For Barbara Contardo, therapy from Certified Lymphedema Therapists Diane Brown and Leah Taylor has meant regaining control of her life.

Contardo first visited Brown, a therapist at LincolnHealth Hospital, after a bad car accident about four years ago left one side of her body swollen and black. Through gentle massage and a variety of therapies, Brown was able to resolve the swelling and help Contardo get back to normal.

And then about a year ago, Contardo began experiencing symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency which caused a skin infection on the back of her legs. The problem became so severe that she was hospitalized for a week and spent another month in rehabilitation.

After she was discharged, she again began therapy with both Brown and Taylor. Twice, Taylor and Brown were able to spot infections at an early stage and help Contardo avoid more serious problems that could have resulted in hospitalization.

But just as important for Contardo, was the feeling that she was regaining her independence.

After several months of therapy, Contardo said her life feels under control again and she can look forward to doing the things she loves, like exercising more, getting back on the ski slopes and traveling.

Therapy is a way of “controlling your fate,” Contardo said. “There is always a step forward (after each session) in terms of how I feel about my future.”

Brown and Taylor will discuss therapy for lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency at the Spectrum Generations Lunch and Learn January 29 in Damariscotta from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are required. Please call 563-1363 for more information and for reservations.

Lymphedema therapy is effective for both lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. Lymphedema can be a result of trauma to the lymphatic system or surgery.

Chronic venous insufficiency is often the result of damaged valves in the veins. That causes blood to pool in the legs and can result in swelling, discomfort, skin damage and leg ulcers. While neither condition is reversible, therapy can greatly reduce both swelling and the risk of infection and improve quality of life.

As part of therapy, Brown and Taylor work with every patient to help them learn how to control the condition on their own, including helping them choose from several different types of specialized garments that help control symptoms.

Lymphedema therapy is available both in LincolnHealth Campuses in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor and also at home through Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice. For more information, please call 207-633-1928 in Boothbay Harbor or 207-563-4518 in Damariscotta.