Compression
Bandaging, wraps or garments may be used to support swelling reduction and help maintain progress, based on your needs and medical precautions.
C3 Physical Therapy LLC (520) 800-9828Complete decongestive therapy in Tucson
A coordinated approach to reducing and managing lymphedema.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a comprehensive approach to lymphedema care. Your plan is individualized and may combine compression, skin care, movement, manual lymphatic drainage and practical education to help control swelling and support long-term self-management.
When an evaluation may help
CDT may help when lymphedema affects comfort or function.
- Persistent swelling in an arm, leg, breast, trunk, head or neck
- Heaviness, tightness, aching or reduced mobility related to lymphedema
- Skin or tissue changes associated with chronic swelling
- Difficulty fitting clothing, shoes, jewelry or compression garments
- Swelling after cancer surgery, lymph-node treatment or radiation
- A need for a clearer compression and home-management routine
Individualized treatment
CDT brings several treatment components together.
Skin care
Education helps protect the skin, reduce infection risk and recognize changes that should be reported promptly to a healthcare professional.
Movement and exercise
Individualized movement uses muscle activity to support lymphatic flow while improving mobility, strength and daily function.
Lymphatic drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage may be included when clinically appropriate to encourage fluid movement through available lymphatic pathways.
Self-management
You learn practical strategies for compression use, movement, skin care, symptom monitoring and maintaining gains between visits.
Ongoing reassessment
Your response, measurements, comfort, function and ability to carry out the plan guide adjustments over time.
Your first visit
Your CDT plan begins with a detailed evaluation.
Your evaluation is designed to clarify what you are experiencing, identify priorities and create a realistic plan for daily life.
- Review your diagnosis, health history, swelling pattern, previous treatment and precautions.
- Assess skin and tissue, measurements, mobility, function and compression needs.
- Discuss which CDT components are appropriate and what participation at home may involve.
- Create a phased plan for reducing swelling and maintaining progress.
CDT is individualized and is not appropriate in the same way for every person. New, rapidly increasing or unexplained swelling—and redness, warmth, fever, chest pain or shortness of breath—requires prompt medical evaluation.
Take the next step
Talk with Clarissa about your needs.
Ask questions, discuss whether specialized care may be appropriate, or request an evaluation.