Abstract
Complex decongestive therapy (CPT) comprises two successive stages: an intensive phase to reduce lymphedema volume and a maintenance phase to stabilize lymphedema volume. Compression (low-stretch bandage, elastic garment) is the cornerstone of lymphedema treatment. Exercises under the supervision of a trained therapist, nail and skin care, manual lymph drainage are also included in CPT. Patient-education programs, including self-management, aim to improve patient autonomy. Specific consultation with a dietician or nutritionist is required for overweight and obese patients. Therapeutic goals should be defined with the patient and the different therapists implicated in the patient’s management.
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Vignes, S. (2015). Complex Decongestive Therapy. In: Greene, A., Slavin, S., Brorson, H. (eds) Lymphedema. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14493-1_19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14493-1_19
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