I am in the middle of having laser treatments. I have had lymphedema in my right arm for about 24 years (had Hodgkins Disease in 1982, with lymph node removal and radiation).
I have tried compression sleeves and a pump, but all that did was move it around.
I looked into the Vodder method. It may well be good, but my condition isn't bad enough that I want to spend hours every day at it.
I had a lymphatico-venous anastomosis in 1994 which did work fairly well but the effects were pretty much wiped out bya bad cellulitis infection.
I started laser treatments at the end of October 2006, and it seems to be working. The website for the following link doesn't mention it for lymphedema, but Dr. Kahn, the "guru" in Canada, does provide guidance for his member clinics. Cost is quite reasonable - $55/half hour, and it takes about 20 treatments.
http://www.lasercaretherapy.com/ is the site for the local one here in BC, but they can refer you to one near where you are.
My arm is softer and is getting noticeably smaller after only two weeks of treatment. It is regaining some shape and definition, and does drain faster when I elevate it.
I'll keep everyone posted. From what I read here, mine is a fairly mild case, but I've had it for a long time, and the laser seems to be working.