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CDT is the only effective treatment for lymphedema, and is available at Trinity Health. Started in the 1980s by Professor Michael Földi, MD, CDT consists of skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and decongestive exercise.
- Skin care is important in people with lymphedema due to the high risk for infection from usually dry skin.
- Manual lymphatic drainage is a very light massage that increases the activity of the lymphatic system. This helps to decrease swelling.
- Compression therapy is used after manual lymphatic drainage to prevent more accumulation of fluid.
- Decongestive exercises are completed while the patient wears compression bandages or garments to increase the activity of the lymphatic system.
