How Can Lymphedema Therapy Help Me?

Have you recently undergone cancer treatments where your lymph nodes were biopsied or removed? Did your cancer treatments involve radiation therapy?

Lymphedema can occur when your lymphatic vessels are missing, impaired, or removed either immediately after surgery or many years after cancer treatment. The resulting swelling in your arms and legs, or elsewhere, can be both painful and limiting.

Haley Rehab physiotherapy clinic specializes in lymphedema treatments for breast cancer and cancer patients to proactively avoid the development of lymphedema early on in their diagnosis. If lymphedema has occurred, we can help lessen the swelling through Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

What Is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?

CDT is a gentle treatment technique provided by a specially trained health professional, which has been proven safe and effective for reducing swollen areas to normal or near normal size. When lymphedema is diagnosed promptly and CDT is begun early, patients enjoy productive lives with few complications and little or no lifestyle restrictions.
CDT normally consist of 4 phases:

1. Skin care including cleansing, lubrication, debriding and administration of lotion.
2. Manual lymph drainage is a form of gentle massage that stimulates and directs lymphatic flow towards adjacent functioning lymph systems.
3. Compression therapy is the application of compression to the limb, which aids in reducing swelling and assists in the removal of lymph fluid.
4. Exercise therapy is a key component in stimulating venous and lymphatic flow. Exercises are aimed at augmenting muscular contraction, enhancing joint mobility, strengthening the limb, and reducing the muscle wasting that frequently occurs with lymphedema.

Find out if lymphedema therapy or combined decongestive therapy is right for you. Call Cindy to schedule your initial assessment with a member of our team. No referrals required!