What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a swelling of a body part caused by an abnormal build-up of fluid in the tissues. This can happen anywhere in the body, most commonly in an arm or a leg but can also be in the head, neck, chest, abdomen and genitals.

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Secondary Lymphoedema is the most common cause often as a result of cancer surgery, radiotherapy, repeated infections, venous disease, obesity and poor mobility.

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Primary Lymphoedema is less common and something you are born with which may be triggered by hormonal changes in the body.

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Lipoedema can present in females with accumulating excess weight below the waist to hips, buttocks and legs, the feet are usually spared. The waist and upper body are generally smaller and a completely different size. The swelling can be painful and you can bruise easily. It occasionally affects the arms but not the hands.

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Chronic Oedema is generally due to an underlying venous disease in which fluid accumulates in the tissues over a period of time when the fluid drainage system (lymphatic) is no longer efficient.

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Our treatments can include some or all the following:

• DLT (decongestive lymphatic therapy)  

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage using FG-MLD Fill and flush, a hands on method to move the fluid in the tissues.

• Multi-Layer Lymphoedema Bandaging (MLLB).

• Guidance with compression garments (Measuring & Fitting).

• Lymphatic Taping.

• Tripudio Movement Systems (TMS) activity aimed to improve lymphatic health.

• Education in self management which includes skin care, exercise, self lymphatic drainage and weight management.

 

These treatments aim to:

• Reduce the swelling.

• Reduce/remove the ache, heaviness and/or pain of the swollen limb/area.

• Improve the mobility in the affected area.

• Reduce the risk/prevent infection (cellulitis).

• Educate in self-management.