Lymphedema: Education and Treatment of Oncology Related Lymphedema

In this presentation we will discuss the basics of the lymph system and what lymphedema is. We will explore risk reduction techniques for preventing lymphedema and how cancer treatment affects such risk, and what the gold standard treatment for lymphedema entails.

Speaker:

DR. MICHELLE FARIS

VITA Physical Therapy and Wellness

Michelle received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Ithaca College in New York state. After moving to Colorado in 2013 she was trained by the Pelvic Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in pelvic floor therapy to treat both the male and female population. She has spent the last several years working in the oncology rehab setting and was trained as a STAR (Survivorship Training and Rehab) rehab oncology provider in 2014. She completed her Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) certification by KLOSE training in 2014. And then board certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) in 2018. She also has additional training in more specialized modalities such as Visceral Mobilization, Myofascial Release, Cupping, and Biofeedback. After over ten years of women's health experience Michelle then opened a small private practice called Vita Physical Therapy and Wellness.

Michelle feels strongly that empowering her patients with knowledge about how their bodies work is an integral part of healing. Especially surrounding a topic that we don't typically get much information about. She believes that our bodies are powerful and intuitive, they know what they need, and they have an incredible ability to heal when given the proper tools and guidance. Outside of the clinic, you can find her playing outside with her husband and dogs, practicing yoga or trying new recipes in the kitchen.