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The mainstays of therapy for lymphedema include range of motion exercises, compression (usually with multi-layered bandages), and manual lymph drainage (MLD). A physical therapist trained in these techniques is the appropriate person to see for treatment. Manual lymph drainage is a light massage therapy technique that involves moving the skin in particular directions based on the structure of the lymphatic system. This helps encourage drainage of the fluid and waste through the appropriate channels.
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Other important aspects of treatment include skin care to prevent injuries, infection, and skin breakdown, as well as light exercise and movement programs. The latter should be carefully designed by the physical therapist to encourage drainage without developing swelling from overexertion which could worsen lymphedema.
Compression may also be accomplished by wearing compression stockings on the affected area or using an intermittent pneumatic compression pumps. Your doctor and appropriately-trained physical therapist will decide which compression methods would be best.
Surgical therapy is used in some cases, but has met with limited success and requires significant experience and technical expertise. Also, the physical therapy methods described above will still be needed after surgery to reduce lymphedema.
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