"Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)"; The Latest Treatment for Lymphedema

The condition of Lymphedema is one that will hurt a person's self image, cause a lot of discomfort and generally get in the way of living and enjoying life. To date treatments for Lymphedema have been in large part ineffective. However a new approach to treatment, used successfully for 60 years in Europe, has been introduced in the West. It is called "Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)."

What is Lymphedema?

To get an idea of what Lymphedema is I have linked to this site for you to get a glimpse of the challenge the condition causes. There are a couple of shocking photos so if you get queasy easily you may want to avoid it.

Lymphedema is swelling on any part of the body where too few lymphatic vessels exist or do not function properly. It is a congenital. That is called primary Lymphedema. The other type of Lymphedema is called Secondary Lymphedema. This is caused when the immune system becomes compromised such as in AIDS, or because of an infection or injury.

What is the treatment for Lymphedema?

The reason I'm writing this article is to report on the new treatment regimen that has been adopted for Lymphedema. Historically treatments have consisted of elevation, medication, wraps and compression, gradient pumps and even surgery.

What are the "new" treatments?

The overall title for these new therapies is the aforementioned "Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)."

As our references report this wonderful new therapy is performed by using a series of different treatments. CDT is performed in two phases.

In the first phase the patient has what is called "Manual Lymph Drainage." That is where the physician either does or monitors the removal of excess fluid from the affected area. Then the patient gets compression garments.

The second phase involves the patient. The patient has to keep their skin and nails vey clean. They are also responsible for doing some maintenance work as far as exercising and performing manual lymph-area fluid draining.

The overall approach to treatment in using Complete Decongestive Therapy is education and patient involvement along with close supervision by the doctor.

Are there any treatments for Lymphedema to avoid?

There are two common and historic treatments that don't really work. The first is using a diuretic. Diuretics cause fluids to drain from the body. However the diuretics are temporary and when they wear off the person swells right back up.

The second therapy that has never proven to be effective is surgery. Still doctors order it and in some cases it will give temporary relief but ultimately, like diuretics, fails.

Lymphedema is one of the most taxing conditions there are. Hopefully Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) will prove to make inroads into the frustration and loss of capacity caused by Lymphedema.

References:

Mylymphedema.com Website, "Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)"

"Your Guide to Managing Lymphedema," Brochure, Methodist Medical Center

You Tube Website, "Embarrassing Bodies-Lymphedema"