the lower extremity it is much more of a concern than
the upper extremity (unless caused by a malignancy)
as it can lead to dermatological breakdown and
ulceration, thus threatening the vitality of the entire
extremity (4).
There is an increase in cases of lymphedema in the
United States primarily because of increases in the
general life expectancy. As we physically mature,
issues such as muscle weakness, decreased activity,
and degradation of collagen and vessels increase the
chances of the development of lymphedema (4). Along
from the external environment. Partsch showed via
standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that
using compression wear that applies 30-40 mmHg of
pressure narrowed the diameter of the veins in the
leg by 6-10% in the standing position (11) improving
the function of the valves and increasing interstitial
pressure to force fluids back into the lymphatic
vessels. The therapy of choice for lymphedema is
a specialized manual massage technique called
complex or complete decongestive therapy (CDT).
The technique employs highly trained manual
therapists that use a series of light preplanned strokes
"The therapy of choice for lymphedema is a specialized
manual massage technique called complex or complete
decongestive therapy (CDT)."
with advancing age, poor management of the disease
increases its severity. Commonly used treatments
for lymphedema includes using compression wraps,
stockings, segmental compression devices, and
elastic stockinette to try to counteract the excess
lower extremity circulatory hypertension. Partsch
(2016) considers venous narrowing by compression
essential for treating lower extremity edema. In a
faulty fluid management system to return lymph and
blood to the heart, the body needs extra compression
to move lymphatic fluid through available channels
and open new channels for fluid drainage to manually
decongest lymphatic vessels (5). Edema reduction is
then maintained by the application of short stretch
wraps reapplied at each session.
In 2002, Weiss and Spray conducted a study to see
if quality of life (QOL) was improved with complete
decongestive therapy in patients who had peripheral
lymphedema due to various causes. Physical,
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