Lymphoedema Treatment

Our Lymphoedema Therapists are experienced in treating patients with cancer.

Lymphoedema treatment is a specialist form of care that is targeted at the education, prevention and management of lymphoedema due to cancer and surgical treatment.

About the Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system flows all throughout the body and transports mainly white blood cells as part of the body's immune system. It helps regulate inflammation and the immune response, and removes waste and toxins from the body. Certain health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing a build-up in certain areas - also known as lymphoedema.

Examples include:

Swollen limbs after a long-haul flight
A swollen arm after breast cancer treatment
Lymph node removal or radiation therapy.

Unfortunately, a significant percentage (up to 47%) of patients may develop lymphoedema after certain types of cancer interventions.

Lymphoedema can be painful and debilitating and increase your risk of infection. Lymphoedema treatment for a patient with cancer by a specially qualified clinician can help reduce the stagnation of the lymph and reduce swelling and associated pain and discomfort. You should only have a Lymphoedema assessment and treatment from a specially trained and experienced lymphoedema clinician.

How does Lymphoedema after cancer treatment present?

Swelling localised to a limb, often painful
Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the limb
Reduced mobility in the limb
Increased infections
Gradual onset. If the presentation of swelling is acute it is important to rule out an acute infection or a DVT.

What to expect during a Lymphoedema treatment session for a patient with cancer?

Treatment sessions depend on the treatment history, level of risk, and the individual presentation and severity of swelling of the individual patient. It may involve manual lymphatic drainage, scar tissue massage, and joint mobilization to encourage improved movement in restricted joints and muscles. There is also a large focus on self-massage, stretching and safe return to exercise to ensure you have as much control of your recovery as possible and minimise risks of developing lymphoedema down the track.