The Lymphatic system is a complicated network of vessels, ducts and nodes that move fluid between cells and tissues.
Our body contains about 50% more Lymphatic fluid than blood. Lymphatic fluid is vital to the life process; bathing all the cells, it acts as a medium of exchange.
When the lymphatic system slows down, is congested or blocked, our body has less defense against viruses, fungi and bacteria.
Waste products accumulate and stagnate which can cause illness, lack of energy or fatigue. Unlike the Venous system, the Lymphatic system has no natural pumping mechanism to keep the fluid circulating through the body.
CDT is a combination of manual lymph drainage (MLD), bandaging of affected areas, exercises and skin and nail care. CDT is usually divided into a two-phase program that first involves an intensive treatment phase, followed by a maintenance program that the patient continues at home.
When carried out with care and consistency with the expertise of a trained therapist, CDT is the treatment of choice for chronic extremity lymphoedema.
Even in advanced lymphoedema, CDT can be applied with great success. CDT may be intensive and time consuming and requires patient compliance. Once this phase of the treatment is complete most clients are then able to maintain the fluid reduction in their limbs by diligently participating in a home based self care program.
