The cause of primary lymphedema is a failure in the development of the lymphatic system, that is, of the lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes. This anatomical anomaly is responsible for the edema that can appear in a limb, the face, the trunk…

It can be congenital, early, or late depending on when it manifests.

To treat it, we use Complex or Combined Decongestive Therapy, which is the globally recognized general treatment, consisting of:

1. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

2. Compression (multi-layer compression bandaging and compression stocking or sleeve)

3. Decongestive kinesitherapy (exercises)

4. Hygienic measures (skin care and infection prevention).

There are different schools of manual lymphatic drainage: Vodder, Leduc, Godoy...