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MLD is a light, massage technique resembling a”butterfly stroke”. MLD stimulates the lymphatic capillaries and promotes the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb. This massage technique (MLD), is specifically focused on the lymphatic channels to increase the flow of lymphatic fluid. MLD is applied to your unaffected areas first, to decongest the lymphatic channels to allow for the movement of lymphatic fluid away from the affected area.

MLD results in opening the functioning lymph collectors and moves protein and lymph fluid into them, as well as assisting in increasing lymph flow throughout the lymphatic system.

Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is applied after your MLD is completed. Multi Layered Bandaging (MLB) is applied to help move the excess fluid out of the limb, and to prevent the fluid from back flowing into the limb. The science behind compression bandaging is that by applying pressure to the tissue from the outside, aids in moving the fluid into the lymphatic system. The lymphatic fluid is then processed and absorbed or eliminated by your body.

Compression Garments
After the reduction of fluid in the affected area is achieved, medical compression garments are worn to maintain this reduction. Wearing compression garments protects the affected area from having the lymph fluid return. There are many types of compression wear available and your therapist will work with you to find the right garment for you.

Lymphedema management requires that proper diet, nutrition and exercise are integral in maintaining edema reduction.

Diets high in salt, fat and preservatives may cause an new onset of lymphedema. Diagnostic testing, including an oxygen uptake test, is performed to test the metabolic rate and monitor the caloric intake, this helps to determine a proper diet and nutrition plan as well as monitor patient compliance.

Range of Motion Exercises (ROM) in moving lymphatic fluid.  These exercises, along with wearing your compression, allow your muscles to assist in  pushing  the  fluid up and out of your limb.  Your therapist will provide you with the correct exercises for your treatment plan. We recommend you do not start any exercise program without consulting your physician or therapist first.

Lymphedema patients are have a higher risk for infection. This makes it very important to keep their skin healthy. Keeping your skin moist to avoid dry, possibly cracking skin will prevent bacteria and fungus from entering the body and causing infections. You should pay close attention to nail care to prevent ingrown nails or hangnails.

When getting a manicure, make sure you are being manicured with clean instruments and explain that you have lymphedema and must avoid nicks or cutting of your cuticles.

Additionally, protect your skin from sunburns or insect bites, by using sunscreen and insect repellant, when outdoors.

Your wound will be assessed and our physician will develop a treatment plan to treat your wound. Wound care dressings including UNNA boots and other topical wound care dressings will be applied, in conjunction with compression therapy, to assist in the healing of decubitus ulcers, venous stasis ulcers and other chronic non-healing wounds.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard in treatment for Lymphedema. CDT is an intensive program combining multiple treatment modalities including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, diet and nutritional counseling, range of motion exercises, compression garments, and meticulous nail and skin care. The goal of CDT is to decrease the swelling in the limb to normal size, or as close to normal as possible, and to improve the health and integrity of the skin.