Complex Decongestive Therapy

**Semantic type:** Therapeutic or Preventive Procedure

**Definition:** Treatment to reduce lymphedema. This therapy uses massage to move the fluid away from areas where lymph vessels are blocked, damaged, or removed by surgery. This helps remove extra fluid. The affected area is then wrapped in a special bandage. Later, a compression garment (tight-fitting, elastic piece of clothing) is worn to keep fluid from building up again.

**Synonyms:** - complex decongestive therapy