COTA Uses Lymphedema Skills to Enhance Quality of Life for Clients

Providing Inclusive Care

Karin Botti, a COTA from Pennsylvania, established and implemented one of her area’s only home care Lymphedema programs. Many clients cannot visit an outpatient clinic due to the extent of their condition, so Karin’s program brings therapy to them. Clients receive essential lymphedema interventions within their homes, which enhance their quality of life.

Karin and her team of therapists create a comprehensive plan of care for each client. The client is educated on all aspects of the plan, including skin health and hygiene, exercise, healthy eating, compression therapy, and manual lymphatic drainage. Through this approach, Karin’s clients return to a life where they are more independent and less susceptible to long-term lymphedema issues.

Because of Karin’s work, many people have increased their limb health and have reignited previous roles and routines. Karin is credited with being a client advocate and giving her clients hope to “see the light at the end of the tunnel” despite the severity of their condition.

“When I started with Karin, my legs were in bad shape and I was at a low depressed state, which wasn’t like me. Karin wanted to fight for me, and she made me want to do the same. The progress she made on my legs is nothing short of a miracle. I lost 67 pounds and my legs improved to the point where I could walk again with some energy and without pain. I am most thankful for getting my life back. Thank you, Karin. You are truly amazing, and I don’t know where I would be without you.”

John C.

Lymphedema patient

Certification Matters

Along with her certification as a COTA, Karin is a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). She earned her CLT certification from the Klose Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in 2003 and her LANA board certification from the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) in 2005. She has received training in head and neck lymphedema treatment and a certification in chemotoxicity and cancer exercise therapy from the P.O.R.I. Institute. Karin is also certified to treat complex wounds related to lymphedema and often coordinates care with the home care nursing staff.

A Mentor to Her Peers

Karin’s impact extends to her colleagues as well. She mentors the other therapists in the home care lymphedema program, providing training and support as they provide OT services within the clients’ homes. She exemplifies what practitioners in the occupational therapy field are here to do. She is an advocate and mentor to many, and she lives and breathes the NBCOT mission every day.

“Karin goes above and beyond for all her patients and really exemplifies what we in the occupational therapy field are here to do. I say to my patients all the time you cannot have a better person on your side to advocate for you. She is extremely knowledgeable and caring for all of her patients. I am very lucky to have her as a mentor, co-worker, and friend. She is everything every OT should strive to be.”

Taylor Panebianco, MS, OTR/L, CLT

Award Nominator