Olympic Medical Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation’s Jennifer Weicher, MA, CCC-SLP, recently completed an advanced training course in head and neck lymphedema therapy through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy.

Weicher, a speech language pathologist, has been with Olympic Medical since July 2006. She works with patients requiring speech therapy for Parkinson’s disease, augmentative and alternative communication, dysphagia management, stroke rehabilitation and now head and neck lymphedema.

Lymphedema — also called lymphatic obstruction — is swelling that generally occurs in a person’s arms or legs, but also can occur in other areas of the body, including the neck. It is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to a person’s lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment. This can lead to a blockage in the lymphatic system, which prevents lymph fluid from draining well. The resulting fluid buildup leads to swelling.

Weicher’s expertise further complements the lymphedema therapy offered by physical therapist Karen Rushby, who works in the Olympic Medical Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Port Angeles clinic.

Weicher treats adult and pediatric patients.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Olympic Medical Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at 582-2601.