Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Occupational Therapy
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Utilizes a hands-on technique, involving Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression, Meticulous Skin Care and Nail Care, and Exercise to reroute lymphatic fluid to allow for limb drainage, reduced risk of infection, and increased function.
Goals of CDT
Decongest swollen body parts
Eliminate fibrotic tissue
Utilize remaining lymph vessels and other lymphatic pathways to allow for limb drainage
Avoid reaccumulation of lymph fluid
Prevent/ Eliminate infection
Maintain normal / near normal size of limb
Manual Lymph Drainage
A gentle, manual treatment that improves the activity of the lymph vascular system. In lymphedema, it reroutes the lymph flow around the bolocked areas into more centrally located healthy lymph vessels that drain into the venous system
- Improves lymph production
- Improves lymph circulation
- Reduces areas of fibrosis
- May decrease pain
Compression
A gradient of pressure used increase the tissue pressure in the swollen extremity. This is accomplished by using several layers of short stretch bandages, custom compression garments, or one of many other alternatives. Compression is utilized twenty-three hours per day for optimal results.
- Increases reabsorption of fluid
- Increases the efficiency of the muscle
- Prevents reaccumulation of lymph fluid
- Decreases fibrosis
- Conserves the results obtained during manual lymph drainage
Complete Decongestive Therapy Continued…
Exercise
Gentle range of motion exercises completed daily will assist with edema reduction, increase mobility, and increase overall function
- Increases lymph vessel activity
- Improves lymph circulation
- Completed only with compression to prevent reaccumulation of fluid
- Increase range of motion and strength
Meticulous Skin care and Nail care
Daily hygiene, lotion, and prevention techniques used to decrease infection and wounds
- Eliminates bacterial and fungal growth
- Reduces the chance of infection