Combined Decongestive therapy (CDT)

Combined decongestive therapy blends lymphatic massage and compression therapy to reduce large-scale, entrenched swelling that’s causing pain and complications. CDT brings all the benefits of MLD therapy and more.

CDT is most often recommended for:

• lymphedema care
• advancing swelling from cancer treatments
• habitual leg swelling from venous insufficiency
• long term swelling that’s made worse by repeated cellulitis infections
• some inflammatory issues that involve edema like arthritis and osteoarthritis
• a major physical trauma leaving significant swelling and fibrosis
• reducing pain, tenderness and edema from lipedema

A typical CDT series runs five to eight weeks, perhaps longer or shorter. Therapy sessions are 2-3 times a week. Treatment plans are individualized based on the stage of swelling, underlying reasons for it, and other influencing health factors. Compression may be in the form of adjustable wraps, bandages or garments. For those with chronic swelling conditions, once the edema is lowered and stabilized as much as possible, you’re ready to transition to custom compression garments for daily wear. Maintenance care visits every 4-8 weeks are also encouraged.