Other Contemporary Treatment Modalities

Summary of Basic Concepts
The individuality of a person’s lymphatic system is being recognized through
improved structural/functional imaging and acknowledged as important in the
targeting of treatment.
Differential diagnosis is critical since there are many other conditions which
appear to be like lymphedema and which are not. Detecting and dealing with these prior to dealing with the lymphedema can lead to improved outcomes.
Based on objective findings, the planned targeting and sequencing of treatment
is essential to gain the best outcomes.
There are many treatments available which are achieving purportedly good
results, but larger-scale well-controlled trials are needed.
Treating and managing the person at risk of or with lymphedema holistically is
important; only some traditional and contemporary treatments consider this need.
With increasing obesity and the chronic edema it brings, an already overloaded
lymphatic system is just that much closer already to failure; we will see situations in the future where even apparently minor interventions involving the lymph nodes or vessels may lead to lymphedema; this means any conservative treatment be it traditional or contemporary must be rapidly introduced, but we need to ensure they are appropriately sequenced and targeted.