Lymphedema | Lipedema | Upper Extremity Orthopedics in Parsippany New Jersey

The 2 Phases of Complete Decongestive Therapy for Lymphedema

The 2 Phases of Complete Decongestive Therapy for Lymphedema

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of lymphedema.  CDT is divided into 2 phases.

Phase 1

This phase is also known as intensive phase or decongestive phase of CDT.  During this phase, depending on the severity of the Lymphedema, the client is seen 3 to 5 times a week.  The therapist uses her/his hands, through specific motions, to mobilize the lymphatic fluid staggered in the affected area(s).  Then, client gets bandaged with short stretch bandages and other materials, such as gray foam.

The purpose of this phase is: 

  • reduce the swelling in the affected area(s)
  • reduce induration/firmness of affected area(s)
  • teach client self care skills to keep skin and nails in good hygiene to prevent infections from occurring
  • teach cleint and/or care taker to perform self bandage, if possible, to contain affected area(s)
  • teach client self MLD methods to improve swelling of the affected area(s)
  • teach decongestive exercises
  • client to learn lymphedema, skin, and nail care to reduce risk of infections and recurrence.

Phase 2

This phase is also known as the maintenance phase or optimization phase of CDT. During this phase, the client and/or caretaker take over the responsibility of performing self MLD on a daily basis, applying compression bandages and/or compression garments daily, and performing decongestive exercises daily.

The purpose of this phase is: 

  • maintain the flow of lymphatics constant to prevent lymphatic fluid from staggering in affected area(s)
  • maintain skin and nails clean and skin supple to decrease risk of infections, lymphorrhea, open wounds, etc and decrease hospitalization
  • prevent Lymphedema of affected area(s) from causing deformity
  • improve clients’ sense of health and well being.  

During this phase, the therapist will also be able to measure clients from custom compression garments and discuss with clients best compression options to meet clients’ lifestyle and expectations.  There is a wide variety of compression garments available in the market to choose from.  

The use of compression garments daily is very important to keep the natural drainage of lymphatic fluid from affected area(s) as well as maximize gains between professional visits.

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