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The treatment phase of CDT is a four-part program:
1. Skin and Nail Care:
Skin and nail care consists of inspection of the limb, instruction in
arm or leg care guidelines, and moisturizing of the limb.
2. Manual Lymph Drainage
(MLD): Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a manual technique, similar to
massage, that is used to facilitate lymph flow.
3. Compression Bandaging: Compression bandaging consists of a multi-layer
bandage that is applied over the entire limb. This bandaging includes padding
and short stretch bandages.
The compression bandage is worn 24 hours per
day during the treatment phase.
4. Therapeutic Exercise: Therapeutic exercise is performed with the
bandaging in place to facilitate the lymphatic flow through the muscle-joint
pump mechanism.
The treatment phase is daily (5 times per week) for 2-4 weeks. Girth and
volume measurements are reassessed at the end of each week. When the measurements
plateau, the maintenance phase begins.
The maintenance phase is a self-care program that you will continue with to
maintain the results of treatment. This phase consists of:
1. Skin and Nail Care
2. Self-MLD
3. Compression Garments
4. Home Exercise Program
5. Self-Compression Bandaging
Reassessments of girth and volume every 3 months for the first year following
treatment, then once every 6 months for active monitoring.
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