<p>The standard treatment for lymphoedema is complete or complex decongestive therapy (CDT) that combines manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), skin care, multilayer, multi-component bandaging, exercises and patient education (Cheville et al, 2003; International Lymphoedema Framework, 2006). Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy can also be used in conjunction with CDT (Mayrovitz, 2007). Although CDT is well established as the cornerstone of care for breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL), there is limited evidence as to best practice for compression use to guide clinicians in making appropriate treatment decisions (Partsch et al, 2010). Partsch et al (2010) noted that questions of pressure gradient, type of material, frequency of application and many others need further investigation. Active patient involvement and concordance in care is also necessary to achieve better long-term results (Chardon-Bras et al, 2007).</p>
