Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. At Libre Physical Therapy our specialty-trained healthcare professionals are devoted to treating lymphedema with Hands-on, one-on-one, 60-75 min treatments in comfortable private treatment rooms.
Treatment for Lymphedema
- Complete Decongestive Therapy consists of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and compression bandaging, MLD, soft tissue mobilization, scar mobilization
- Compression bandaging and garments
- Therapeutic exercises, including range of motion, stretching and strengthening
- Patient education to maintain decreased edema, posture re-education, body mechanics, skin care
Complete decongestive therapy may help if you’re experiencing the following:
- discomfort or pain in affected limb
- feeling of fullness in the limb
- tight-feeling skin
- decreased flexibility in the affected joint
- difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area
- ring, bracelet, wristwatch, shoe or sock tightness
- fatigue
- breast pain
- infertility
- painful periods
- constipation/IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- Lipedema
- Post-traumatic Edema
- Post-surgical Edema
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
- Cyclic-Idiopathic Edema
- Inflammatory Rheumatism
- Migraine Headache
- Sinus Headache
- Scleroderma
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Toxicity
- Relaxation
Effects of Manual Lymph Drainage
- Relaxation, analgesic, diuretic
- Increased performance of lymphatic system
- Increased lymph production
- Re-routes fluid from congested area
- Soften Connective Tissue
Follow-up to Manual Lymph Drainage
- Compression garment fitting and wear following lymphatic drainage
- Skin care
- Exercise to improve cardiovascular health and help decrease swelling in some cases
- Patient education (instruction in proper diet to decrease fluid retention and how to avoid injury and infection)
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Goals
- Increased range of motion/flexibility
- Decreased swelling
- Decreased pain
- Increased strength
- Restore function and improve quality of life