Effectiveness of Digital Physiotherapy in the Short and Long-Term Management of Lower Extremity Lymphedema

The intervention consisted of a digitally delivered combined decongestive therapy (CDT) program for patients with unilateral or bilateral lower extremity lymphedema. Patients attended a single face-to-face session where a physiotherapist provided training on skin care, self-bandaging, self-manual lymphatic drainage, and therapeutic exercises (breathing, gluteal sets, knee sets, and toe movements). Caregivers recorded the demonstrations for home use. Following this session, a 4-week remote physiotherapy program was implemented using telecommunication technologies. Patients continued self-management with guidance via digital platforms. Compression stockings replaced self-bandaging during the 12-week follow-up phase.