How can physical therapy treat lymphedema?
Complete decongestive therapy is the most current treatment approach for lymphedema at all stages. A physical therapist trained in complete decongestive therapy will complete an evaluation that will include a medical history, the phase and the severity of the lymphedema, complications, skin and connective tissue assessment, and strength and flexibility measurements. A treatment program is only as effective as your commitment to it; therefore, you will be asked to give your commitment to such an involved program. Some physical therapists may choose to align connective tissue using a manual therapy technique called Matrix Repatterning prior to beginning the complete decongestive therapy program. The daily “initial treatment phase” will consist of skin care education, manual lymph drainage, short stretch compression bandaging, limb clearance exercises, and self-care for all the above. You will be educated in skin care to prevent further tissue damage and infection. Manual lymph drainage w
