What is lymphoedema?

It is swelling caused by damaged or abnormal formation of lymphatic vessels. If the lymph system is not able to cope, the tissues of the body accumulate fluid, proteins which can cause the body area to swell. These fluids behave like a stagnant pond meaning surrounding tissues immersed in this protein fluid don’t function as they should; the normal function of the body is interrupted and swelling increases. The skin can become toughened (called fibrosis) and can change condition and texture which can become severs and difficult to treat.

If you have any cancer and are at risk of living with lymphoedema, then we will tailor treatment plan to your specific needs and goals at any stage of your condition.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE CAN HELP WITH:

Swelling in legs, assistance in healing of scar tissue, post-operative healing, deep relaxation and tress relief.

LYMPHOEDEMA CAUSES:

Some people are born with a congenital or underdeveloped lymphatic system at birth or develop lymphoedema from hormonal changes in their lifetime. This may or not develop into lymphoedema until they are into early adulthood or later in life. This is caused by insufficient number of size of lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes.

ARE YOU AT RISK OF HAVE LYMPHOEDEMA SIGNS

The lymphatic system can stagnate for many reasons, such as swelling, chronic inflammation, too little exercise, too many starchy foods, stress, fatigue, emotional shock, poorly fitting bras, or wearing bras for an excessive amount of time. When lymphatic circulation slows down, the regeneration of healthy cells becomes less effective.

Primary Lymphoedema can help with:

Swelling in legs & ankles

Promotion of scar tissue healing

Post-operative healing

Deep relaxation and stress relief

Some of the risks are:

  • Have you has surgery with removal of lymph nodes from axilla (armpit), abdomen, groin or neck.
  • Have you experienced an injury/trauma to your lymphatic system or your effected limb
  • Have you has radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone medications as an addition therapy for cancer
  • Do you have scar formation, fibrosis or dermatitis following radiotherapy treatment
  • Are you overweight or are obese
  • Have an inactive lifestyle
  • Swelling and recovery following cosmetic surgery

Signs of lymphoedema

1. The affected limb or area that has had surgery or radiotherapy just doesn’t feel right – it could be achy, unusual, tingling, shooting sensations or pins and needles or different temperature
2. Gradual swelling of the affected area or limb. Usually this affects only one limb but occasionally both limbs have swelling
3. The area may feel heavy, full or tight
4. Skin may dimple or pucker or have a pitting look to it
5. Skin folds at the joints become deeper and more noticeable
6. A positive “stemmers sign” test – when the skin on the second toe or finger of the affected limb is pinched, the skin cannot be lifted and feels taut and hard.

Manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, exercise, compression garments,
self MLD and education, advice on lymphoedema and after care support.

1. Treat subtle underlying causes to tissues
2. Breakdown scar tissue, fibrotic tissues inhibiting the lymphatic drainage
3. Improve skin healing after radiotherapy scarring
4. Reduction of oedema and stimulation of lymphatic system
5. Education on risk reduction and self – treatment with management

Evidence based research shows that early detection, treatment and management greatly reduces the risk of swelling increasing, keeping swelling under control and preventing symptoms from getting much worse.