If you are diagnosed with lymphedema, there are treatments to reduce the swelling, keep it from getting worse, and decrease the risk of infection. The treatment is prescribed by your doctor and should be given by an experienced therapist. Be sure to check your health insurance to make sure the treatment is covered.
Mild lymphedema should be treated by a physical therapist or other health care professional who has gone through special training. Moderate or severe lymphedema is most often treated by a therapist with special training and expertise who will help you with skin care, massage, special bandaging, exercises, and fitting for a compression sleeve. This is sometimes known as complex decongestive therapy, or CDT. Manual lymphatic drainage, or MLD, is a type of massage used along with skin care, compression therapy, and exercise to manage lymphedema.
Although most insurance companies will pay for lymphedema treatment, some do not cover the cost of compression garments and dressings. Check with your insurance company about coverage for these therapies.
Seeking and getting treatment early should lead to a shorter course of treatment to get your lymphedema under control.
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