Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) has five primary goals in the treatment of Lymphedema.

• Move stagnant lymph out of the tissues.
• Assist in the reduction of swelling.
• Help control swelling.
• Soften fibrotic tissue.
• Improve the patient’s general health.
  

There are three primary components of CDT. They are:

• Manual lymph drainage.
• The use of compression techniques.
• Self-management procedures.
• The self-management techniques include self-massage, compression methods, skin care and daily exercise.