>> CDT

Combined Decongestive Therapy

As previously mentioned, MLD is currently the treatment of choice for lymphoedema.  At present treatment availability for this condition is patchy, and whilst in some areas a full service for all types of lymphoedema may be available, in others it is not uncommon to find that services are linked to cancer clinics and only treat patients who have developed the condition after surgery.  It is not unusual either to find that GPs are unfamiliar with lymphoedema treatment and its availability, but this information can be supplied by your MLD practitioner and doctors are normally pleased and supportive when discovering there is a means of controlling their patient’s condition.

CDT is used initially to reduce oedema, soften hardened tissues and improve skin quality using a course of MLD and compression bandaging, and then to fit you with a compression garment, e.g. a sleeve or stocking to maintain the improvement, plus advice on necessary skin care, gentle exercises and simple self administered MLD massage.

It is never too early, or too late, to start CDT treatment for lymphoedema.  If you have primary lymphoedema you may have been prescribed little more than diuretics, which unfortunately are not the correct treatment for this condition.  Your lymphoedema may have slowly progressed, but many of the tissue changes and the increased risk of infection can be dramatically reduced with CDT, improving the appearance of the affected areas and also your enjoyment of life.

If you have had surgery which may leave you vulnerable to developing lymphoedema, do not wait until swelling develops before seeking help.  Early symptoms are a feeling of heaviness or sometimes aching in the limb and treatment should start as soon as you suspect these.

Although having a different cause, oedema due to poor circulation in the legs –‘chronic venous insufficiency’ – also responds very well to CDT, with dramatic improvement in skin condition, greatly reducing the danger of ulcers.

If you would like to find out more about lymphoedema, there are some useful links listed at the end of this website. (Click here for more information)