Treatment of Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema can be treated using "Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)" this is made up of:

1.1)	Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
	This is a gentle manual treatment technique that improves the activity of the lymph vascular system. With lymphoedema, it re-routes the lymph flow around the blocked areas into more centrally located healthy lymph vessels that drain into the venous system.



1.2)	Compression Therapy
	Lymphoedema damages the elastic fibers in the skin, so to avoid reaccumulation of fluid that has been moved out of the affected extremity during the "Manual Lymph Drainage" session it is necessary to apply sufficient compression to the affected area after and between "Manual Lymph Drainage" treatments. This is achieved with the use of bandages in combination with padding materials (cotton bandages, foam) and compression garments. One of the other effects of compression therapy is it helps to break up deposits of scar and connective tissue and provides support for those tissues that have lost elasticity.



1.3)	Decongestive Exercises
	The effects of decongestive exercises are: - increase of lymph vessel activity - improvement of lymph circulation - varying degrees of tissue pressure through muscle contractions - improves lymphatic and venous return. - optimization of joint and muscle pump activity - increase in volume of lymph fluid transported by the thoracic duct through combined diaphragmatic breathing exercises.

1.4)	Skin and Nail Care
	The goal of skin and nail care is to avoid bacterial and fungal growth and subsequent infections, to supply moisture to the dry skin, to reduce hyperkeratosis and to improve skin suppleness. Skin care treatment involves using a low-pH, alcohol and fragrance free moisturizer, as well as using appropriate insect repellents to avoid mosquito bites. Nail care involves not cutting the cuticles back to avoid skin damage, as this could serve as an entrance for bacteria and other pathogens.

GOAL OF "COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY (CDT)" TREATMENT:
●	Return the lymphoedema to a stage of latency
●	Maintain normal or near normal size of limb
●	Utilize remaining lymph vessels and other lymphatic pathways
●	Eliminate fibrotic tissue
●	Avoid the reaccumulation of lymph fluid
●	Prevent / eliminate infections


WHERE CAN I GO FOR TREATMENT?
CDT treatment is now available in Kyalami Estates in Midrand at the practice of Allison Dendy, a registered Physiotherapist. She is the first South African health care professional to receive certification from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in the United States of America (established in 1994). Certification courses are taught according to the European curriculum, ensuring worldwide conformance with the highest standards of CDT. They furthermore meet the guidelines set by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) for the National Certification for Lymphoedema Therapists.
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