How is chronic oedema and lymphoedema treated?
Treatment of lymphoedema is based on the Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) programme developed in Germany in the 1970s. This combines skin care, compression therapy in the form of multi-layer bandaging and hosiery garments, manual lymphatic drainage (specific massage techniques) and exercises. Many lymphoedema services are based in oncology and palliative care settings but recently many more local services are developing in primary care. However, chronic oedema and lymphoedema treatment and care is still a much neglected area of health care and there is good evidence that chronic oedema and lymphoedema are not generally well recognised by many health professionals. As a result some people suffer with chronic oedema and lymphoedema for many years before being referred to an appropriate treatment centre. The earlier someone can be referred to a team who recognize and manage chronic oedema or to a lymphoedema service, the easier it is to treat and control the oedema. The British Lympholo
