Manual lymphatic drainage is a central tenant of Complex (Combined) Decongestive Therapy, the standard treatment for the chronic swelling condition known as lymphedema. While the benefits of manual lymphatic drainage are well recognized for cases of longstanding lymphedema, does it provide enough benefit for early cases to warrant the added cost to patients? New research sheds new light on the debate. Early studies of showed that when (MLD) was included as part of (CDT) it resulted in a substantial additional decrease in swelling (ref 1). However, a more recent meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials (a robust experimental methodology), suggests that the benefits MLD may be much more modest, albeit still statistically significant (ref 2). While MLD is a safe practice without known side effects, it is important to consider how much additional benefit is derived from incorporating MLD into treatment, and compare this to the added cost. The studies to date have not been sufficiently large enough, nor designed effectively enough, to draw strong conclusions.

The benefits of manual lymphatic drainage are. A cost-effective treatment for early lymphedema? Is manual lymphatic drainage a cost-effective treatment. A Clinical Trial About the Contribution of Manual Lymph Drainage in Complex Physical. For the calculation of the sample size the. [ Time Frame: 1 year after the.

A new Canadian study published last week sheds further light on this issue. Change Routeros Software Id Lezer there. The randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the benefit of manual lymphatic drainage as part of CDT for the treatment of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer (ref 3). This study improves on previous randomized controlled trials by evaluating a greater number of patients (103 enrolled, 95 completed), across multiple health centers (six). The study compared CDT (comprised of manual lymphatic drainage, compression, education, exercise and skin care) with and without the MLD component, evaluating arm volume, function and quality of life immediately following treatment, as well as at 12, 24 and 52 weeks post-treatment.