Interventions for Lymphedema
Also referred to as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
- Manual lymph drainage (MLD)
- Compression Bandages
- Vasopneumatic Compression
- Patient education (skin care, therapeutic exercise, self-massage, compression garment wear and care)
General Contraindications for CDT
- acute infection
- active cancer
- congestive heart failure (risk fluid overload into circulatory system)
- DVTor hx/risk of thrombus (clot) formation
- hx radiation therapy without MD clearance for CDT
Value: 4
Role of the PTA
- Treatment of lymphedema is considered a clinically complex. PTs and PTAs seek additional continuing education, supervised clinical experience, study group and/or mentoring when providing treatment to this population
- Speciality certifications (CDT) are available to PT and PTAs through nationally-recognized organizations
- With proper training and collaboration with a supervising PT, PTAs can
- apply compression bandages
- measure and document limb girth (pre-post bandaging/pneumatic compression, size for compression garments)
- measure and document volumetric displacement
- perform manual lymphatic drainage
- apply intermittent compression using pneumatic compression devices
- instruct, monitor, and modify therapeutic exercises to facilitate lymphatic flow
- educate patients on effective skin and nail care, activity and environmental restrictions, garment wear and care, and self-massage
- collaborate with the medical team for optimal treatment outcomes
- physician
- nurse
- occupational therapist
- wound care specialist
Value: 1
