Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy
Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT) is a type of physical therapy that is used to treat lymphedema, a condition in which excess fluid builds up and causes swelling, particularly in the arms and legs. DLT is a two-part therapy that includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and compression therapy.
- DLT is a two-part treatment that includes:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This is a gentle massage technique that is used to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the affected area. The practitioner uses light, rhythmic strokes to help move the fluid out of the affected area and into the lymphatic system.
- Compression bandaging: Once the fluid has been removed, compression bandages are applied to the affected area to help reduce swelling and prevent the fluid from returning. The bandages needs to be worn for a certain period of time each day and then removed for a period of time to allow the skin to breathe- your practitioner will advise you on this
- Exercises: You practitioner will also teach exercises to do at home to help pump the lymphatic fluid and reduce the swelling.
Research has shown that DLT is effective in reducing swelling and improving quality of life for individuals with lymphedema. A study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that DLT led to a significant reduction in arm volume and an improvement in quality of life in individuals with postmastectomy lymphedema.
As DLT is a multi-modal approach it is used for several conditions like lymphedema, lipedema, post surgical swelling and post-traumatic swelling.
Conditions We Treat
- Headaches & migraine
- Upper cross syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfers Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Knee Pain
- Jaw Pain (TMJ)
- Sciatica
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- ITB Friction Syndrome
- Peripheral Nerve Entrapments
- Ankle Sprains
- Shin Splints
- Hip and Groin Pain
- Pronator Syndrome
- Contusion
- Fibromyalgia
- Spondylosis & Spondylolisthesis
- Whiplash
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJ-D)
- Mind/Body Disorders (MBD)
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
- Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS)
how many sessions do you need for Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy?
The number of sessions needed for Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT) varies depending on the individual case and the severity of the condition being treated. Typically, a course of DLT includes both manual lymphatic drainage massage and compression bandaging or garment fitting, as well as self-care education and exercises. A typical treatment may last 2-3 weeks, with 2 sessions a week for the first 3-3 weeks and then decreasing frequency as progress is made. Some patients may need additional treatment sessions to maintain improvement.