[Conservative lymphedema therapy - lymphological rehabilitation treatment]

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2013 Apr;163(7-8):169-76. doi: 10.1007/s10354-013-0205-5. Epub 2013 May 4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The most important column in the conservative lymphedema therapy still represents the complex decongestive physical therapy/KPE.This is a multimodal therapy, which consists of four components. (1) skin restoration and/or skin care, (2) manual lymphatic drainage, (3) compression therapy and (4) decongestive exercises. The KPE is also divided into two phases. Phase 1-the decongestion-serves primarily the mobilization and transporting away the banked protein-rich oedema fluid and seamless transition into the Phase 2-the maintenance phase, which serves to preserve the achieved treatment success. The implementation of the KPE should be stage-adjusted, but depends also on the location (genital, head, face), and on co-existing comorbidities (congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, muscular-skeletal disorders, mental illness, etc.). It should be modified for children, elderly persons and for patients with malignant lymphedema.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aftercare
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Compression Bandages
  • Drainage / methods
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema / etiology
  • Lymphedema / rehabilitation*
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / methods
  • Patient Admission
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Skin Care / methods