Free to be You Therapies - Helping You Achieve Your Goals

 Restoring Function. Rebuilding Confidence. Improving Quality of Life.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Matt Ban provides highly specialized occupational therapy services for individuals navigating complex medical conditions affecting the face, head, neck, lymphatic system, and nervous system.

Healing is possible. Progress is measurable. Quality of life can be restored.

 Head and Neck Lymphedema is a common yet often underrecognized condition that can occur following cancer treatment, surgery, radiation therapy, trauma, or disruption of the lymphatic system in the head and neck region. These treatments, while life-saving, can alter lymphatic pathways and lead to swelling, tissue changes, and functional limitations affecting breathing, swallowing, speech, facial expression, and overall quality of life.

Clinical research has increasingly demonstrated that early identification and specialized therapy significantly improve outcomes for individuals living with head and neck lymphedema. Evidence-based rehabilitation approaches can reduce swelling, improve tissue mobility, restore functional movement, and support long-term symptom management.

As an Occupational Therapist trained in advanced lymphatic rehabilitation, treatment focuses on Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) — the internationally recognized gold standard for lymphedema management. This comprehensive approach may include:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to support lymphatic flow
• Targeted therapeutic exercises to stimulate lymphatic movement
• Compression strategies and garment education
• Skin and tissue care to prevent complications
• Functional rehabilitation to support swallowing, speech, and daily activities
• Long-term self-management education

Head and neck lymphedema is not curable, but with proper intervention it is highly manageable. When addressed early and treated consistently, patients can experience significant improvements in swelling, comfort, mobility, and daily participation.

Because the lymphatic system is closely connected to breathing, swallowing, speech, and facial function, treatment often works in coordination with oncology teams, ENT surgeons, speech-language pathologists, and reconstructive specialists to support comprehensive recovery.

At Free to Be You, treatment plans are individualized based on the patient’s medical history, cancer treatment course, and functional goals. The goal is not only to manage swelling but to restore comfort, protect tissue health, and help individuals return to meaningful participation in their daily lives.