The List below gives various possible treatments for lymphoedema in order of merit, from their published results. It is a personal view, but backed by our many national and international contacts. Patients vary, and it is not possible to give specific guide-lines which cover every possible variation in lymphoedema, nor in peoples' lives, desires and priorities.
Some regimes are better with some therapists and for some patients.
What follows are just from the average results and may not apply to all individual patients. Some regimes with apparently similar results are listed as alternatives in the same group. Those unmarked do not demand so much compliance, but better results are still obtained if patients are careful. We realise pumps help some patients with early lymphoedema, and some hospitals feel they have to use them because they can offer nothing else. Others may be as good, but there is no evidence that they are.