Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
The gold standard treatment for lymphedema, combining five components.
We offer CDT for primary lymphedema, secondary lymphedema, and filariasis. It combines five essential components, each of which plays a part in reducing swelling, preventing complications, and maintaining long-term results.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Light, rhythmic hands-on movements stimulate healthy lymphatic pathways and redirect fluid away from swollen areas toward functioning lymph nodes. MLD is always customised to the type and stage of lymphedema.
- Compression therapy
- Once fluid has been moved, compression prevents it from accumulating again. Multilayer short-stretch bandaging is used during the intensive phase; sleeves, stockings, or custom garments maintain the result afterwards.
- Decongestive exercises
- Gentle, controlled exercises performed while wearing compression use normal muscle contractions to move lymphatic fluid, improve joint mobility, and increase strength.
- Skin care
- Swollen skin can become dry, fragile, and prone to infection. We show you how to keep skin clean and moisturised, protect it from injury, and recognise the early signs of cellulitis.
- Education and self-management
- Practical guidance on wearing and caring for garments, self-drainage techniques, exercise, skin health, weight, travelling safely, and warning signs of worsening swelling.