Treatment of Lymphedema

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

A CLT or Certified Lymphedema Therapist will help you with the goal to reduce your symptoms and teach you how to manage them on your own. CDT contains 4 elements:

1.Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) 

Manual lymph drainage is a technique where the therapist tries, by a soft pumping movement, to simulate the lymph vessels to absorb lymph fluid and to stimulate the function of healthy vessels. This will increase the absorption and transportation of lymph fluid. 

2. Compression Bandaging

Once the MLD treatment is completed, the area is wrapped with layers of compression bandages or velcro compression wraps . This helps the affected area maintain its reduced size. After treatment, a strong gradient compression stocking or sleeve can help maintain results.

3. Exercise

Active muscles enhance the process of pumping proteins, cells and fluid away from areas affected by lymphedema. The compression bandages provide support to the muscle's "pump system", prompting the absorption of excess lymphatic fluid.

4. Skin Care and Education

Patients with lymphedema are at high risk for infection, so proper skin care is critical to success. It is important to know how to maintain the reached goals. With self-massage, self-bandaging, and applying your compression garments you will become independent.