Self Management

Successful self-management for lymphedema is a cornerstone to successful lymphedema treatment.

The lymphedema swelling can be reduced in a relatively short time (2-3 weeks of intensive treatment) by a fully trained and certified Casley-Smith lymphedema therapist, using techniques of compression bandaging, special therapeutic exercise, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), skin care and compression garment fitting.

Once this has been completed the patient takes over responsibility for the maintenance of her/his lymphedema reduction. The Casley-Smith therapist will teach the patient how to perform his/her own bandaging on the swollen limb, how to do self MLD, to exercise safely, to return to fitness regimes, to perform self-surveillance of the limb size, to maintain excellent skin condition and to don and doff the compression garments.

In this way a person with lymphedema can return to normal life while self-managing the problem of a swollen limb. He/she will need to visit the therapist to renew compression garments at least twice annually or if there is a change in the lymphedema but will not be fettered by ongoing treatments interfering with daily routines and activities.