Prospect, Connecticut · Lymphedema Specialist
Gentle Therapy Designed to Relieve Swelling, Tissue Tightness, and Restricted Movement
Personalized hands-on care focused on improving mobility, reducing discomfort, and helping your body move and feel better every day.
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does.
After surgery, radiation, or a lymphedema diagnosis, finding the right kind of care can feel overwhelming. Carmelita understands — and she’s here to help you move forward, gently and with expertise.
“You are never treated as a condition — you are cared for as a person.”
Deeply Specialized.
Deeply Human.
Carmelita V. Rifkin PT, MS, CLT-LANA and owner of Rifkin Physical Therapy, LLC is an internationally and nationally certified lymphedema therapist with over 25 years dedicated to post-breast cancer care and lymphatic rehabilitation — and more than 45 years as a licensed physical therapist.
Carmelita is known for her thoughtful, one-on-one care — focusing not only on lymphatic function, but on the health and mobility of soft tissue throughout the body. Every evaluation is comprehensive. Every treatment plan is yours alone.
She has been a national conference speaker, a faculty member at Quinnipiac University, and the first private practice in Connecticut to use the Rian Low Level Laser and LymphScanner for lymphedema.
How Carmelita
Can Help You
Each session is tailored to your body, your history, and your healing goals — from first evaluation through every stage of recovery.
Evidence-based, hands-on therapy to reduce swelling and restore healthy lymphatic flow throughout the body.
Gentle, specialized massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages natural fluid movement.
Specialized rehabilitation following breast cancer surgery, radiation, and reconstruction.
Breast Cancer
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Axillary lymph node dissection
- Axillary web syndrome
- Lymphostatic fibrosis
Breast Reconstruction
- Breast implant(s)
- DIEP flap
- TRAM flap
- Latissimus flap
Radiation Care
- Radiation fibrosis
- Scar tissue restriction
- Pain and reduced mobility
Cosmetic and Revision Surgery
- Breast revision
- Liposuction
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Advanced Microsurgery
- Lymphovenous bypass (LVA)
- Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT)
- Vascularized lymph vessel transfer (VLVT)
A Gentle, Evidence-Based Approach
Carmelita uses techniques designed to support the body’s natural healing — reducing swelling, improving mobility, and restoring comfort after treatment.
Every treatment plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation and is built around you: your history, your body, and your goals.
Leading-Edge Technology
in Caring Hands
Carmelita pioneered low level laser therapy for lymphedema in Connecticut — setting a new standard for the region and her patients.
Carmelita uses the RianCorp LTU-904 low level laser, FDA-approved for postmastectomy lymphedema, delivering safe and effective healing support.
LymphScanner technology enables early detection of lymphedema and precise progress tracking throughout your treatment journey.
Carmelita’s Certifications
& Contributions
Certifications & Memberships
- Certified in MLD and CDT — Dr. Vodder School International & Klose Training
- CLT-LANA Certified — Lymphology Association of North America
- Member, National Lymphedema Network
- Member, Fascia Research Society
Teaching & Professional Contributions
- Speaker at national conferences on lymphedema and soft tissue therapy
- Instructor at Quinnipiac University
- Continuing education provider for healthcare professionals
- Internationally and nationally certified CLT‑LANA therapist
Words That Find
Their Way Back
Carmelita is truly exceptional at what she does. After multiple breast cancer surgeries, I had significant scarring and areas with little to no movement. Her gentle, skilled soft tissue work helped restore mobility and bring life back to my body. Her knowledge, attentiveness, and ability to tune into exactly what you need are unmatched. Working with her was a transformational part of my healing journey.
I can't thank you enough for the help you have given me for managing my Lymphedema. I have never felt stronger, better or more in control. Now when I have some swelling or discomfort, I have the tools to make it better.
Thank you for all of your hard work to help me regain my body. I don't know where I'd be today if you didn't come into my life.
Thank you very much for taking care of me when I needed it most. I sincerely appreciated you sharing your expertise with me, the encouragement you gave me and the compassion you showed me throughout this healing process.
Begin Your Path
to Healing
Carmelita would love to hear from you. Reach out to begin your journey toward comfort, mobility, and recovery.
One-on-one care · Prospect, Connecticut · Lymphedema specialist