Lymphoedema Care

Lymphoedema is a long term condition where focus is on reducing and managing the area of swelling, rather than cure. In cancer care, lymphoedema is often the result of tumour obstruction, surgical removal of lymph nodes and/or radiotherapy.

Guidelines identify four main cornerstones to lymphoedema treatment:

• skin care

• massage (manual lymphatic drainage or MLD)

• exercise and movement

• compression therapy

There are also many other aspects to lymphoedema management:

• lifestyle and diet

• stress management

• Kinesiotape

• Laser therapy

Early signs of lymphoedema include intermittent achy or heavy sensation in the affected limb, alongside mild signs of swelling, where clothing or jewellery can feel tight. This is usually associated with overactivity and is a sign that the lymphatic system is overloaded. The symptoms usually settle with rest. However, the more the lymphatic system is overwhelmed, the less likely it will be able to recover, and this is when lymphoedema develops.

If you are showing early signs of lymphoedema, early assessment and intervention is recommended.

Lymphoedema Treatment

As an experienced lymphoedema therapist, I am able to provide individualised treatment programmes incorporating the four cornerstones of lymphoedema care (skin care, movement and exercise advice; specialist Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), and support with the provision of appropriate compression garments), Kinesiotape and support with lifestyle and stress management, to help manage the area of swelling.

If you would like to book an initial consultation for a new or existing lymphoedema, please contact me directly to discuss availability.