Lymphatic Therapy

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Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (Lymphoedema + Lipoedema Management)

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Pre/Post Surgical Assessment and Education

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage

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Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy (Lymphoedema + Lipoedema Management)

Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy is a gold standard treatment using a multimodality approach of compression, manual lymphatic drainage, skincare, exercise and modifications of active daily living to manage clients with and/or at risk of Lymphoedema.

Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy also helps to manage other related conditions such as lipoedema and oedemas associated with surgery, auto-immune, sinus etc. With the use of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy it can enhance a clients overall quality of life and the ability to prevent and manage the progression of a range of lymphatic conditions.

Lymphoedema is an abnormality of the lymphatic system that is characterised by an increased collection of lymphatic fluid in the body. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can occur anywhere in the body, including the breast, chest, abdomen, pelvis, head and neck. 

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Swelling generally in the arms or legs but can also affect other parts of the body that can worsen over the day.
  • Feeling of heaviness particularly in the affected limbs.
  • Aching, tightness and discomfort in the presenting areas.
  • Skin changes such as folds, warts and skin growths.
  • Less mobility and range of motion.
  • Irritation of clothing and jewellery from feeling tight such as underwear, bras and rings.
  • Skin infections.
  • Pitting oedema.

If you have persistent or unexplained swelling, heaviness or tightness, it’s important to have it assessed. Your GP or a qualified lymphoedema therapist can help identify the cause and determine whether further investigation or management is needed. Early assessment can help prevent progression, protect tissue health and support long-term wellbeing.

Primary Lymphoedema is due to an abnormal development of the lymphatic system in utero and can present at birth (congenital), puberty (praecox) or later in adulthood (tarda). It is a presenting complaint, not a single condition and can be linked to other associated genetic conditions which is why it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis to understand the underlying cause and treatment pathway.

Secondary Lymphoedema is a lymphoedema developed as a result of injury or trauma that obstructs the lymphatic system. It can be classified into the following categories: 

  • Trauma such as degloving, burns, large wounds, scarring and fractures.
  • Malignant disease such as lymph node metastases, infiltrative carcinoma, lymphoma, pressure from large tumours.
  • Venous disease such as CVI, venous ulceration, post thrombotic syndrome and IV drug use.
  • Infection such as cellulitis, erysipelas, lymphadenitis, tuberculosis and filariasis.
  • Inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis.
  • Skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, insect and spider bites and dermatosis.
  • Iatrogenic such as medical treatment, radiotherapy, vein surgery, lymph node dissection and diagnostic procedures.
  • Tourniquet such as amniotic bands, hair tourniquet (in utero) and tourniquet.
  • Other such as self-harm, obesity, immobility, and medication.

Lipoedema is a painful disorder of an abnormal distribution of adipose tissue that is most prominent in the lower and/ or upper extremities. The disorder can be bilateral or symmetrical, effecting mostly women and is commonly misdiagnosed as obesity. Lipoedema must be diagnosed by a medical professional that specialises in lipoedema such as a doctor or surgeon.

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Accumulation of adipose tissue generally symmetrical and in the legs from the waist to ankles or arms from the upper arms to wrists. Not effecting the hands or feet.
  • Abnormal gait and joint pain due to lipoedemic fat pads on the upper outer thighs, inner thighs and above or below the knee.
  • Sensitivity to touch and pressure.
  • Non-pitting oedema
  • Bruises easily
  • Restrictive diets have little effect on movement or elimination of the fat.
  • Skin changes such as appearance, texture and temperature.
  • Hypermobility
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Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy may help:

  • Reduce and manage swelling and fluid build-up
  • Improve lymphatic fluid movement
  • Relieve feelings of heaviness, tightness and discomfort
  • Improve tissue softness and mobility
  • Support movement and physical function
  • Manage fibrosis and changes in tissue texture
  • Support recovery following surgery or cancer treatment
  • Protect skin and tissue health
  • Reduce the risk of lymphoedema-related complications
  • Improve your understanding of how your lymphatic system works
  • Provide practical strategies for self-management at home
  • Build confidence and independence in managing your condition
  • Support your long-term wellbeing and quality of life

Pre/Post Surgical Assessment and Education

Surgery is just one part of your healing journey. Preparing your body before surgery and receiving the right support afterwards can play an important role in your recovery, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Our Pre & Post-Surgical Assessment and Education appointments provide personalised guidance before and after your procedure, helping you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to support your recovery every step of the way.

We work collaboratively with your healthcare team to develop an individualised plan that may include education on swelling management, scar care, lymphatic health, movement, compression therapy, and strategies to optimise healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported and empowered throughout your recovery.

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This service may include:

  • Pre and post operative assessment and education
  • Personalised recovery planning
  • Lymphoedema risk assessment and prevention education
  • Compression therapy education
  • Scar management education
  • Recovery timelines and expectations
  • Movement and self-management advice
  • Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy
  • Scar Tissue Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an advanced therapy that assists with the overall health and functioning of the lymphatic system. This therapy helps to encourage and stimulate the body’s natural process of the lymphatic system which plays an important role in our body’s immune response and overall fluid balance. By performing gentle rhythmic techniques with the correct stimulation of Lymph Nodes, Lymphatic Drainage encourages the healthy flow of lymphatic fluid to regulate tissue pressure, eliminate excess fluid and waste products to support optimum health. 

Manual lymphatic drainage is beneficial for the overall health of the body as it also assists to activate our parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), relaxing the vessels and resulting in a calming effect for the entire body. The benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage include general wellbeing, improved lymphatic circulation, stimulates the functions of vital organs and assists to eliminate cellular waste, and stimulate the parasympathetic relaxation response. 

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Indications for Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Lymphoedema
  • Lipoedema
  • Pre and post-surgery
  • Oedema, swelling and puffiness
  • Constipation and digestive disorders
  • Arthritis and Rheumatism
  • Sinusitis
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Pain relief
  • Headaches and migraines

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