The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

The gold-standard approach to lymphedema treatment.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a multimodal treatment approach used in primary and secondary lymphedema, accepted as the gold standard by the International Society of Lymphology. In Turkish, it is referred to as 'comprehensive decongestive treatment'.

It has four components: manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), multilayer compression bandaging, decongestive exercises, and skin care. Patient education is also critical for treatment success.

Treatment is applied in two phases: Phase 1 (intensive/decongestive phase, 2-6 weeks) and Phase 2 (maintenance phase, lifelong). In early-stage lymphedema (I-II), a 30-70% reduction in volume can be achieved.

Symptoms

Swelling in the arm, leg, or trunk
Skin tightness
Pain and discomfort
Restricted movement
Recurrent infections (erysipelas)
Chronic skin changes

Risk Factors

Cancer surgery and lymph node dissection
Radiotherapy
Primary lymphatic dysgenesis
Filariasis (tropical regions)
Trauma and infection
Obesity

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • In new-onset asymmetric swelling
  • In limb swelling after cancer treatment
  • In recurrent erysipelas episodes
  • When hardening of the skin is noticed
  • When swelling restricts daily activity

Treatment Methods

01
Evaluation by a lymphedema therapist
02
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
03
Multilayer low-stretch compression bandaging
04
Decongestive exercises
05
Skin care and infection prevention
06
Phase 2: compression sock/sleeve
07
Pneumatic compression pump (adjunctive)
08
Lifelong maintenance program

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Physical therapy for low back pain reduces pain and supports long-term recovery using a comprehensive approach that combines electrotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education.

Rehabilitation for Neck Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Rehabilitation for neck pain is a multidimensional program including cervical mobilization, strengthening exercises and posture education that reduces pain and prevents recurrence.

Knee Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Knee rehabilitation is a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme used after arthroscopy, replacement or ligament surgery, or in conservative management, to restore full knee function.

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Shoulder rehabilitation is the staged exercise and manual-therapy programme that restores motion and strength after rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthroplasty or subacromial impingement.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process aimed at regaining motor function, speech, swallowing and daily living activities to the highest possible level in patients who have had a stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a long-term process targeting the highest possible functional level for patients with paralysis, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction caused by spinal cord damage.

Fibromyalgia

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitization syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. Multimodal management with aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and targeted pharmacotherapy improves function and quality of life.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common regional pain disorder characterized by hyperirritable spots in taut skeletal muscle bands (trigger points) producing referred pain patterns. Treatment targets trigger point inactivation and restoration of normal muscle length and function.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.