Abstract
Complex decongestive therapy is the mainstay of lymphedema (LE) therapy. It consists
of two phases: an intensive volume reduction phase, principally involving low-stretch
bandages and manual lymph drainage (MLD), followed by compression garment use to maintain
the reduction achieved. Adjunctive treatments include the use of a sequential gradient
pump, LE-specific exercises, skin and nail care, as well as risk-reduction precautions.
Herein the techniques are described and the evidence for their effectiveness is reviewed.
Keywords
complex decongestive therapy - reduction - maintenance - manual lymph drainage - compression
garment
