A Women’s Pain Needs a Women’s Touch

When there is damage to or structural problems of the lymphatic system, lymphedema may occur. Lymphedema may be classified as primary or secondary and the resulting swelling may compromise the function and appearance of a limb.

At A Different Approach – PT for Women we have a licensed physical therapist that is certified in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which is the "gold standard" treatment. Initially developed in Germany to address both primary and secondary lymphedema, CDT consists of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Compression Bandaging, and Remedial Exercises.

• MLD is a technique designed to increase the lymphatic fluid drainage by manually redirecting the fluid to areas of lesser compromise.
• Using low and medium stretch bandages and foam, Compression Bandaging is often utilized to prevent reaccumulation of fluid, improve cosmesis, breakdown scar tissue, and improve the compromised pumping mechanism.
• Remedial Exercises are a series of sequential exercises designed to promote lymphatic drainage.

Your physical therapist will utilize CDT along with other manual techniques to maximize your outcome. Based on your therapist's assessment of your condition bandaging may or may not be required.  ADAPT has very good outcomes working with people with lymphedema.