Basking Ridge
Our main clinic on Allen Road — one-on-one physical therapy in Basking Ridge, NJ.
552 Allen Rd
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Mon / Wed / Fri8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tue / Thu11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday9:00 – 11:00 AM
Conditions We Treat
Swelling that doesn’t go down is not something you simply have to live with. If your arm, leg, hand, or foot has stayed swollen after lymph-node removal, radiation, or cancer treatment — or the swelling appeared for no clear reason — it may be lymphedema, and it deserves specialized care. At Mettle, lymphedema treatment is led personally by Dr. Anika Paul, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), at both our locations.
Symptoms
The Condition
Your lymphatic system is the body’s drainage network, moving fluid and waste out of your tissues. When lymph nodes are removed or damaged — or, in primary lymphedema, when the system develops differently from birth — fluid collects faster than it can drain, and the limb swells. Two honest facts guide everything about treatment here. First, lymphedema is a chronic condition: it is managed, not cured, and anyone who promises otherwise is not being straight with you. Second, earlier care works better: swelling that is treated while it is still mostly fluid responds more fully than swelling left for years, in which tissue gradually thickens and firms. Temporary swelling right after surgery is different — it usually resolves on its own. Swelling that persists, or appears months or years after treatment, is the kind to have evaluated.
These need a physician’s care first. Once you’ve been seen, we can coordinate your lymphedema treatment from there.
Treatment
Lymphedema care at Mettle is complete decongestive therapy (CDT) — the established standard of care — delivered one-on-one by Dr. Paul, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and built around teaching you to manage the condition confidently yourself. Treatment runs in two phases: an intensive phase that reduces the swelling, then a maintenance phase that keeps it controlled.
Every visit is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist; your treatment is never passed to aides or assistants.
In clinical terms, CDT combines manual lymphatic drainage (Vodder technique), custom multi-layer compression bandaging, decongestive exercise, and compression garment selection and fitting.
Scope of care: Mettle provides outpatient lymphedema therapy. We do not treat open wounds — wound care is inpatient care. If you have an open wound or signs of infection, we will direct you to medical care first and pick up your lymphedema treatment once your clinician clears it.
For the full program detail, see our Lymphedema Management service page.
Beyond Swelling
Cancer treatment can leave more than lymphedema behind. Mettle also provides rehabilitation after mastectomy and breast surgery beyond swelling itself — restoring shoulder mobility and strength after surgery and radiation, and treating cording (axillary web syndrome), the tight cords that can form under the arm and limit reaching. If your shoulder hasn’t moved the same since surgery, that is treatable too — mention it when you call.
Patient Experience
This review describes her experience of lymphedema care after breast surgery.
Best Physical Therapy Experience Ever! I can't say enough about Dr Paul she is knowledgeable, kind and highly skilled at physical therapy. I was having issues after having some lymph nodes removed after breast surgery. She worked with me for weeks and relieved me of my pain. I would recommend her to anyone, as I even brought my daughter to see her when she was having issues with her neck and migraines. The facility is immaculate and her receptionist Erin is lovely. A positive experience all around. Don't hesitate to contact her, you will be very happy you did!
Denise F.
Patient review
Referrals
Many of our lymphedema patients are referred by their oncologists, surgeons, and primary physicians — and referrals are welcome at both locations. We provide referring physicians with a referral information packet and are glad to coordinate care. Patients: if your physician suggested lymphedema therapy, bring any records you have to your first visit.
Getting Started
A full one-on-one evaluation, typically 30–60 minutes: your medical and surgical history (including lymph nodes removed and any radiation), measurements of the limb, skin assessment, and movement and strength testing. Dr. Paul explains what stage your swelling is at, what the intensive and maintenance phases would look like for you, and, in plain terms, what results are realistic. Bring your medication list and any surgical or oncology records you have, and any compression garment you already own.
In New Jersey, you can start physical therapy without a physician referral. Some insurance plans set their own coverage requirements; we verify your benefits before treatment and explain what we find.
New patients can start with a free screening, and first visits are typically available within 24–48 hours. We verify your benefits before treatment. Medicare and most commercial insurance are accepted, and self-pay is available too.
Questions & Answers
No — and be cautious of anyone who says otherwise. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that is managed, often very successfully: swelling reduced, comfort and function restored, flares prevented or caught early. Earlier-stage swelling responds more fully than long-standing swelling, which is one more reason not to wait.
Yes. Lymphedema can appear months or even years after lymph-node removal or radiation, sometimes after a minor trigger like an insect bite, a long flight, or an infection — and sometimes with no trigger at all. New persistent swelling at any point after cancer treatment deserves an evaluation.
Coverage for garments varies widely by plan, and we will not promise what your plan may not pay. We verify your benefits before treatment, explain what we find in plain language, and work with you on the options — including self-pay.
During the intensive phase, visits are more frequent — often several times a week — because bandaging and drainage work best in close succession. The maintenance phase needs far fewer visits; the goal is that you manage day-to-day care yourself, with us checking in and adjusting your program. Your plan is set at your evaluation.
No. Manual lymphatic drainage is gentle — much lighter than massage. Compression bandaging feels snug, not painful, and most patients are surprised how quickly they adjust to it.
In New Jersey, you can start physical therapy without a physician referral. Some insurance plans set their own coverage requirements; we verify your benefits before treatment and explain what we find. Many of our patients do arrive with an oncologist’s or surgeon’s referral, and those are always welcome.
Visit Us
Our main clinic on Allen Road — one-on-one physical therapy in Basking Ridge, NJ.
552 Allen Rd
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
On Washington Valley Road — one-on-one physical therapy in Martinsville, NJ.
1918 Washington Valley Rd
Martinsville, NJ 08836