COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY FOR LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema is abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium (body tissues) which causes chronic inflammation. Lymphedema can be “primary”, caused by malformed/malfunctioning lymphatic vessels or can be “secondary”, commonly caused by lymph node removal and/or radiation in lymph node regions. Secondary lymphedema can also be caused by obesity and in conjunction with lipidema.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard treatment for lymphedema. CDT consists of the following components:

1. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD): 

MLD increases the rate of lymph flow throughout your body,  which allows your lymphatic system to draw out excessive fluid and toxins from its tissues more efficiently. In lymphedema, MLD is used to also reroute the lymph fluid around the blocked areas into health lymphatic regions and lymph nodes.

2. Lymphedema bandaging:

Bandaging helps reduce lymphedema-related swelling. I also prevents re-accumulation of edema fluid and helps the body to break down deposits of indurated tissue to decrease the risk of tissue hardening and thickening.

3. Exercise:

Exercise promotes the muscle and joint pump and facilitates lymphatic and venous return. Your exercise program will be customized to your specific level of strength and stamina.

4. Skin and nail care:

People with lymphedema are at a higher risk of contracting infections, such as fungal infections and cellulitis. CDT includes specific instructions on skin and nail care.

Applying these treatment components in combination, CDT effectively reduces the swelling, increases mobility and range of motion, decreases the risk of cellulitis, and provides for a better quality of life. 

There are two phases of lymphedema management. In Phase 1 (Intensive Phase), you will receive regular manual lymph drainage treatments and have your affected limb(s) bandaged. Bandages should remain on in between sessions until your limb volume and measurement reductions plateau and become stable. Once limb volume and measurement reductions plateau, you will be measured for medical grade compression garments. 

In Phase 2 (Self Care Phase), you will take charge of your self-care maintenance, which includes professional manual lymph drainage (MLD)  treatments periodically,  regular self-administered MLD, exercise, skin and nail care, and wearing your compression garments. Wendy will work closely with you on all this so you know what you need to do and how to do it.

For general information about lymphedema, visit the National Lymphedema Network’s website at https://lymphnet.org. For position papers on various lymphedema-related topics including, but not limited to, risk reduction, exercise, and healthy habits, visit https://lymphnet.org/position-papers.

WE ACCEPT HSA & FSA!