The gold standard for lymphedema therapy is a combination of modalities called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is endorsed by the International Society for Lymphology, the National Lymphedema Network, the International Lymphedema Framework, and by the committee that advises Medicare and Medicaid on evidenced-based treatment of specific diseases.
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Treatment for lipedema is much like that of lymphedema — it is multifaceted and consists of several therapies, the basis of which is CDT (see below). The goals for lipedema therapy are: improving lymphatic flow by manually draining the lymphatic system, either with the assistance of a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT), with the assistance of a lymphatic pump (see below), or by self-drainage techniques, by compression or bandaging, by dry brushing (see below), by deep breathing exercises, and/or by the use of vibration and/or rebounding; reducing inflammation through good nutrition and supplements; assisting and/or improving function through good nutrition and exercise; managing pain through good nutrition, supplements/medication, and exercise; and getting emotional support through support groups, counseling, and connecting with other lipedema patients — a great way to meet other patients is by attending FDRS conferences.
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Complete Decongestive Therapy
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is comprised of four parts delivered in two phases.
The four parts are: manual lymph drainage (MLD) (see below), compression (bandaging, garments, and aquatics) therapy, meticulous skin and nail care, and decongestive and breathing exercises. All four parts are present in both phases of treatment. The first phase, the intensive phase, is treatment provided in the clinic by a therapist certified in lymphedema care. The second phase is the life-long, self-management or optimization phase completed at home by the patient or caregivers. Instruction in self-care for lymphedema is provided by the therapist in the transition from the intensive to the optimization phase.
Complete Decongestive Therapy. (n.d.) Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Complete_Decongestive_Therapy_(CDT)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymph drainage (MLD) is a technique developed by Dr. Emil Vodder and Dr. Estrid Vodder in 1936 in Paris for treatment of swollen lymph nodes. MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb and is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. Therapy is applied to your unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or to “decongest” the region. MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage. (n.d.) Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Lymphatic_Drainage
More About Lymphatic Drainage
How to Perform Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Healthline
Dry Brushing
Electro Lymphatic Therapy
Lymphatic Enhancement Technology
Hivamat
Coming soon!
Lymphatic Pumps
Coming soon!
Flexitouch – Tactile Medical
Entre – Tactile Medical
PCS Brio – Medi
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPStwXrlE95/
https://archive.org/details/electrotherapyex0000lowj/mode/2up
https://www.electrolymphatictherapy.com/the-therapy/
PhysioPod
Coming soon!
Why are Diuretics Bad for Lipedema?
Coming soon!
More About Decongestive Therapies
Complex Decongestive Therapy – LymphCare by Jobst
Massage Therapists Guide To Lipedema PDF – Kathleen Lisson
Poisoned by Massage – Pain Science
Reflexology Lymph Drainage – Reflexology Lymph Drainage
Reflexology Lymph Drainage – Calm and Clear
Reflexology and Lymphoedema – Derval Ingleton Reflexology
Techniques to Use at Home to Stimulate Lymphatic Drainage – Gordon Medical