Services

Customized Treatment Programs for Lymphedema & Other Conditions

At Suncoast Lymphedema Therapy Center, we provide customized treatment programs for each patient with lymphedema or other conditions causing abnormal swelling of the body.

The gold standard of treatment for Lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

This treatment consists of four steps:

1 Hygiene and topical skincare are done to eliminate bacterial and fungal growth/infections.
2 Manual lymph drainage (MLD) facilitates the flow of lymph fluid into the venous circulation by using specific manual movements along the lymphatic pathways to empty and decompress obstructed lymph vessels.
It is NOT massage.
3 Compression bandaging and garments are used in combination with MLD and prevent the affected limb from refilling. ‘Low’ stretch or ‘short’ stretch bandages are used to compensate for diminished tissue pressure. ACE wraps cannot be substituted since these wraps can tighten and restrict lymph flow. Once the swelling is reduced, the patient is fitted with a compression garment such as a glove, sleeve, or stocking.
4 Decongestive exercises are simple exercises taught to the patient while wearing compression bandages or garments. These exercises further reduce swelling by activating the muscle-joint pump, thus activating the movement of lymphatic fluids.

Not all patients with abnormal swelling require all 4 steps of CDT.

Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage

Manual Lymph Drainage is a natural way to detoxify the body and stimulate vital immune defenses by stimulating the Lymphatic System. This system regulates the immune system and protects the body against infection by removing micro-organisms, toxins, and excess fluid from the body.

Promotes wellness and strengthens the immune system
Helps chronic inflammatory processes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, eczema, etc.
Stimulates the Parasympathetic System and decreases the tone of the “fight or flight” response of the sympathetic nervous system thus helping pain and stress by promoting deep relaxation
Has helped some patients find relief from symptoms related to Lyme Disease

Conditions Treated

Primary/Secondary Lymphedema
Post Mastectomy/Prostate Surgery or Lymph Node Removal
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune Disorders
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Postoperative healing: cosmetic, knee, or hip surgery

Education

Patients are instructed in skincare, active range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises.