The Amazing Foeldi Technique
The Foeldi technique is called Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy which involves four basic steps to treatment. They are (1) Manual Lymph Drainage (2) compression therapy (3) Meticulous nail and skin care, and (4) remedial exercises. Doctor Michael Foeldi took Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage method a couple steps further to provide a more comprehensive plan of treatment for lymphedema. His technique is highly effective, painless, and non-invasive.
Complete Decongestive Therapy has two phases of treatment. The first phase is an intensive phase, which lasts between two and four weeks (longer in extreme cases), with treatments being done twice a day for five days. The goal of this phase is to decongest the swollen extremity to a normal or near-normal size. Simulateously, the patient is instructed in techniques designed to maintain and improve the condition after the intensive phase of therapy.
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Foeldi technique is a maintenance and improvement phase. This is to be done at home by the patient. The therapist will teach the patient about compression therapy, which means wearing compression bandages or garments at home.
Patients are also taught how to take care of their skin and nails so as to avoid further skin irritation and infection. Finally, the therapist will teach the patient some remedial exercises that they can do at home that will improve the strength and mobility of the affected limb. This technique has proved to be very effective in treating patients with lymphedema.
