthopedics/Sports Medicine in Richmond, VA, Outpatient Rehab Supervisor at Horizon/Greenville, Director of Rehabilitation at St. Francis of New Castle, Grove City Medical Center, Countryside Convalescent Home in Mercer, Trinity Living Center in Grove City, the Ridgewood at Shenago Valley, and St. Paul’s Homes in Greenville. Mike also served on faculty as Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Slippery Rock University.
Lymphedema Therapy
iXL Rehab and Fitness Center has a comprehensive Certified Lymphedema Program - one of only 12 in the state of Pennsylvania. We take great pride in helping people who suffer with this serious condition and in providing the level of care physicians want for their patients. Our founder, Mike Sharr has over 25 years experience inclusive of Lymphedema Therapist Certification (CLT) via The Academy of Lymphatic Studies. His training in lymphedema care (Complete Decongestive Therapy) complies with the standard for practitioner training as set forth by the Lymphology Association of North America (visit the website at: http://www.lymphnet.org/).
We are the only certified Lymphedema Treatment Center in the Lawrence/Mercer County area. We also have an arrangement for on-site DME services for certified measurement for compression garments and bandage supplies. This means patients will have"one stop" convenience for all lymphedema care services.
The solution to successful lymphedema management must include emotional peer support combined with professional expertise. We also offer educational programs to area Breast Cancer Support Groups about lymphedema prevention and treatment. Ongoing support for the patient is vital because lymphedema is a chronic condition that must be continually managed. At iXL Rehab and Fitness Center, we will combine all of our resources to work as a team with you to achieve the BEST in sustained treatment outcomes. That means rapid recovery and continued wellness for our patients.
We are the only certified Lymphedema Treatment Center in the Lawrence/Mercer County area. We also have an arrangement for on-site DME services for certified measurement for compression garments and bandage supplies. This means patients will have"one stop" convenience for all lymphedema care services.
The solution to successful lymphedema management must include emotional peer support combined with professional expertise. We also offer educational programs to area Breast Cancer Support Groups about lymphedema prevention and treatment. Ongoing support for the patient is vital because lymphedema is a chronic condition that must be continually managed. At iXL Rehab and Fitness Center, we will combine all of our resources to work as a team with you to achieve the BEST in sustained treatment outcomes. That means rapid recovery and continued wellness for our patients.
About Lymphedema
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed. When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen availability in the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in lymphangitis (infection). Lymphedema should not be confused with edema resulting from venous insufficiency, which is not lymph-edema. However, untreated venous insufficiency can progress into a combined venous/lymphatic disorder which is treated in the same way as lymphedema.
What Causes Lymphedema?
Primary lymphedema, which can affect from one to as many as four limbs and/or other parts of the body, can be present at birth, develop at the onset of puberty or in adulthood, either from unknown causes, or associated with vascular anomalies such as hemangioma, lymphangioma, Port Wine Stain, or Klippel Trenaury.
Secondary lymphedema, or acquired lymphedema, can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. Specific surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. If lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema can develop immediately post-operatively, or weeks, months, even years later. It can also develop when chemotherapy is administered to the already affected area or after repeated aspirations of a seroma (a pocket of fluid which occurs commonly post-operatively) in the axilla, around the breast incision, or groin area. This often causes infection and, subsequently, lymphedema. Aircraft flight has also been linked to the onset of lymphedema in patient’s post-cancer surgery.
Another cause of lower extremity lymphedema is that resulting from the use of Tamoxifen. This medication can cause blood clots and subsequent deep venous thrombosis. Radiation therapy, used in the treatment of various cancers and some AIDS-related diseases can damage otherwise healthy lymph nodes and vessels, causing scar tissue to form which interrupts the normal flow of the lymphatic fluid.
Radiation can also cause skin dermatitis or a burn similar to sunburn. It is important to closely monitor the radiated area for any skin changes, such as increased temperature, discoloration or blistering which can lead into the development of lymphedema.
Lymphedema can develop secondary to lymphangitis which interrupts normal lymphatic pathway function. A severe traumatic injury in which the lymphatic system is interrupted and/or damaged in any way may also trigger the onset of lymphedema. Although extremely rare in developed countries, there is a form of lymphedema called Filariasis which affects as many as 200 million people worldwide. When the filarial larvae from a mosquito bite enters the lymphatic system, these larvae mature into adult worms in the peripheral lymphatic channels, causing severe lymphedema in the arms, legs and genitalia (also known as Elephantiasis).
Symptoms of Lymphedema :
Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. Lymphedema develops in a number of stages, from mild to severe, referred to as Stage 1, 2 and 3:
Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible): Tissue is still at the "pitting" stage, which means that when pressed by fingertips, the area indents and holds the indentation. Usually, upon waking in the morning, the limb(s) or affected area is normal or almost normal size.
Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible): The tissue now has a spongy consistency and is "non-pitting," meaning that when pressed by fingertips, the tissue bounces back without any indentation forming). Fibrosis found in Stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size.
Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis): At this stage the swelling is irreversible and usually the limb(s) is/are very large. The tissue is hard (fibrotic) and unresponsive; some patients consider undergoing reconstructive surgery called "debulking" at this stage. When lymphedema remains untreated, protein-rich fluid continues to accumulate, leading to an increase of swelling and a hardening or fibrosis of the tissue. In this state, the swollen limb(s) becomes a perfect culture medium for bacteria and subsequent recurrent lymphangitis (infections). Moreover, untreated lymphedema can lead into a decrease or loss of functioning of the limb(s), skin breakdown, chronic infections and, sometimes, irreversible complications. In the most severe cases, untreated lymphedema can develop into a rare form of lymphatic cancer called Lymphangiosarcoma (most often in secondary lymphedema).
Lymphangitis (Infection) Signs and symptoms of lymphangitis (infection) may include some or all of the following: rash, red blotchy skin, itching of the affected area, discoloration, increase of swelling and/or temperature of the skin, heavy sensation in the limb (more so than usual), pain, and in many cases a sudden onset of high fever and chills.
Treatment for infections: immediately discontinue ALL current lymphedema treatment modalities (including manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, pumps, wearing of compression garments) and prescribe antibiotics. The antibiotics of choice for these types of lymphatic infections are those in the penicillin family. Treatments for Lymphedema Planning the treatment program depends on the cause of the lymphedema. For example: If the initial signs and symptoms of swelling are caused by infection (redness, rash, heat, blister or pain may indicate an infection), antibiotics will first need to be prescribed. Treating an infection often reduces some of the swelling and discoloration. If the lymphedema is not caused by infection: Depending on the severity of the lymphedema, the recommended treatment plan should be determined using an approach based on the Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) methods which consist of: a) manual lymphatic drainage; b) bandaging; c) proper skin care & diet; d) compression garments (sleeves, stockings, devices such as Reid Sleeve, CircAid, Tribute, as well as other alternative approaches); e) remedial exercises; f) self-manual lymphatic drainage & bandaging, if instruction is available; g) continue to follow prophylactic methods at all times.
iXL has a comprehensive Certified Lymphedema Program. Mike Sharr has over 20 years experience inclusive of Lymphedema Therapist Certification (CLT) via The Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Both Mike and Dianne Sharr's training in lymphedema care (Complete Decongestive Therapy) complies with the standard for practitioner training as set forth by the Lymphology Association of North America (visit the website at: www.lymphnet.org). We are the only certified Lymphedema Treatment Center in the Lawrence/Mercer County area. We also have an arrangement for on-site DME services for certified measurement for compression garments and bandage supplies. This means our patients will have "one-stop" convenience for all lymphedema care services. The solution to successful lymphedema management must include emotional peer support combined with professional expertise. We also offer educational programs to area Breast Cancer Support Groups about lymphedema prevention and treatment. Ongoing support for your patient is vital because lymphedema is a chronic condition that must be continually managed. At iXL we will combine all of our resources to work as a team with you to achieve the BEST in sustained treatment outcomes. That means rapid recovery and continued wellness for our patients.
Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed. When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen availability in the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in lymphangitis (infection). Lymphedema should not be confused with edema resulting from venous insufficiency, which is not lymph-edema. However, untreated venous insufficiency can progress into a combined venous/lymphatic disorder which is treated in the same way as lymphedema.
What Causes Lymphedema?
Primary lymphedema, which can affect from one to as many as four limbs and/or other parts of the body, can be present at birth, develop at the onset of puberty or in adulthood, either from unknown causes, or associated with vascular anomalies such as hemangioma, lymphangioma, Port Wine Stain, or Klippel Trenaury.
Secondary lymphedema, or acquired lymphedema, can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. Specific surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. If lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema can develop immediately post-operatively, or weeks, months, even years later. It can also develop when chemotherapy is administered to the already affected area or after repeated aspirations of a seroma (a pocket of fluid which occurs commonly post-operatively) in the axilla, around the breast incision, or groin area. This often causes infection and, subsequently, lymphedema. Aircraft flight has also been linked to the onset of lymphedema in patient’s post-cancer surgery.
Another cause of lower extremity lymphedema is that resulting from the use of Tamoxifen. This medication can cause blood clots and subsequent deep venous thrombosis. Radiation therapy, used in the treatment of various cancers and some AIDS-related diseases can damage otherwise healthy lymph nodes and vessels, causing scar tissue to form which interrupts the normal flow of the lymphatic fluid.
Radiation can also cause skin dermatitis or a burn similar to sunburn. It is important to closely monitor the radiated area for any skin changes, such as increased temperature, discoloration or blistering which can lead into the development of lymphedema.
Lymphedema can develop secondary to lymphangitis which interrupts normal lymphatic pathway function. A severe traumatic injury in which the lymphatic system is interrupted and/or damaged in any way may also trigger the onset of lymphedema. Although extremely rare in developed countries, there is a form of lymphedema called Filariasis which affects as many as 200 million people worldwide. When the filarial larvae from a mosquito bite enters the lymphatic system, these larvae mature into adult worms in the peripheral lymphatic channels, causing severe lymphedema in the arms, legs and genitalia (also known as Elephantiasis).
