Physiotherapy · Jaipur Hospital
Lymphoedema and Swelling Therapy in Jaipur
Swelling that limits daily life; we assess, plan and guide lifelong management.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Session length
- 60 to 90 minutes
- Anaesthesia
- Not needed
- Recovery
- Lifelong management, intensive phase 2 to 4 weeks
- Price
- ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per sessiontypical range in India; ask us for an estimate
Swelling that will not go down
Persistent swelling makes everyday tasks harder and raises infection risk
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage, leading to fluid retention and tissue changes. It can be primary from developmental anomalies or secondary after surgery, trauma or disease.
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Heavy, tight limb
The affected arm or leg feels heavy, tight and difficult to move through the day.
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Clothes and jewellery do not fit
Sleeves, rings or shoes become uncomfortable or impossible to wear as swelling changes.
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Recurring skin infections
Broken or stretched skin raises the risk of cellulitis, which can need hospital admission.
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Fatigue and reduced work
Constant discomfort and limb size make standing, walking or desk work exhausting.
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Worry about progression
Without structured therapy, swelling and fibrosis often worsen over time.
Decongestive lymphatic therapy is the recommended treatment and combines compression, skin care, exercise and specialised massage.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You worry that the swelling will never improve and that another infection could mean days away from work or family.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Call or visit OPD for initial assessment
- 2 Start daily intensive therapy for two to four weeks
- 3 Learn self-care: massage, compression, exercises
- 4 Attend regular reviews to maintain limb volume
how the therapy is done
Complete decongestive therapy is an outpatient programme with an intensive phase followed by lifelong self-management. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and combine the four components below.
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Gentle rhythmic massage redirects lymph from swollen areas toward working lymph nodes.
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Compression Bandaging
Multi-layer short-stretch bandages apply graded pressure to reduce limb volume during the intensive phase.
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Compression Garment Fitting
Custom or ready-made garments maintain reduced size; Velcro wraps may be easier for self-application.
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Exercise and Skin Care
Remedial exercises stimulate muscle pump; meticulous skin care lowers cellulitis risk.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 1 Physiotherapy consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
what research shows about this treatment
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50 to 100 percent subjective relief
Studies reported subjective symptom relief in 50 to 100 percent of patients alongside reduced cellulitis episodes.
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objective circumference reduction
All reviewed studies found measurable reductions in limb circumference after therapy.
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moderate evidence strength
Evidence levels for decongestive therapy are rated moderately strong; more studies are needed on individual components.
If it is left untreated
Untreated lymphoedema can lead to irreversible skin fibrosis, repeated cellulitis infections and progressive limb enlargement that further limits mobility and independence.
life after the intensive phase
Most people move to a maintenance routine they manage at home, with periodic clinic reviews to keep swelling controlled.
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Self-care at home
You apply compression garments or wraps, do simple self-massage and follow your exercise plan daily.
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Fewer infection scares
Consistent skin care and compression lower the chance of cellulitis episodes.
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Regular check-ins
Reviews every few months track limb volume and adjust the plan as needed.
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Return to usual activities
With swelling managed, most people resume work, household tasks and gentle exercise like walking or swimming.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about lymphoedema and swelling therapy
What does lymphoedema and swelling therapy involve?
In short
Lymphoedema and swelling therapy at Jaipur Hospital follows Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). This conservative method combines Manual Lymphatic Drainage, multi-layer compression bandaging, skin care, and remedial exercises. The aim is to reduce limb volume, improve lymph flow, and prevent infections such as cellulitis.
In detail
The therapy has two phases. The intensive phase involves daily sessions for two to four weeks. Therapists perform gentle rhythmic massage to redirect lymph toward working nodes. Multi-layer short-stretch bandages provide counter-pressure during movement.
You learn skin care to lower infection risk and exercises that activate the muscle pump. Evidence shows CDT can reduce swelling and improve quality of life, though individual response varies and some patients may need additional interventions.
A common belief
Many people think it is only massage or only a garment.
What actually happens
CDT is a bundled programme; each part supports the others. Skipping one component often limits results.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon or lymphoedema therapist will assess you and design a plan. The intensive phase usually lasts two to four weeks with daily visits. A maintenance phase follows with self-massage, compression garments, and regular reviews. Session cost typically ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000.
What happens during the first session of lymphoedema and swelling therapy?
In short
The first session at Jaipur Hospital is a detailed assessment. The therapist measures the affected limb, checks skin condition, reviews your medical history and discusses goals. You will learn about the four components of complete decongestive therapy and receive a personalised plan.
In detail
The therapist takes circumference measurements at set points to track volume changes. Skin is examined for fibrosis, wounds or signs of infection such as cellulitis. You will be asked about onset, previous treatments, surgeries and current medications.
The therapist explains manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, garment options, exercises and skin care. If appropriate, a short trial of manual lymphatic drainage may be given. You will also be taught simple self-massage techniques for home use. The plan outlines session frequency, expected duration of the intensive phase and follow-up reviews.
A common belief
Patients often expect immediate massage or bandaging.
What actually happens
The first visit is mainly evaluation and education so the plan is safe and tailored. Skipping this step risks missing contraindications like arterial disease.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Wear loose clothing that allows access to the swollen area. Bring any medical reports, compression garments you already use and a list of medicines. The session lasts 60 to 90 minutes and costs ₹1,500 to ₹3,000. After assessment, the intensive phase typically begins with daily sessions for two to four weeks.
How soon should I notice an improvement during lymphoedema and swelling therapy?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, many patients notice a reduction in limb volume during the intensive phase of Complete Decongestive Therapy, which typically lasts two to four weeks with daily sessions. The maintenance phase then aims to keep the reduced size stable over the long term.
In detail
Evidence from NHS guidance shows that Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy has an intensive phase during which you may receive daily treatment for several weeks to help reduce the volume of the affected body part.
Studies report objective reductions in circumference measurements, and subjective symptom relief was found in 50 to 100 percent of patients as well as a reduction in cellulitis episodes.
However, the review concluded that levels of evidence were only moderately strong and that treatment interventions were often bundled, making it difficult to determine the contribution of each individual component. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition and therapy controls symptoms rather than removing the underlying cause.
A common belief
Some people expect a quick heal, but lymphoedema is a chronic condition and therapy controls symptoms rather than removing the underlying cause.
What actually happens
Evidence shows objective reductions in circumference measurements, but levels of evidence are only moderately strong and results vary between patients.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your therapist will measure limb circumference at regular intervals and review progress every few months. You will be taught self-massage, compression garment use, and exercises to continue at home.
How does the term "lymphoedema" relate to lymphoedema and swelling therapy?
In short
The term "lymphoedema" is the American English spelling of "lymphoedema", which is the condition treated by lymphoedema and swelling therapy at Jaipur Hospital. Both spellings refer to the same chronic swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage. The therapy offered is complete decongestive therapy, the internationally recognised conservative management for this condition.
In detail
Lymphoedema is a localised tissue swelling resulting from excessive retention of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial compartment due to impaired lymphatic drainage. It is classified as primary, caused by developmental lymphatic vascular anomalies, or secondary, acquired from underlying disease, trauma, or surgery.
Complete decongestive therapy is a conservative method that combines manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, compression garment fitting, exercise and skin care.
The evidence shows it is effective in reducing lymphoedema, with objective circumference reductions reported in all studies and subjective symptom relief in 50 to 100 percent of patients. The spelling difference does not change the diagnosis or the treatment approach.
A common belief
Patients sometimes think the different spellings mean different diseases or treatments.
What actually happens
They do not. The therapy is the same evidence-based complete decongestive therapy whether the record says lymphoedema or lymphoedema.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon or therapist will use the spelling "lymphoedema" following Indian and British conventions, but medical records may show either spelling.
The therapy plan includes an intensive phase of two to four weeks with daily sessions, followed by lifelong maintenance with self-massage, compression garments, exercise and skin care. Reviews occur every few months.
How is lymphoedema distinguished from other causes of swelling?
In short
Lymphoedema is identified by its cause and pattern. It results from impaired lymphatic drainage rather than heart, kidney or vein problems. At Jaipur Hospital, the therapist assesses whether swelling is primary, due to developmental anomalies, or secondary, following surgery, trauma or infection. The history, limb shape, skin changes and absence of pitting in later stages help separate lymphoedema from oedema of other origins.
In detail
Evidence defines lymphoedema as localised tissue swelling from excessive lymphatic fluid retention caused by impaired lymphatic drainage. It is classified as primary or secondary. Primary lymphoedema stems from developmental lymphatic vascular anomalies. Secondary lymphoedema is acquired from underlying disease, trauma or surgery.
Unlike venous or cardiac oedema, lymphoedema often shows a positive Stemmer sign, skin fibrosis in chronic stages, and does not respond to diuretics. The therapist uses these clinical features alongside your medical history to confirm the diagnosis before starting complete decongestive therapy.
A common belief
Many people assume all leg swelling is the same and try water tablets.
What actually happens
Diuretics do not remove protein-rich lymph fluid and can delay proper treatment.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you notice persistent swelling that does not improve with elevation or diuretics, book an assessment at Jaipur Hospital. The therapist will examine the limb, review your history, and confirm whether complete decongestive therapy is appropriate. Early diagnosis allows timely intensive phase treatment, typically lasting two to four weeks, followed by lifelong self-management.
How can I decide whether to seek advice about manual lymphatic drainage?
In short
Consider manual lymphatic drainage if you have confirmed lymphoedema with persistent swelling that limits movement or causes discomfort. At Jaipur Hospital, the therapist assesses whether MLD suits your stage and health status. MLD is not advised during acute infection, active cancer, or severe heart failure. A consultation clarifies if you can start the intensive phase of complete decongestive therapy.
In detail
Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialised massage that moves fluid from swollen areas into working lymph nodes. It is one component of complete decongestive therapy, which also includes compression bandaging, exercise and skin care.
Evidence shows CDT is effective in reducing lymphoedema, though levels of evidence are moderately strong. MLD alone is less effective than the bundled approach. The therapist teaches simpler self-massage techniques for the maintenance phase. MLD is typically delivered daily during the intensive phase lasting several weeks.
A common belief
Many wait until the limb is very large or infected.
What actually happens
Early MLD combined with compression works better than massage alone started late.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If swelling persists despite elevation, or if you have heaviness, tightness or recurrent cellulitis, book an assessment at Jaipur Hospital. The therapist will examine you, review medical history, and decide if MLD within complete decongestive therapy is appropriate. The intensive phase usually runs two to four weeks. Early advice prevents fibrosis and infection.
How will the therapist adapt treatment to my home, work, and activity goals?
In short
The therapist at Jaipur Hospital tailors the complete decongestive therapy plan around your daily routine, occupation, and personal goals. Session timing, garment choice, exercise selection, and self-care teaching are all adjusted so the programme fits your life rather than disrupting it.
In detail
During the intensive phase, appointment times can be scheduled around work shifts or caregiving duties. The therapist selects compression options such as Velcro wraps if you need to apply and remove them independently at home.
Remedial exercises are chosen to match your fitness level and the physical demands of your job, whether sedentary or manual. You are taught simple lymphatic drainage techniques that can be performed in a few minutes at home. The maintenance plan includes strategies for travel, hot weather, and activity modifications to protect the limb while staying active.
A common belief
A rigid programme that ignores your schedule often fails because patients cannot sustain it.
What actually happens
Flexibility in garment choice, exercise design, and appointment timing makes long-term adherence possible.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Bring details of your typical day, work schedule, and hobbies to the first visit. The therapist will build a realistic plan and review it at each follow-up.
Who is likely to benefit from lymphoedema and swelling therapy?
In short
Patients with primary or secondary lymphoedema can benefit from therapy at Jaipur Hospital. Primary lymphoedema stems from developmental lymphatic anomalies. Secondary lymphoedema arises after surgery, radiation, trauma, or infection. The therapy helps reduce swelling, lower cellulitis episodes, and improve daily function.
In detail
Evidence indicates CDT reduces limb volume and subjective symptoms in many patients. Studies report objective circumference reductions and symptom relief in 50 to 100 percent of cases, with fewer cellulitis episodes. Benefit is greatest when therapy starts early and when you follow the maintenance routine. Compression may not suit those with arterial disease, so vascular assessment is part of the evaluation.
A common belief
Some assume only cancer patients need it.
What actually happens
Primary lymphoedema and post-traumatic swelling also respond. Also, compression is not safe for everyone; arterial checks are essential first.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will confirm the type and stage of lymphoedema. If you have persistent swelling after cancer treatment, injury, or from birth, an assessment is advised. The intensive phase typically runs two to four weeks daily.
How long does a lymphoedema therapy session last?
