Complete Decongestive Therapy In Chicago
Restore Mobility and Control Swelling with Complete Decongestive Therapy in Chicago
Living with lymphedema or chronic swelling can be frustrating, limiting your mobility and quality of life. At Engram Therapy and Wellness Clinic in Chicago, our certified lymphedema therapists offer Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)—the most effective, gold-standard approach for managing and reducing lymphedema symptoms.
Whether you’re recovering from cancer treatment, surgery, or dealing with hereditary lymphatic conditions, CDT helps control swelling, prevent complications, and empower long-term self-care.
Restore Mobility and Control Swelling with Complete Decongestive Therapy in Chicago
Living with lymphedema or chronic swelling can be frustrating, limiting your mobility and quality of life. At Engram Therapy and Wellness Clinic in Chicago, our certified lymphedema therapists offer Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)—the most effective, gold-standard approach for managing and reducing lymphedema symptoms.
Whether you’re recovering from cancer treatment, surgery, or dealing with hereditary lymphatic conditions, CDT helps control swelling, prevent complications, and empower long-term self-care.
What Is Complete Decongestive Therapy?
Complete Decongestive Therapy is a multi-phase treatment program used to manage lymphedema and chronic swelling. It combines several evidence-based techniques to reduce lymph fluid buildup and maintain long-term results.
CDT Includes:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Gentle manual therapy technique that helps redirect lymph fluid toward healthy lymph nodes. It also includes skilled skin and wound care to reduce swelling and support tissue health.
- Compression Therapy: Multi-layer bandaging or custom garments to prevent fluid return
- Decongestive Exercises: Movement strategies to promote lymph flow and improve function
- Skin & Wound Care: Preventing infections and maintaining tissue health
Our team supports you from the intensive treatment phase through the self-management phase, giving you tools and confidence to stay in control.
Who Can Benefit from CDT?
CDT is especially effective for those with:
- Lymphedema (Primary or Secondary)
- Swelling post-cancer treatment (e.g., breast, pelvic, or head/neck cancers)
- Post-surgical or traumatic swelling
- Chronic venous insufficiency with fluid retention
- Lipolymphedema and related disorders
Our goal is not just reducing symptoms, but improving your ability to function comfortably and independently.
What to Expect from CDT at Engram Therapy
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a certified lymphedema therapist. We’ll assess your medical history, swelling severity, and functional limitations before building a tailored plan.
You’ll begin with the intensive phase (daily or near-daily treatments), followed by a transition to maintenance, where you’ll learn how to manage your condition with compression garments, self-MLD techniques, and home-based care.
The Benefits of CDT
- Significant Swelling Reduction
- Improved Limb Function and Mobility
- Lower Risk of Infection (Cellulitis)
- Better Skin Health and Comfort
- Long-Term Control Through Self-Management
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Complete Decongestive Therapy take?
The intensive phase typically lasts 2–4 weeks, depending on the severity of swelling. Maintenance is ongoing and includes regular check-ins and home care guidance.
Is CDT covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover CDT when provided by a certified therapist. We’ll help verify your benefits and assist with documentation.
Do I need a referral for CDT?
While not always required, a referral from your physician may help streamline insurance coverage and treatment planning.
Start Managing Swelling with Confidence
Don’t let chronic swelling control your life. At Engram Therapy and Wellness Clinic in Chicago, our certified experts provide the most trusted method for lymphedema care—Complete Decongestive Therapy—so you can regain comfort, mobility, and independence.
Call us today to schedule your evaluation and begin a personalized CDT program tailored just for you.
Request an appointment with one of our physical therapists today and get started on your journey toward better health and wellness!
In the end, an active lifestyle is more than possible, even if you struggle with chronic pain. If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, look no further – we are here to help.
Patients with bleeding disorders, extreme fear of needles, on medications that prevent clotting or promote excessive coagulation, or with tender points directly near vital neural or vascular tissue may be identified as contraindicated to this treatment by a practitioner.
Success Stories & Testimonials
“Miss Carla Haverland is a committed, conscientious, and highly skilled empathetic medical professional. The majority of Carla’s work history has been with patients experiencing limitations for whom require attention from physical and/or occupational therapy.
Carla consistently works with patients possessing a variety of physical and/or occupational needs. The treatment patients require is provided with Carla’s extensive experience focusing on the patient’s requirements.
Carla has a long history of working with patients requiring physical and occupational limitations.
Carla consistently treats clients with respect, compassion, and dignity. She is very accessible to her patients. Additionally, Carla consistently follows-up with her patients to ensure the treatment sessions are helping the patient’s recovery process.
Carla is very aware and sensitive to insurance reimbursement rates. Consequently, she tries to provide services with sensitivities to patients with limited financial resources.
If I am in need of physical and/or occupational therapy in the future I will contact Carla for treatment.”
Mary Ellen Ryan
“I had a broken shoulder and called Carla for Physical Therapy at home because I do not drive. She was wonderful and taught me the exercises I needed to regain use of my arm. If you do what she says, recovery is imminent!”
Carol Bailenson
“ I’ve been on Physical Therapy for a long time due to Arthrofibrosis of my left knee .I have a lot of swelling , pain and my ROM is a big issue , I normally don’t write anything on social media but 2 days ago the swelling really got worst but I went anyway . Carla saw me having a very hard time walking .She took me in and did an lymphatic drain , she said no exercise for now , she needs to pay attention to my clinical symptoms first which she saw as priority. She definitely saw my need and she provided that , then she said don’t go rest here for as long as you need . She explained what to expect after urinating a lot .
Folks, that is compassion ! Just remember she treated me with care , that is so important to someone like me .
There is so much to say but as a patient you need to depend on someone , although proactiveness is a must .
I deeply recommend to anyone needing PT/OT/Lymphatic drainage or massage to check out Engram Wellness Center and ask for Carla , she is one of a kind !”
Gloria Sancio
