How is Lymphedema Treated?
This post may contain certain affiliate links or discount codes that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), part of my job is educating patients on what lymphedema is and how it’s managed. Many people come into the clinic never hearing of lymphedema before and learning about how to manage it can be overwhelming.
Since lymphedema is a chronic, life-long condition, managing it is very important. If lymphedema is not managed correctly, the swelling can get worse and progress to later stages.
If you need a better understanding of what lymphedema is,, check out my blog post or my YouTube video.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), also called Complex Decongestive Therapy, is the gold standard for managing lymphedema and has been extensively researched. CDT can be an intensive process, especially for those with stage 2 or 3 lymphedema, and has four components:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
This is a specialized hands-on manual technique that assists with moving the lymphatic fluid out and away from the affected body part.
MLD uses a light touch and should not feel like a typical massage with deep pressure.
Your therapist will teach you how to perform MLD and may recommend an intermittent pneumatic compression device (also known as a “pump”) for home use.
Compression:
Compression bandaging:
This is initially performed in the clinic by your therapist and you may be taught how to do it yourself at home.
Compression bandaging uses layers of materials including cotton, short-stretch bandages (not Ace/elastic wraps!), and foam to help reduce the swelling.
You can get compression bandaging materials from your therapist or different sites like Amazon, Brightlife Direct, Bandages Plus, or Lymphedema Products.
Compression bandaging is ideally worn 23 out of 24 hours per day, with an hour break to bathe and complete MLD. As the limb gets smaller, it is re-wrapped until the limb reaches its normal size (or close to it).
Compression garments:
Once the limb is at its smallest size, then you will transition to compression garments.
You will be measured by either your therapist or a garment fitter to determine the type and size of compression garment that will be best for you.
I always recommend getting measured by a professional first, but then many people will order their additional garments online once they know their size and type that they need. Ordering online may also be cheaper if your insurance doesn’t cover it.
Some people need to wear compression garments just during the daytime and others will also need to wear compression garments at nighttime (for example if the swelling increases overnight).
Compression garments should be replaced every 6-12 months since the effectiveness of the compression decreases over time. Compression garments will need to be used lifelong if you have lymphedema.
Exercise:
Staying active and moving your joints and muscles helps to move the lymph fluid out of the affected body part. Watch my YouTube videos for arm, leg, and head and neck lymphedema exercises!
Wearing compression bandages or compression garments while exercising will help reduce the lymphatic fluid or decrease the risk of exacerbating the swelling.
Skin-Care and Self-Care:
These are everyday things that you can do to reduce the risk of exacerbation of lymphedema! For a more in-depth list of recommendations, the National Lymphedema Network provides trusted information.
Keep skin dry and moisturized with plain lotions or creams without fragrance. Some of my go-to recommendations are Eucerin and Aquaphore.
Use sunscreen and insect repellent
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold and heat, which can cause more swelling.
Maintain an optimal weight. Obesity is a known risk factor for lymphedema
If scratches or any openings in the skin occur in the area that has lymphedema or is at risk for lymphedema, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics, and observe for signs of infection (redness, increased swelling, pain, fever or flu-like symptoms)
CDT has 2 phases:
Phase 1: Intensive and Reductive
This phase focuses on reducing the extra lymphatic fluid from the affected body part and moving it back into circulation. In this phase, most people with lymphedema typically see their therapist several times per week for MLD, compression bandaging, exercise, and checking on skin and tissue health. Phase 1 can last anywhere from 2-8+ weeks, depending on how long it takes to bring down the swelling and improve other symptoms.
Phase 2: Maintenance
This phase focuses on maintaining the results from Phase 1 on your own. Phase 2 is typically continued for months, years, or even the rest of your life. It includes continuing MLD on your own, wearing compression garments, exercising, and making sure you take care of your skin.
Lymphedema treatment can be overwhelming at first but finding a qualified Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) is the best first step on your journey. Check out this blog post for resources to find a CLT near you!
If you’re interested in some of my favorite products to manage lymphedema for phases 1 and 2 of CDT, check out the OncoPelvic PT Amazon Storefront!
