Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy
What is Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT) ?
Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (DLT) is the gold standard for managing lymphoedema, the best practice for lipoedema, and offers benefits for various other conditions, including lipoedema, post cancer treatment, pre- and post-surgery recovery and the management of oedema from various causes.
Our DLT therapists tailor a treatment plan and will guide you through the three treatment phases of DLT, which begin with therapist-led treatments and education, and lead to the maintenance phase, giving you more control over your long-term care, guided by our therapists.
DLT treatments at MLDe are provided by an accredited decongestive lymphatic therapist that offers a combination of:
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), a gentle, rhythmic massage that stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins, reduce swelling, and improve overall health.
• Compression therapy, which may involve bandaging or compression garments to prevent fluid buildup and reduce swelling.
• Skin care, ensuring the skin is clean and moisturised to prevent infections like cellulitis, which are common in lymphoedema.
• Exercise, which can be performed with or without compression, to encourage lymph flow and maintain mobility.
• Modification of activities of daily living: Adjustments are made to reduce the load on the affected areas, thereby decreasing the risk of complications.
• Adjunct therapies such as LLLT, SIPC, and kinesiotaping.
What does DLT Treat?
DLT is helpful for treating many conditions that affect the lymphatic system, such as:
Lymphoedema
Both Primary Lymphoedema, an inherited condition where lymphatic vessels don’t develop properly, and Secondary Lymphoedema which is more common and results from external factors that damage or block the lymphatic system, such as:
Post cancer treatment
Chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy, surgery and dissection of lymph nodes can affect the efficiency of the lymphatic system, which increases the risk of developing lymphoedema.
Lipoedema
Is a chronic condition characterised by the accumulation of excess fat in the legs and arms, often resulting in swelling. The 1 in 9 women who live with lipoedema may also experience some level of lymphoedema, and so DLT can assist in managing swelling and improving the condition of the skin.
Venous Insufficiency
This occurs when veins cannot effectively pump blood back to the heart) often experience fluid buildup in the legs. DLT can help reduce swelling and improve circulation, especially when combined with other treatments like compression garments.
DLT is also used as a treatment for...
Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery the lymphatic system can be affected and DLT can assist in restoring normal lymph flow, reducing swelling, and supporting the recovery process. This includes surgery involving lymph node dissection, cosmetic and dental surgeries.
Post-Trauma Recovery
Following trauma such as a burn or fractures, the lymphatic system can be affected. DLT can assist in restoring normal lymph flow, reducing swelling, and supporting the recovery process.
Poor Circulation or Swelling
Conditions that affect blood flow or circulation, such as diabetes or obesity, might experience intermittent swelling. While DLT isn't a cure, it can help in easing the discomfort of swelling and reduce the risk of fluid retention becoming more permanent.
Chronic or recurrent oedema
Can be caused by conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or pregnancy may also benefit from DLT, especially to help prevent or manage lymphoedema-like symptoms.
Chronic Infections or Inflammatory Conditions
Long-term infections like cellulitis and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or certain autoimmune diseases can lead to lymphatic congestion or fluid retention. DLT assists in improving lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation, providing relief from symptoms.
Post-Exercise Recovery
Athletes and sport and exercise enthusiasts alike use manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as part of recovery after intense exercise, especially following an injury. While primarily a preventive or recovery treatment, it aids in boosting circulation and removing excess fluid. Oedema, sprained ankles, and other conditions can be effectively treated with the immediate application of RICER therapy combined with MLD treatment.
Benefits for Older Adults
The lymphatic system can become less efficient as we age, leading to fluid retention or swelling in the limbs. DLT can help maintain lymphatic flow and reduce the discomfort of swelling, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and regular exercise.
Prior to treatment a thorough medical history is taken, and when appropriate, clearance from your medical professional may be required.
Lymphoedema
DLT is helpful for treating many conditions that affect the lymphatic system, such as:
Lymphoedema
Both Primary Lymphoedema, an inherited condition where lymphatic vessels don’t develop properly, and Secondary Lymphoedema which is more common and results from external factors that damage or block the lymphatic system, such as:
Post cancer treatment
Chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy, surgery and dissection of lymph nodes can affect the efficiency of the lymphatic system, which increases the risk of developing lymphoedema.
Lipoedema
Is a chronic condition characterised by the accumulation of excess fat in the legs and arms, often resulting in swelling. The 1 in 9 women who live with lipoedema may also experience some level of lymphoedema, and so DLT can assist in managing swelling and improving the condition of the skin.
Venous Insufficiency
This occurs when veins cannot effectively pump blood back to the heart) often experience fluid buildup in the legs. DLT can help reduce swelling and improve circulation, especially when combined with other treatments like compression garments.
Lipoedema
Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery the lymphatic system can be affected and DLT can assist in restoring normal lymph flow, reducing swelling, and supporting the recovery process. This includes surgery involving lymph node dissection, cosmetic and dental surgeries.
Post-Trauma Recovery
Following trauma such as a burn or fractures, the lymphatic system can be affected. DLT can assist in restoring normal lymph flow, reducing swelling, and supporting the recovery process.
Poor Circulation or Swelling
Conditions that affect blood flow or circulation, such as diabetes or obesity, might experience intermittent swelling. While DLT isn't a cure, it can help in easing the discomfort of swelling and reduce the risk of fluid retention becoming more permanent.
Chronic or recurrent oedema
Can be caused by conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or pregnancy may also benefit from DLT, especially to help prevent or manage lymphoedema-like symptoms.
Chronic Infections or Inflammatory Conditions
Long-term infections like cellulitis and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or certain autoimmune diseases can lead to lymphatic congestion or fluid retention. DLT assists in improving lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation, providing relief from symptoms.
Post-Exercise Recovery
Athletes and sport and exercise enthusiasts alike use manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) as part of recovery after intense exercise, especially following an injury. While primarily a preventive or recovery treatment, it aids in boosting circulation and removing excess fluid. Oedema, sprained ankles, and other conditions can be effectively treated with the immediate application of RICER therapy combined with MLD treatment.
Benefits for Older Adults
The lymphatic system can become less efficient as we age, leading to fluid retention or swelling in the limbs. DLT can help maintain lymphatic flow and reduce the discomfort of swelling, especially when combined with lifestyle changes and regular exercise.
Prior to treatment a thorough medical history is taken, and when appropriate, clearance from your medical professional may be required.