Symptoms of Lymphedema :
Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. Lymphedema develops in a number of stages, from mild to severe, referred to as Stage 1, 2 and 3:
Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible): Tissue is still at the "pitting" stage, which means that when pressed by fingertips, the area indents and holds the indentation. Usually, upon waking in the morning, the limb(s) or affected area is normal or almost normal size.
Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible): The tissue now has a spongy consistency and is "non-pitting," meaning that when pressed by fingertips, the tissue bounces back without any indentation forming). Fibrosis found in Stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size.
Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis): At this stage the swelling is irreversible and usually the limb(s) is/are very large. The tissue is hard (fibrotic) and unresponsive; some patients consider undergoing reconstructive surgery called "debulking" at this stage. When lymphedema remains untreated, protein-rich fluid continues to accumulate, leading to an increase of swelling and a hardening or fibrosis of the tissue. In this state, the swollen limb(s) becomes a perfect culture medium for bacteria and subsequent recurrent lymphangitis (infections). Moreover, untreated lymphedema can lead into a decrease or loss of functioning of the limb(s), skin breakdown, chronic infections and, sometimes, irreversible complications. In the most severe cases, untreated lymphedema can develop into a rare form of lymphatic cancer called Lymphangiosarcoma (most often in secondary lymphedema).
Lymphangitis (Infection) Signs and symptoms of lymphangitis (infection) may include some or all of the following: rash, red blotchy skin, itching of the affected area, discoloration, increase of swelling and/or temperature of the skin, heavy sensation in the limb (more so than usual), pain, and in many cases a sudden onset of high fever and chills.
Treatment for infections: immediately discontinue ALL current lymphedema treatment modalities (including manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, pumps, wearing of compression garments) and prescribe antibiotics. The antibiotics of choice for these types of lymphatic infections are those in the penicillin family. Treatments for Lymphedema Planning the treatment program depends on the cause of the lymphedema. For example: If the initial signs and symptoms of swelling are caused by infection (redness, rash, heat, blister or pain may indicate an infection), antibiotics will first need to be prescribed. Treating an infection often reduces some of the swelling and discoloration. If the lymphedema is not caused by infection: Depending on the severity of the lymphedema, the recommended treatment plan should be determined using an approach based on the Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) methods which consist of: a) manual lymphatic drainage; b) bandaging; c) proper skin care & diet; d) compression garments (sleeves, stockings, devices such as Reid Sleeve, CircAid, Tribute, as well as other alternative approaches); e) remedial exercises; f) self-manual lymphatic drainage & bandaging, if instruction is available; g) continue to follow prophylactic methods at all times.
iXL has a comprehensive Certified Lymphedema Program. Mike Sharr has over 20 years experience inclusive of Lymphedema Therapist Certification (CLT) via The Academy of Lymphatic Studies. Both Mike and Dianne Sharr's training in lymphedema care (Complete Decongestive Therapy) complies with the standard for practitioner training as set forth by the Lymphology Association of North America (visit the website at: www.lymphnet.org). We are the only certified Lymphedema Treatment Center in the Lawrence/Mercer County area. We also have an arrangement for on-site DME services for certified measurement for compression garments and bandage supplies. This means our patients will have "one-stop" convenience for all lymphedema care services. The solution to successful lymphedema management must include emotional peer support combined with professional expertise. We also offer educational programs to area Breast Cancer Support Groups about lymphedema prevention and treatment. Ongoing support for your patient is vital because lymphedema is a chronic condition that must be continually managed. At iXL we will combine all of our resources to work as a team with you to achieve the BEST in sustained treatment outcomes. That means rapid recovery and continued wellness for our patients.
Please call 724-662-1776 to schedule!
Affiliations
- •Aetna
- •American Fitness & Aerobic Association
- •American Society of Hand Therapists
- •Aquatic Exercise Association
- •Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- •Blue Card PPO
- •Cigna
- •Classic Blue
- •Commercial Insurances
- •Community Blue
- •Complete Care
- •Coventry Health Plan
- •Devon Health Services
- •Direct Blue
- •First Health Network
- •Freedom Blue
- •Gateway
- •Grove City Medical Center
- •Grove City Medical Center Home Health
- •Health America/Health Assurance
- •Highmark Casuality
- •Highmark Network
- •Humana
- •Inter Group
- •Keystone West
- •Medicaid
- •Medicare
- •Med Plus
- •Med Risk
- •Smart Comp
- •National Lymphedema Network
- •National Strength and Conditioning Association
- •Ohio Bureau of Worker's Comp
- •Oxford
- •PA Worker's Comp
- •PEBTF
- •Physiolink
- •PPO Blue
- •Preferred Blue
- •Security 65
- •Security Blue
- •Select Blue
- •Special Care
- •Three Rivers
- •Tri Care
- •TRCIL
- •Unison Advantage
- •United Health Care
- •UPMC Vantage
- •Vantage
- •Workwell