Combined Decongestive Therapy
Combined decongestive therapy is a four-part therapy to treat lymphedema. Intensive treatments may require daily sessions for 2-8 weeks. Please email us to set-up a free phone consultation if you are experiencing significant swelling.
Combined decongestive therapy is:
Manual lymphatic drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage techniques are used to stimulate lymphatic vessel motility and increase lymphatic circulation.
Compression
Compressive bandages are applied after the manual lymphatic drainage treatment to help reduce limb volume.
Exercise
Prescribed movements help to encourage lymphatic circulation by way of the lymphatic joint and muscle pump.
Skin care
The health of the skin is assessed and recommendations for treating the skin are given.
Conditions treated:
Mastectomy or lumpectomy
Post-cancer treatment with radiation
Primary lymphedema
Late-stage chronic venous insufficiency
FAQs
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For the conditions listed above, a treatment plan will need to be determined at the initial intake and consultation. Since our therapist is not available every day, persons needing daily treatment may need be referred to adjacent clinics for intensive care.
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There have been many scientific studies done on Vodder manual lymphatic drainage, many of them from Austria, where the main Vodder clinic is located. Note that manual lymphatic drainage is a difficult technique to learn, and therapists must be exemplary in their skill to achieve the best results. Vodder School requires its therapists to receive biannual re-certifications in order to check for proper technique. Vodder keeps a library of case studies and there are scientific studies where combined decongestive therapy has proven effective for the management of lymphedema.
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The Vodder method is highly esteemed worldwide. It has roots in France and Austria dating back to the 1930s. Many physiotherapists in Europe are trained in Vodder MLD for its evidence-based methods and effectiveness.
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