Lymphedema therapy comes to North Country

Kim Gooding

FARMINGTON - Kim Gooding, an occupational therapist for North Country Associates, has recently received her lymphedema certification from Klose Training & Consulting Inc. The certification was composed of 135 hours of study in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, the causes of lymphedema and lymphedema treatment composed of complete decongestive therapy.

Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system resulting in abnormal build up of fluid. The symptoms include feeling heaviness, pain or tightness and/or swelling within any area of the body. Lymphedema can be genetic, due to imperfect development of the lymphatic system or a result of certain conditions including: cancer, trauma (including sprains, whiplash, surgery, hematoma), infection, chronic venous insufficiency and obesity.

The treatment of lymphedema involves complete decongestive therapy which includes the components of manual lymph drainage, bandaging, self care education and exercise program development. These components may be used together or separate and can also be beneficial to individuals who have other conditions such as: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome, scleroderma, fibrocystic breast disease, tinnitus, migraine or sinus headaches, cellulite, and lipedema. Components of lymphedema therapy also promote general relaxation, detoxification/enhanced immune function, pain control and are effective assets to palliative care.

Currently Gooding is accepting patients for lymphedema evaluation and treatment at Orchard Park and Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Centers in Farmington. She has been an employee for North Country Associates for sixteen months and has been practicing occupational therapy for nine years.

In 2003 she graduated magna cum laude from the five and a half year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program from The University of New England in Biddeford Maine. Gooding’s professional experience has included pediatrics, skilled nursing, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, independent living, quad rugby and psychiatric occupational therapy. Although Gooding is a native to southern Maine, she has had the opportunity to practice in the states of Massachusetts, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Maine. Currently Gooding, her husband and four children reside in the mountains of Rangeley.

Gooding is excited to bring the skills of lymphedema therapy to North Country and can be reached at 778-4416 for more information or to schedule an appointment.