In short
Each session at Jaipur Hospital typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The exact length depends on the number of limbs treated, the complexity of bandaging, and the time needed for education or garment fitting.
In detail
During the intensive phase you may attend daily. A session includes manual lymphatic drainage, which uses gentle rhythmic movements to redirect lymph flow, followed by multi-layer short-stretch bandaging. The bandages act as a counterforce to muscles, encouraging fluid movement when you exercise.
Time is also set aside for skin checks, teaching self-massage, and adjusting exercises. As you move to the maintenance phase, sessions become less frequent and may be shorter, focusing on garment fitting, progress review, and plan updates. The therapist ensures you are comfortable and understand each step before you leave.
A common belief
People sometimes think it is just a quick massage.
What actually happens
The bandaging layer is essential and takes time to apply correctly. Rushing it reduces the pressure gradient that drives fluid out of the limb.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so the session can start on time. Wear loose sleeves or trousers that can be rolled up. The therapist will confirm the next appointment before you go.
How will progress be measured during lymphoedema and swelling therapy?
In short
Progress during lymphoedema and swelling therapy at Jaipur Hospital is measured by objective circumference measurements of the affected limb at regular intervals. Your therapist will also track subjective symptom relief, the frequency of cellulitis episodes, and your ability to manage self-care such as applying compression garments. Reviews occur every few months to check how treatment is progressing.
In detail
The intensive phase of decongestive lymphatic therapy aims to reduce the volume of the affected body part. All studies in the evidence review reported objective reductions in circumference measurements.
Subjective symptom relief was found in 50 to 100 percent of patients, and a reduction in cellulitis episodes occurred in all investigated cases. Health-related quality of life improves with exercise and complex decongestive therapy.
The therapist uses these measures to adjust compression bandaging, garment fitting, exercise plans and skin care advice. Because treatment components are bundled, the contribution of each is assessed together rather than in isolation.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will be taught how to correctly apply compression garments or Velcro wraps so you can continue them during the maintenance period. The exercise plan may involve specific exercises for the affected body part and gentle whole-body activities such as swimming, cycling and walking.
Elevation of the affected part is advised whenever possible. Reviews every few months allow the team to modify the programme.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about lymphoedema and swelling therapy
When you contact us
Start your lymphoedema management plan
Contact Jaipur Hospital for an OPD assessment with our physiotherapy team and a clear outline of your therapy options.
- A consultation with a physiotherapist in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Lymphoedema and Swelling Therapy: what to know
What lymphoedema and swelling therapy is
- Intensive phase Daily sessions for several weeks
- Maintenance phase Lifelong self-care at home
Lymphoedema is a long-term swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the tissues. It happens when the lymphatic system cannot drain fluid properly. The swelling usually affects an arm or a leg, but it can appear in other parts of the body.
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is the standard non-surgical treatment used at Jaipur Hospital.
It is a bundled approach that combines four main components:
- Specialised massage called manual lymphatic drainage
- Multi-layer compression bandaging
- Skin care
- Remedial exercises
The therapy works in two phases. The first is an intensive phase where you may have daily sessions for several weeks to reduce the volume of the swollen area. The second is a lifelong maintenance phase where you use compression garments, self-massage, exercises and skin care to keep the swelling down.
Sessions at Jaipur Hospital usually last 60 to 90 minutes and are done as an outpatient. No anaesthesia is needed. The typical cost range in India is ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per session; the final amount depends on the number of sessions and the type of compression materials used.
Symptoms and warning signs that need urgent care the same day
- Cellulitis signs Redness, warmth, pain, fever, red streaks
- Blood clot signs Shortness of breath or chest pain with leg swelling
The main symptom is persistent swelling in part or all of a limb, including fingers or toes. The skin may feel tight, heavy or thickened, and jewellery or clothing may feel tighter than usual. Movement in the affected limb can become restricted.
You must seek medical attention on the same day if you notice signs of infection such as cellulitis.
These include:
- Sudden increase in redness
- Warmth
- Pain or tenderness in the swollen area
- Fever or chills
- Red streaks spreading from the area
People with lymphoedema are at higher risk of skin infections because the fluid build-up makes it easier for bacteria to grow.
If the swelling appears suddenly after an injury, or if you develop shortness of breath or chest pain along with leg swelling, go to the emergency department immediately as these can indicate a blood clot or other serious problem.
