For patients and families
How lymphedema treatment works
Every plan follows complete decongestive therapy, the standard of care for lymphedema, and is carried out by a certified lymphedema therapist. This page explains what treatment includes, how the phases work, and what to expect. New to the condition itself? Start with what is lymphedema.
Our approach
Lymphedema treatment in Oklahoma, start to finish
01
Evaluate
A full lymphedema evaluation, including history, skin and tissue assessment and limb measurements.
02
Treat
Manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise and skin care to reduce swelling.
03
Maintain
Compression garment fitting and home-care training so results last after treatment ends.
Complete decongestive therapy
What treatment includes
Complete decongestive therapy combines several techniques. Your therapist builds your plan from these, based on your stage, your health and your goals.
Manual lymph drainage
A gentle, hands-on technique that moves lymph fluid toward areas where it can drain. It is not deep-tissue massage — the touch is light and directed.
Compression
Short-stretch bandaging during the intensive phase, then fitted compression garments to keep swelling down between visits and after treatment.
Therapeutic exercise
Targeted movement done while wearing compression. Muscle activity helps pump lymph, and your program is built for your strength and mobility.
Skin and nail care
Careful skin care lowers the risk of infection, including cellulitis — one of the most common complications of untreated lymphedema.
Elevation and self-care
How to position the limb, care for your skin at home, and spot early warning signs — the daily habits that protect your results.
Pneumatic compression
Where appropriate, a pump device used with your plan to help move fluid. Your therapist will tell you if it fits your condition.
The two phases
First we reduce, then you maintain
Phase 1 — Intensive
The goal is to reduce swelling as much as possible. You see your therapist frequently over a concentrated period for manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercise and skin care.
How long this phase lasts depends on your stage and how your tissue responds — your therapist will map it out after your evaluation.
Phase 2 — Maintenance
The goal shifts to keeping your results. You move into fitted compression garments and a home program, with the self-care skills you learned in Phase 1.
Lymphedema has no cure, but with a consistent maintenance routine most patients keep their swelling controlled and stay active.
Common questions
Before you start
Does lymphedema treatment hurt?
Manual lymph drainage is gentle and should not hurt. Compression can feel snug, especially at first, and your therapist adjusts it as your limb changes size.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to start?
No — you can request an evaluation yourself. If your insurance requires a physician order, our intake team will contact your doctor for you.
Where does treatment happen?
At our clinics in Edmond, South Oklahoma City and Midwest City — and at home or in assisted living and skilled nursing communities. See everything for patients and families, or contact us to ask about your area.
Will treatment make the swelling go away for good?
Treatment can significantly reduce swelling, protect your skin and improve how the limb feels and moves. Because the lymphatic system itself is impaired, ongoing maintenance is what keeps those results — which is exactly what Phase 2 is for.
Start with an evaluation
Swelling that won’t go away deserves a specialist. Request an evaluation with a certified lymphedema therapist, or call (405) 449-4491.