Treatment

With early detection, diagnosis and the right treatment you can manage lymphedema and prevent it from getting worse. Early treatment leads to the best health outcomes.

Lymphedema Diagnosis

If you think you have early signs of lymphedema, the first step is to visit your family doctor, healthcare team or a certified lymphedema therapist. Sadly, some people who suspect they may have lymphedema are told that nothing can be done to help them. That’s just plain wrong. This is one of the main reasons the Lymphedema Association of Ontario exists to help you. We can connect you with information, resources, support groups and certified lymphedema therapists.

Lymphedema Assessment

Getting lymphedema diagnosed and assessed can lead to effective therapy and the advice you need to manage your lymphedema.

The gold standard of lymphedema management includesCombined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) given by a certified lymphedema therapist. We can help you find a certified lymphedema therapist. They may be a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse, doctor or registered massage therapist. To be certified as a lymphedema therapist they must have at least 135 hours of post-graduate training to treat lymphedema.

The therapist will assess your lymphedema and then decide on your treatment program.

Lymphedema Therapy includes:

Manual Lymph Drainage: a special form of massage that re-directs lymph flow.
Compression therapy: the use of compression garments (e.g. elastic bandaging, sleeves, gauntlets or tights) to control swelling.
Education: to learn about how best to manage lymphedema.
Exercises: to promote lymphatic flow.
Skin care: to prevent infection.
The goal of therapy is to reduce swelling, manage the lymphedema and reduce your risk of it getting worse and leading to other health problems. Your certified lymphedema therapist will guide you through the treatment program and show you how to control your lymphedema with self care.

Read more about help for the costs of lymphedema treatment .

Lymphedema is for life. Just as people with diabetes or a heart condition must learn to manage and live with it, ongoing self-care for lymphedema is vital. It takes time and knowledge, and is something you have to commit to for life. This will help you to better manage your lymphedema and reduce your risk of complications.