When lymphedema is left untreated, the outcome is often disabling, painful, and continually progressive. With lymphatic drainage impaired, edema fluid and protein gradually collect in the soft tissue eventually causing the production of fibrotic tissue and providing a natural medium for bacterial infection

Complex decongestive physical therapy has been the accepted treatment approach for lymphedema in Europe and Australia for many years. Though relatively new in the United States, it is quickly replacing the traditional use of pumps and garments alone.

Those Benefiting Include Patients with:

• Primary Lymphedema
• Lymphedema Secondary to Cancer Treatment
• Lymphedema Secondary to Trauma
• Lymphedema Secondary to Venous Insufficiency

Each patient undergoes 10 to 20 treatment sessions that include the following components:

1. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

This essential component of the treatment is provided by a Certified Lymphatic Therapist. MLD is a special therapy that gently massages tissues to stimulate the movement of lymph to healthy lymphatic vessels.



2. Medical Compression Bandaging

This special wrapping technique with low stretch bandages is used to prevent the refill of tissue spaces, as well as stimulate further drainage.



3. Lymphedema Excercises

Special lymphedema excercises are taught that, when done while the limb is compressed with a garment or bandage, facilitate further reduction. This is an important component of long-term self management.

4. Patient Education

Patients are taught:

• meticulous skin care
• self bandaging and self massage
• techniques to avoid exacerbating the condition

A garment is ordered once the reduction of the limb has been achieved. The garment does not promote reduction, but is designed to maintain the effects achieved through the treatment process.

The correct application of this therapy program requires extensive training. The Lymphedema Treatment Center has a Certified Lymphatic Therapist who provide the manual lymph drainage and bandaging techniques.

Insurance Coverage

A referral from the patient's physician is required for Complex Decongestive Physical Therapy. The Lymphedema Treatment Center provides status reports to the referring physician to communicate the patient's progress throughout the treatment process.

We participate with most health insurance and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. Our office staff is happy to check the patient's individual coverage.

Before	After

Patient Information:

• Lymphedema Treatment Protocol
  
  
• Lymphedema Prevention (Do's and Dont's)
  
  
• Skin Care and Infection Prevention