Lipoedema treatment

Complex physical decongestive therapy (CDT)

Ideally, the treatment of lipoedema and chronic lymphatic drainage disorders aims to normalise or at least improve lymph transport. The aim is to achieve lasting relief of the symptoms and counteract an increase in the clinical picture and the development of concomitant and secondary diseases.

The guidelines of the Society of German-speaking Lymphologists (DGL) set the following treatment goals:

Complex physical decongestive therapy (CDT) has proven to be particularly effective in achieving these treatment goals. In principle, a holistic therapy for pathological fat distribution disorders should include the following therapeutic components:

1. Skin care
2. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
3. Compression therapy (bandaging or flat knit treatment)
4. Movement
5. Proper nutrition

1. skin care

This term is used here to summarise all measures to prevent or treat diseases and damage to the skin. The focus here is on restoring and stabilising an adequate moisture and lipid content of the skin, protecting against infections caused by bacteria or fungi and treating congestive dermatitis. Skin whose barrier function is often impaired should be regenerated in the best possible way.

2. manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

MLD is a gentle massage technique to increase lymph flow. It is usually performed by physiotherapists who are specially trained, tested and authorised in the method. The effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage depends very much on the physiotherapist's anatomical and pathophysiological knowledge.

3. compression therapy

Compression therapy is carried out during the decongestion phase by means of bandaging. This is changed daily and adapts to the current level of oedema. If oedema reduction can no longer be achieved, compression therapy is carried out using flat-knit compression garments (maintenance phase). The compression garment must be worn as continuously as possible.

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy (IPC) - also known as Apparative Intermittent Compression (AIC) - has proven itself as a complementary measure in clinical, outpatient and home settings.

Compression therapy increases the pressure in the interstitial tissue. It therefore fulfils a number of functions simultaneously:

4. movement

Movement in compression garments activates the muscle and joint pump. This intensifies the drainage of lymphatic fluid and the return flow of venous blood to the heart. Patients with chronic lymphatic drainage disorders must therefore learn decongestive movement exercises and perform them several times a day. Exercise therapy and sporting activity are not only highly effective decongestive measures, they also have general health-promoting and positive psychological effects. They can be supported by certain breathing therapies.

5. nutrition

A balanced and healthy diet should always be integrated into the treatment. We will be happy to advise you on this and clarify your nutritional and, if necessary, hormone status in detail.