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WISCONSIN LYMPHATIC THERAPY SERVICES

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Manual Lymph Drainage is a core modality of CDT.  It effectively redirects the lymphatic fluid from an after areas to an unaffected area. MLD also lessens chronic scarring and thickening of the skin which increasing immune defense in limbs.  MLD applied alone may be successful in treating conditions other than lymphedema due to its physiological effects.

 Benefits individuals with: Lymphedema, Lipedema, Phlebo-lymphostatic edema or venous and or arterial insufficiency, Postoperative edema, Plastic surgery pre and after care , Posttraumatic edema, Cancer and radiation therapies, Autoimmune disorders, Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Stress, Insomnia, Migraine/Sinus Headaches, Sinus Congestion, Toxic skin and superficial fascia

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage:

  • Specialized light pressure massage designed to improve lymphatic reabsorption by targeting lymphatic vessels and nodes

  • Stimulates lymph flow to speed decongestion in lymphatic system

  • Begins and ends with diaphragmatic breathing

  • Indicated after surgery, trauma, for immune boosting healing effect

  • Pain-relieving and analgesic

  • Soothing and relaxing

  • May promote detoxification

  • Regional drainage support

  • Diureses or fluid balance

  • 45 minutes in duration during a CDT program otherwise 60-90 minute sessions available

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COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY

Comprehensive Treatment
"Gold Standard" of Lymphedema Therapy

Treatments

  • Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Massage

  • Compression bandaging

  • Remedial Exercise

  • Skin Care and Scar healing

  • Self care instruction

Physiological Effects of Appropriate Compression

  • Reduces ultrafiltration rate 

  • Improves efficacy of muscle and joint pumps

  • Prevents re-accumulation of edema fluid

  • Breaks down deposits of indurated and fibrotic tissue

Skin Care

  • Decrease risk of infection

  • Improve skin integrity and wounds

  • Skin care product recommendations with focus on pH balance

Self Care

  • Skin care

  • Infection prevention

  • Self bandaging and massage

  • Compression garment fitting

  • Exercises

  • Follow-up visits virtually or in person as needed

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Intensive Phase: 4 weeks or more depending on severity 

Maintenance Phase: Self care competency and fitting for suitable high quality compression garments.  Follow up visits as needed.

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Compression Garment Fitting:  Available for maintenance phase for Lymphedeme, Lipedema and other Lymphatic disease

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Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, consisting primarily of manual (hands-on) techniques such as applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and moving muscles and body tissues.

 

Benefits Include:

 

  • reducing muscle tension and stiffness

  • relieving muscle spasms

  • increasing joint and limb flexibility and range of motion

  • increasing ease and efficiency of movement

  • relieving points of tension and overall stress; inducing relaxation

  • promoting deeper and easier breathing

  • improving blood circulation and movement of lymph

  • relieving tension-related headaches and eyestrain

  • promoting faster healing of soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprained ligaments

  • reducing pain and swelling related to injuries

  • reducing the formation of scar tissue following soft tissue injuries

  • enhancing health and nourishment of skin

  • improving posture by changing tension patterns that affect posture

  • reducing emotional or physical stress and reducing anxiety

  • promoting feelings of well-being

Spa Massage

Modalities

Therapeutic modalities may assist recover from various physical ailments including swelling, tissue restrictions, injuries, etc. May be added to treatments as necessary.

  • ​Kinesiotape

  • Negative Pressure Cupping

  • Myofascial Release Tools

  • Soft Tissue Mobilization

  • Joint Mobilization

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