Follow Up care
Gold Standard
Lymphedema Therapy
Proper Gold Standard Lymphedema Treatment should be considered in TWO phases: Active and Maintenance Phase
Active/Decongestive Phase
This phase provides a “jumpstart” to the fatigued lymphatic system. This phase is crucial in evidence-based, gold standard treatment.
The highest amount of decongestion of the lymphatics occurs in the first 2-4 weeks of treatment. A minimum of 4-5 days of treatment/week is recommended during this phase.
Treatment includes:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Compression therapy: Multi-layer short stretch bandages with foams or possibly, short stretch Velcro inelastic garments that are able to accommodate proper decongestion
Lymphatic-stimulating home exercise program
Skin care as needed
Kinesiology taping for lymphatic facilitation may also be incorporated at this time
Education
*The goal in this phase is to decongest and reduce the amount of swelling within the affected limb or affected area of the body effectively and efficiently. It is important to capitalize on the fact that the highest rate of reduction occurs within the first few weeks of true gold standard lymphedema treatment. Therefore daily, or almost daily, treatment sessions are warranted.
During this treatment phase, girth measures are obtained each day to determine rate of decongestion and progression. Once girth measures have plateaued, the client is transitioned to Maintenance Phase. 90 minute and 120 minute sessions available.
Maintenance Phase
Compression Therapy: Now that the limb or affected area of the body has been decongested, a suitable daytime and nighttime compression garment is selected. The garments vary for each client and Victoria will discuss options unique to the individual.
Lymphatic stimulating home exercise program: Victoria will work with each client to provide a preferred lymphatic stimulating exercise program to be carried out in his/her daily routine.
A pneumatic compression pump may be warranted, and Victoria will provide education and options.
Gold standard Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), based on the Vodder Method, takes time to properly stimulate the lymphatics and allow the system to efficiently process the additional fluid. Therefore, it should not be rushed.
60-minute sessions are recommended when focusing on one limb or specific area of the body.
90-minute sessions are recommended for full body MLD.