Frequently Asked Questions

Terrie Spell
CLT, LMT, Healer, Alchemist, Medicine Woman, Minister
VA # 0019000133

Are you a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) or a Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (LDT)?

I am a Certified Lymphema Therapist (CLT).

What is the difference in a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) and a Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (LDT)?

A Certified Lymphema Therapist (CLT) is licensed with specialized training in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). The certification requires over 135 hours of rigorous, medical-level certification from an accredited school. A CLT’s primary goal is managing chronic swelling, lymphedema, and compromised lymphatic systems.

A Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (LDT) only requires a standard Massage Therapy license and a shorter 40-hour specialized Manual Lymphatic Draining (MLD) Certificate. An LDT’s primary goal is wellness, relaxation, reducing minor inflammation, or cosmetic recovery.

What is Complete Decongestive Therapy?

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold-standard, non-invasive medical treatment for lymphedema and chronic swelling. It combines Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD - gentle massage to redirect fluid), multilayer short-stretch compression bandaging, targeted exercises, and strict skin care to reduce swelling, restore mobility, prevent infection and improve quality of life.

What is the typical medical context of Complete Decongestive Therapy?

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is primarily required following damage to the lymphatic system, such as after cancer surgeries, radiation, trauma, or severe chronic venous insufficiency.

Does Complete Decongestive Therapy involve a healthcare affiliation?

CDT is often provided under a physician’s referral but a referral is not required.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a chronic, protein-rich fluid buildup that causes swelling, typically in the arms or legs. It occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked, preventing lymph fluid from draining properly and causing a buildup. It is generally incurable but symptoms can be managed.

What is lipidema?

Lipedema is a chronic medical condition characterized by an abnormal, symmetrical buildup of fat, typically in the legs and sometimes the arms, but not in the hands and feet. Lipedema fat doesn’t respond to traditional diet and exercise, and it has a unique fibrotic texture. It primarily affects women, is often painful, bruises easily.

What is the difference in lymphedema and lipidema?

While lymphedema is caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid (often on one side of the body), lipedema is a disease of fat tissue (on both sides of the body). Left untreated, lipedema can eventually lead to lipo-lymphedema.