About Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy

This therapy assists in the treatment of lymphoedema and venous insufficiency odema.
 
It is a combination of manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, prescribed exercise including breathing exercises, compression garments as well as basic education on how to live with lymphoedema. 

Lymphoedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid caused by a malfunctioning of the lymphatic system.   Characteristics of lymphoedema involve swelling, changes in skin texture, vulnerability to infection and vulnerability to chronic low level inflammation (source:  p2 Casley-Smith ‘Complex Lymphatic Therapy Workbook’).   It can be very painful and uncomfortable and if infection occurs that is not properly managed, may quickly become life-threatening.

Lymphoedema is either a primary condition whereby the individual is born with the condition or it is a secondary condition occurring as a consequence of an event such as surgery post cancer or following an accident that has impacted the lymphatic flow/system.  More rarely seen in Australia it is a secondary lymphoedema condition caused by a tropical parasite infection called 'Filariasis' that is found in some tropical countries.

In the Western world, secondary lymphoedema is the more commonly occurring form of lymphoedema and it occurs in both men and women. 

For some people, lymphoedema may be a relatively mild condition that comes and goes, for others lymphoedema may be a lifetime condition requiring medical supervision, daily management involving exercise, skin care and self-massage while for others they may go on for years after their cancer treatment before feeling the first signs of lymphoedema.

The goal of this therapy is to work where necessary, with your medical practitioner and other medical professionals, to help you become confident and self-sufficient in your lymphoedema self-care.  With the right attitude and approach, great results can be achieved.  The steps in this therapeutic service will help you get there.

Testimonials

'I've had lymphoedema since I was a child.  I am in my 70's having have had a hip replacement and two knee replacements, I cannot pull on compression stockings anymore.  I was referred to Bronwyn when I was virtually immobile because my legs had gotten so bad.  Bronwyn helped me by providing lymphodema massage, giving me some simple exercises to do, ordered special compression garments that wrap around my legs plus taught my husband how to massage my legs.  All of this has made so much difference!   We are now about to travel around Australia!'   Jan