Offered in physiotherapy or massage therapy, combined decongestive therapy is the most effective treatment for venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Treatments can take the form of exercises, manual lymphatic drainage techniques, and compression bandages or garments. They reduce swelling, associated symptoms and their potential complications, in order to improve your quality of life.
Who should you consult for combined decongestive therapy?
Combined decongestive therapy is offered by physiotherapists and massage therapists who have advanced training. You can consult either of these professionals if you suffer from venous insufficiency (such as post-thrombotic disease or varicose disease) or lymphedema after injury, surgery, radiotherapy for cancer, etc.
What treatments are used in combined decongestive therapy?
This therapy is generally divided into two phases:
The intensive phase consists mainly of applying pressure bandages to the affected limb and performing simple exercises. It is occasionally combined with specific massage techniques called lymphatic drainage. This phase is often carried out over a period of 2 weeks, 2 to 3 times a week.
The maintenance phase moves on to wearing a compression garment on a regular basis as directed by your healthcare professional.
The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling, associated symptoms and their possible complications, such as infection, in order to improve your quality of life.
