Article

Lymphedema therapy has gone by many names in the recent past, being referred to
as complex decongestive therapy, complex physical therapy, or decongestive
lymphatic therapy, among others. There are two phases of lymphedema treatment :
the acute "intensive" phase and the maintenance phase.
In the acute phase of
treatment, the individual is typically wrapped with medical short-stretch
compression bandages; receives a therapeutic exercise routine, skin care, and
education; and undergoes manual lymphatic drainage by a specially trained
physical therapist or healthcare professional. In the maintenance phase, the
goals are for the individual to be able to wear a well-fitted appropriate
gradient pressure garment during the day and compression bandaging (or a device
that serves as an alternative to bandaging) at night, to maintain good skin care,
to continue with therapeutic exercise, and to self-perform manual lymphatic
drainage (or use a mechanical device that can perform manual lymphatic drainage)
for the area of the body with impaired lymphatics.
The effectiveness of the
various components in each phase, as well as the motivation and compliance of the
patient, differs. Further randomized trials are required to determine which
component or combination of components in complex decongestive therapy works most
effectively. It is recommended for patients not only to maintain physical
activity for its many health benefits but also to facilitate muscle pumping to
move lymphatic fluid throughout the body. Knowledge of some of the
pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the development of lymphedema is
increasing, and it is possible that current modes of treatment of lymphedema will
be augmented by molecular therapies in the future.

Langue : ANGLAIS