Causes and who is at higher risk
- Primary lymphoedema
- Developmental anomalies present from birth
- Common causes in India
- Filariasis and cancer treatment
- Higher risk factors
- Surgery, radiation, infections, injury, family history, obesity, inactivity
Lymphoedema is classified as primary or secondary. Primary lymphoedema is caused by developmental anomalies in the lymphatic vessels that are present from birth, though swelling may not appear until later in life.
Secondary lymphoedema is acquired.
It arises after damage to the lymphatic system from:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Trauma
- Infection
- Other systemic diseases
In India, a common cause is filariasis, a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes. Cancer treatment is another major cause, especially when lymph nodes are removed or radiated during surgery for breast, gynaecological, head and neck, or other cancers.
You are at higher risk if you have had cancer surgery with lymph node dissection, radiation to lymph node areas, recurrent infections such as cellulitis, severe injury or burns affecting the lymphatics, or a family history of primary lymphoedema. Obesity and lack of movement can also worsen the condition.
How lymphoedema is diagnosed: examination and tests
Diagnosis starts with a detailed history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask about the onset and progression of swelling, any previous surgeries, infections, or cancer treatments, and will examine the skin texture, temperature, and the presence of pitting or fibrosis.
The most common test to confirm the diagnosis and assess the lymphatic system is lymphoscintigraphy, a nuclear medicine scan that tracks the flow of a tracer through the lymphatic vessels. Other imaging such as ultrasound, MRI or CT may be used to rule out other causes of swelling like blood clots or tumours.
In some cases, a simple measurement of limb circumference or volume using a tape measure or water displacement is enough to monitor changes over time. Bioimpedance spectroscopy can detect early fluid changes before swelling is visible. Your surgeon will advise which tests are appropriate for you.
Treatment options without surgery, and when surgery is advised
The recommended first-line treatment is decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), also called complete decongestive therapy (CDT). It has four components: compression bandages or garments, skin care, exercises, and specialised massage techniques called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).
During the intensive phase, you may receive daily MLD and multi-layer short-stretch bandaging to reduce limb volume. You will be taught simple lymphatic drainage (SLD) techniques that you or your attendant can do at home during the maintenance phase. Compression garments or Velcro wraps are fitted for long-term use; you will be shown how to apply them correctly.
An exercise plan is devised to stimulate the muscles that help lymph drainage, and may include specific limb exercises as well as gentle whole-body activities like:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
Elevation of the affected limb is advised whenever possible.
Studies show CDT can reduce limb volume and improve symptoms, though the evidence is moderately strong and results vary between individuals. In some patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema, CDT may be ineffective.
Surgery is considered in a small number of cases when conservative therapy has not controlled the swelling adequately and symptoms severely affect daily life. Surgical options include liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue, lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) to create new drainage pathways, vascularised lymph node transfer (VLNT), or debulking procedures. These procedures are typically done by a plastic surgery team. Your surgeon will discuss whether surgery is suitable for you after a full assessment.
Your first visit and tests for lymphoedema therapy
At your first visit, your doctor will ask about when the swelling started, whether it changes during the day, and any history of surgery, radiation, injury or infection in the affected area. They will check for skin changes such as thickening, hardening or colour changes, and feel for the texture of the swelling to see if it pits on pressure.
Measurements of the limb circumference are taken at set points to record a baseline. If there is any doubt about the cause, your doctor may order an ultrasound or lymphoscintigraphy to look at the lymphatic vessels and rule out a blood clot or other cause.
Bring:
- Any previous reports
- A list of current medicines
- Details of past cancer treatment or surgeries
Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the swollen area.
How lymphoedema therapy works at Jaipur Hospital
- Gentle massage Redirect lymph flow to working nodes
- Multi-layer bandaging Act as counterforce to muscles
- Exercise with compression Encourage fluid to move out
- Teach home techniques Self-massage and garment use
Complete decongestive therapy is the recommended treatment for lymphoedema and has four components: specialised massage called manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, skin care, and exercises. The therapy is given in two phases. The first is an intensive phase where you may receive daily treatment for several weeks to help reduce the volume of the affected body part.
A typical session lasts 60 to 90 minutes and does not need anaesthesia. During a session, the therapist uses gentle rhythmic massage to redirect lymph flow from the swollen areas into working lymph nodes. After the massage, multi-layer short-stretch bandages are applied to act as a counterforce to the muscles and stimulate more effective lymph drainage.
