Complete decongestive therapy is designed to reduce swelling associated with lymphedema and maintain the reduction. The technique is safe, reliable and non-invasive and has been proven to provide positive long-term results for both primary and secondary lymphedema. Complete decongestive therapy is said to work in two phases: first, to move the lymph fluid out of the affected region and reduce the swelling using manual lymph drainage techniques and bandaging.
(Source: Mylymphedema, www.mylymphedema.com)