Expert Lymphedema Treatment through
Complete Decongestive Therapy
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a stagnation of protein-rich lymph fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for a patient left untreated. Lymphedema can result in an abnormal amount of protein fluid collecting in the tissues of the extremity.
Stages of Lymphedema
Stage 1: Reversible – Mild swelling that may improve with elevation only to return during the day. Symptoms are Tightness, discomfort, skin indentations with pressure, jewelry, and/or clothing no longer fit properly.
Stage 2: Spontaneously Irreversible – Moderate swelling with gardening of skin and tissues. Elevation has little to no effect on edema at this stage. Symptoms are discoloration, dryness, weeping of tissue, potential wounds, chronic infections, and pain.
Stage 3: Elephantiasis – Severe swelling and skin changes (skin hardening with growths, leaking from openings in the skin and lobes). The weight of the limb may contribute to decreased quality of life. Symptoms are decreased mobility due to increased limb weight, severe wounds, chronic hospitalization caused by infections, and significant physical changes to the extremities.
How We Help
Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goal of the therapy is to reduce the swelling and to maintain the reduction. For most patients, this can be achieved by the skillful application of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is the gold standard of treatment for lymphedema. This therapy aims to reduce swelling of the area and increase mobility. It includes manual lymphatic drainage, a type of massage technique to guide the fluid to healthier areas of the body, bandaging techniques and compression garments (using sleeves for arms/legs), exercises, and patient education on self-management.
Lymphedema/Edema Management and Treatment Include:
✔ Skin integrity and care
✔ Manual lymphatic drainage
✔ Bandaging
✔ Stretching and tissue mobilization
✔ Exercise and functional activity
✔ Instruction in self-management techniques
✔ Sequential pump use (traditional sequential pumps such as Lymphapress or Bio compression, Flexitouch, or VES)
Call (844) 500-6278 to request an appointment.