The combination of exercise and compression encourages the fluid to move out of the affected limb. You will be taught simpler massage techniques, known as simple lymphatic drainage, that you or your attendant can use at home. You will also learn how to correctly apply compression garments or Velcro wraps so you can continue using them during the maintenance phase.
Your therapist will help devise an exercise plan designed to strengthen and stimulate the muscles involved in lymph drainage, which may include specific exercises for the affected body part as well as gentle whole-body activities such as:
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Walking
You will usually be advised to raise the affected body part whenever possible. Good skin care is essential to reduce the risk of infection such as cellulitis. Compression bandages or garments may not be suitable for some people, such as those with arterial problems in their legs.
If conservative therapy does not give enough relief, surgical options such as liposuction, lymphaticovenous anastomosis, vascularised lymph node transfer or debulking may be considered, and your doctor can refer you to a plastic surgeon for an opinion.
Risks and possible complications of lymphoedema therapy
Manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging are generally well tolerated. Some people may feel mild discomfort, skin irritation or temporary redness where the bandages are applied. If the bandages are too tight, they can reduce blood flow, so the therapist checks the fit at each session. Compression is not used when there is significant arterial disease in the limb.
The main medical risk with lymphoedema itself is infection, especially cellulitis, which can start from a small break in the skin. Good skin care and prompt treatment of any cuts or insect bites lower this risk. Surgical options carry the usual risks of anaesthesia, bleeding, wound infection and scarring, and the evidence shows significant variations in surgical techniques and outcomes. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail if surgery becomes an option.
Recovery and aftercare for lymphoedema therapy
- Intensive phase 2 to 4 weeks of daily sessions
- Maintenance phase Lifelong self-care at home
- Garment replacement Every 4 to 6 months
- Review visits Every few months
The intensive phase of therapy typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks with daily sessions. After this, you move to a lifelong maintenance phase. The maintenance phase aims to keep the reduced size of the affected body part.
It involves:
- Wearing compression garments during the day
- Doing self-massage
- Continuing your exercise plan
- Looking after your skin
Reviews occur every few months to check how the treatment is progressing and to adjust the plan if needed. You will need to replace compression garments every 4 to 6 months as they lose elasticity. Contact the hospital if you notice sudden increase in swelling, redness, warmth, pain, or fever, as these may signal an infection that needs urgent treatment.
If you have had surgery such as liposuction, you will have to wear a compression garment on the affected limb for the rest of your life to help keep the swelling down.
Results of lymphoedema therapy in studies
- All studies reported reductions in circumference Objective reduction
- 50 to 100 percent of patients Symptom relief
- Reduction in all investigated cases Cellulitis episodes
- Improved with exercise and CDT Quality of life
Studies report that complete decongestive therapy is seen to be effective in reducing lymphoedema. All studies reviewed reported objective reductions in circumference measurements. Subjective symptom relief was found in 50 to 100 percent of patients, along with a reduction in the number of cellulitis episodes in all investigated cases.
Exercise and complex decongestive therapy were associated with improved health-related quality of life. However, the therapy may be ineffective for some patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema. The evidence levels are only moderately strong, and treatment interventions are often bundled, making it difficult to determine the contribution of each individual component.
Additional studies are needed to determine the value and efficacy of the other individual components of complete decongestive therapy. Decongestive lymphatic therapy is not a heal for lymphoedema, but it can help control the symptoms.
Surgical studies show objective reductions in limb volume, but most members of the international lymphology community are frustrated that no treatment method has really undergone a satisfactory meta-analysis.
Cost and insurance for lymphoedema therapy in Jaipur
- ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 CDT session
- ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 Surgical treatment
A typical session of complete decongestive therapy costs between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000. The total cost depends on the number of sessions needed in the intensive phase, the type of compression garments (custom-made or ready-made), and how often garments need replacement. Surgical treatment for lymphoedema in India typically ranges from ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,00,000.
Jaipur Hospital is empanelled under:
- RGHS
- MAA Yojana
- CGHS
- A panel of private insurers and TPAs
Coverage for lymphoedema therapy varies by scheme and policy; check with your insurer or the hospital's insurance desk for details on what is covered and any pre-authorisation needed.