What is the Relationship Between Pregnancy and Lymphedema?

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About the speaker: Dr. Shelley DiCecco, PT, PhD, CLT-LANA Dr. DiCecco founded LymphEd in 2017 as part of Casley-Smith International. She completed her physical therapy degree in January of 2000. In the same year, she became a Woman's Health Specialist for Pelvic Floor Disorders. Recognizing the importance of addressing lymphedema (LE), she further pursued her education and became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist in 2001. Dr. DiCecco received her PhD from Texas Woman's University in the Philosophy of Physical Therapy in 2012. Her research involved treatment techniques for females with genital LE with or without lower extremity involvement. Throughout her career, Dr. DiCecco has actively contributed to the professional community through her involvement in continuing education courses, conferences, seminars, and community events. Her expertise in LE, pelvic floor disorders, and other orthopedic conditions has allowed her to present her findings and insights at various national and international platforms. Dr. DiCecco's commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing the field is evident in her contributions to publications and books on LE and pelvic floor disorders. Dr. DiCecco currently serves as the Director of the LE and pelvic floor service lines for the Sports Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in treating people living with genital, pediatric, or complicated LE. Dr. DiCecco is also full-time faculty as an Assistant Professor at Georgia's Campus for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Physical Therapy Department. Dr. DiCecco's research focus is lymphatics and LE. Her current research topics include pediatric LE, genital LE, and cadaver studies. As a testament to her commitment to professional growth and collaboration, Dr. DiCecco holds membership in several esteemed organizations. These include the American Physical Therapy Association, where she actively participates in the Oncology, Pelvic Health, and Education Sections. Furthermore, she is affiliated with the Lymphology Association of North America, the National Lymphedema Network, the International Lymphoedema Framework, and the Casley-Smith International Group, where she serves as the president. Ria Lewis-Strange BSc (Hons) Ria graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy from Cardiff University in 2006 and is trained as a Casley-Smith Lymphoedema Therapist with thirteen years of experience. Ria is a passionate and committed physiotherapist working as a National Cellulitis Specialist within Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network, UK. Her role involves working as part of an innovative team managing patients with a history of cellulitis across seven Welsh health boards, covering a population of 3.1 million people. With an enthusiasm for health promotion and education, Ria is dedicated to developing and implementing evidence-based practice with an emphasis on patient-focused, value-based care. Ria has presented at conferences nationally and strives to develop her role with care and compassion. With experience in managing patients with pregnancy-related LE, Ria is motivated to contribute to the development of knowledge and practice in this field. Diana Mehrez, BSc, BN Diana is a dedicated Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist and Clinical Lead for the LE service in Cardiff and Vale with a passion for improving patient care and their value-based outcomes. She obtained her nursing degree from Cardiff University in 2012, where she nursed in burns, plastics, intensive care, and became a lymphoedema nurse specialist in 2016. With a foundation including a degree in Pharmacology from Cardiff University and International Aid Work, Diana brings a blend of skills and compassion to her role, helping patients manage their LE with confidence and dignity. As a committed leader to ongoing professional development, education, and innovation, Diana strives to ensure the highest standards of care delivery within her service while actively contributing to the advancement of LE treatment and education initiatives. Diana has personal experience of pregnancy-related LE and recognizes that there is a need to better understand the potential impacts of lymphatic dysfunction during pregnancy and further develop effective evidence-based management strategies for all pregnant individuals.