The gold standard for lymphedema therapy is a combination of modalities called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is endorsed by the International Society for Lymphology, the National Lymphedema Network, the International Lymphedema Framework, and by the committee that advises Medicare and Medicaid on evidenced-based treatment of specific diseases.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is comprised of four parts delivered in two phases. The four parts are:
All four parts are present in both phases of treatment. The first phase, the intensive phase, is treatment provided in the clinic by a therapist certified in lymphedema care. The second phase is the life-long, self-management or optimization phase completed at home by the patient or caregivers. Instruction in self-care for lymphedema is provided by the therapist in the transition from the intensive to the optimization phase.
Treatment for lipedema is much like that of lymphedema – it is multifaceted and consists of several therapies, the basis of which is complete decongestive therapy. For more information, see the article Goals For Lipedema Therapy.
Complete Decongestive Therapy. (n.d.) Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Complete_Decongestive_Therapy_(CDT)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
(MLD)
There are different approaches in training and performing manual lymphatic drainage.
Vodder: Several hand motions are used on the skin surface, depending on the part of the body being treated. Vodder also includes edema movements at fibrotic areas. The different motions include “pump,” “scoop,” “stationery circle,” “rotary” and “thumb circle.”
Foldi: This method is based on the Vodder technique but places emphasis on a “thrust” and “relaxation” phase. “Encircling strokes” are included in this approach.
Casley-Smith: This method involves the use of gentle and slow effleurage movements with the side of the hand. The effleurage movements are performed over the “watershed” areas between lymphotomes.
Leduc: This method involves use of “calling up” (or enticing) and “reabsorption” movements which reflect how lymph is absorbed first in the initial lymphatics and then into larger lymphatics.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage. (n.d.) Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Lymphatic_Drainage
Dry Brushing
Coming soon!
Electro Lymphatic Therapy
Lymphatic Enhancement Technology
Hivamat
Coming soon!
Lymphatic Pumps
Coming soon!
Research
The utility of lymphatic massage in cosmetic procedures | T. Marxen, O. Shauly, P. Goel, T. Tsan, R. Faria and D. Gould (2023)
Manual lymphatic drainage: Exploring the history and evidence base | A. Williams (2013)
Learn More
5 Reasons Why You Need Applied MLD | Moving Lymph
How To Perform A Lymphatic Drainage Massage | Medical News Today
Lymphatic Drainage Massage | Cleveland Clinic
Lymphedema Pumps Versus Manual Lymphatic Drainage VIDEO | Brooks Rehabilitation
Massage Therapists Guide To Lipedema PDF | Kathleen Lisson
Poisoned By Massage | Pain Science
Reflexology Lymph Drainage | Reflexology Lymph Drainage
Techniques To Use At Home To Stimulate Lymphatic Drainage | Gordon Medical
Why MLD Should Be Started As Early As Possible | Moving Lymph
What Are the Side Effects of Lymphatic Massage? | Hypervibe
What You Need to Know About Pressotherapy | Healthline
