Complete Decongestive Therapy CDT For Lymphedema
What Is Lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the primary, non-invasive treatment that is used for lymphedema. There are many elements of performing Complete Decongestive Therapy which include:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression Bandaging
- Skin Care
- Exercise
- Self-Care
During Manual Lymphatic Drainage a light massage technique (manual lymphatic drainage massage) is used to move the extra, built up lymph fluid out of your tissues and back into the lymphatic vessels where it can drain. The MLD is performed by a manual lymphatic drainage therapist who is trained in the proper procedure of performing the manual lymphatic drainage massage.
A multilayer compression bandage is applied after the Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage has been completed to support the affected area that is being treated. Using multilayer compression bandaging will help to control swelling by preventing lymph fluid from returning to the affected area. The multilayer compression bandage consists of several core components which are used in lymphedema bandaging.
The skin of the affected area is highly susceptible to breakage and infection. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep the skin clean and moisturized to help maintain the integrity and health of your skin. While many options of creams and lotions are available, we recommend the use of all natural skin lotions and creams for the best results.
Along with compression, special exercises should be performed during lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy to help pump the lymph fluid out of the affected area. Exercising will also help with weight loss and management objectives, which are also part of Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Simple self-care steps such as eating a healthy diet, controlling or losing weight and protecting the affected area is the final goal of lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy.
There are two primary phases of lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy, broken down as:
- Initial Intensive Phase
- Secondary Maintenance Phase
- self manual lymphatic drainage
- wearing compression garments, or lymphedema compression wraps
- exercise
- weight management and control
The initial, intensive phase of lymphedema Complete Decongestive Therapy is likely to last on average 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the lymphedema. During this phase manual drainage of the lymphatic system will be performed, followed by the application of a multilayer compression bandage system as a compression wrapping for lymphedema, along with the other important steps of Complete Decongestive Therapy.
Once swelling and tissue firmness has reduced, the lymphedema treatment will shift into the secondary, or Maintenance phase. This phase is performed on a long-term basis to control and maintain the success of the Phase I treatment. The primary elements of the Maintenance phase of lymphedema treatment includes:
See these related topics:
The Multilayer Lymphedema Bandaging System
Types Of Lymphedema Bandages And Bandaging Supplies