Management of lymphedema

The basic principle of the management of lymphedema is so called complex decongestive physical therapy. This therapy is divided into two phases: (i) edema reduction phase – an initial intensive treatment phase aiming for limb volume reduction; and (ii) maintenance phase – following long‐term phase to sustain a manageable limb volume. The first phase consists of a number of physical therapeutic approaches which are: manual lymph drainage, pneumatic pump drainage, low‐stretch bandaging, exercises, and skin care. Long‐term maintenance phase consists of self‐lymph drainage, low‐stretch bandaging, or compressive garments, and sometimes when indicated pneumatic pump drainage, exercises, and skin care.