Lymphedema is a stagnation of protein-rich lymph fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for a patient left untreated. Lymphedema can result in an abnormal amount of protein fluid collecting in the tissues of the extremity.

Since there is no cure for lymphedema, the goal of the therapy is to reduce the swelling and to maintain the reduction. For the majority of the patients, this can be achieved by the skillful application of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).