Patient Education on the Lymphatic System and risk reduction before and after surgery
Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Skin Care
Compression addressed with compression bandaging and assist with selection of long-term compression garments
Decongestive Exercises & manual therapy to regain motion after surgery
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is perform of a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. CDT includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), the application of multi-layer short stretch compression bandages, skin care, and decongestive exercises to help reduce lymphedema and promote lymphatic drainage. The therapist guides you through the initial phase of therapy until you are ready for appropriate compression garments and independence with long-term management of lymphedema. Lymphedema education is both important before breast surgery and after surgery. Education provided may reduce the risk of lymphedema and help with early management of range of motion deficits related to cording.