Complete Decongestive Therapy, or CDT, is the gold standard for treating patients who have lymphedema. It consists of two phases: phase I, the decongestive or active stage, and phase II, the maintenance stage.
During phase I, patients undergo a regime of different therapies with a certified lymphedema therapist who will assist patients with reducing swelling, reducing pain/discomfort, improving ROM, and improving skin conditions. This regime includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), wearing multilayered compression garments, self-care, education, and therapeutic exercise. This phase can last between two to eight weeks, depending on your specific needs and recommendations from your lymphedema therapist.
Phase II is considered the maintenance, which will be lifelong. During this phase, the patient is focused on maintaining what was achieved during phase I and will be given a home exercise program or guide to follow. This will include exercise, wearing a compression garment, and maintaining skin care routines. People who have lymphedema.
If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, you will need some form of CDT. If you notice any changes, it is important to listen to your body, contact your primary care physician, and schedule an appointment with your local certified lymphedema therapist.
Beck, M. (2023). Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for lymphedema. BreastCancer.Org https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/lymphedema/treatments/complete-decongestive-therapy
Central Coast Lymphedema Therapy. (n.d.). Lymphedema treatments. https://cclymph.com/treatments-services/lymphedema-treatments/
Picture: Central Coast Lymphedema Therapy. (n.d.). Lymphedema treatments. https://cclymph.com/treatments-services/lymphedema-treatments/
Patrice Briggs-Ngang
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