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Lymphoedema treatment Brisbane
Expert Lymphatic Drainage Massage combined with Pneumatic Compression Pumps can rapidly improve the pain and discomfort associated with Lymphoedema. Our scientifically validated methods help you manage lymphoedema swelling and/or recover from lymphoedema liposuction quickly.
At Knead Massage our qualified and experienced therapists can help you:
- manage your lymphoedema pain and swelling
- maintain skin integrity
- improve energy levels and movement quality
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is defined as chronic swelling in the body.
Lymphoedema is caused by:
- dysfunctional or damaged lymphatic vessels
- High blood pressure
- absent lymph nodes (from surgery or injury).
Lymphoedema symptoms can be managed by competent lymphatic decongestive drainage massage and pneumatic compression pumps. Early intervention generally results in better outcomes.
Lymphoedema symptoms
Lymphoedema is classified as having 4 stages that usually affect the legs, arms and abdomen.
Stage 0. The area where you have lymphedema may feel tight or heavy, but it does not appear swollen. Some people do not have any symptoms at this stage.
Stage I. Sometimes there is swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the affected area. When you press it, it leaves a temporary dent in your skin. You may get relief by resting or lifting the affected arm or leg.
Stage II. The part of the body where you have lymphedema looks swollen most of the time and feels harder than the surrounding area. There are no dents when you press it. Resting and holding the limb does not help.
Stage III. The affected area looks very swollen and the skin feels thick and firm. You may lose some range of motion.
Can lymphedema be cured?
At present Lymphoedema can only be managed – not cured.
Management strategies involve Lymphoedema liposuction, pneumatic compression pumps, compression garments, complex manual drainage, movement strategies (such as hydrotherapy) and elevation of the affected limb.
Lymphedema causes
There are two definitions of lymphoedema:
- Primary lymphoedema caused by genetic characteristics inherited from your parents.
- Secondary lymphoedema is a consequence of an external condition such as:
- Cancer treatmentswhere lymphatic nodes are removed.
- Infections which cause the lymphatic vessels, and nodes to swell and become dysfunctional (fail to move lymph fluid).
- Inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and atopic eczema
- Venous diseases such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or venous insufficiency
- Carrying extra weight
- Trauma such as fracture and crush injuries
- Immobility (reduced movement or prolonged bedrest) may lead to lymphedema as lymphatic circulation requires movement to pump the fluid through the vessels.
Lymphedema Liposuction
- A specialist will determine whether you are a good candidate for lymphoedema liposuction.
- After surgery, manual lymphatic drainage recovery protocol will prevent the appearance of becoming fibrosis (a permanent hardening of tissue) or seroma (swelling – serum pocket).
- Avoiding seroma and fibrosis with Lymphatic Massage is desirable as these conditions add complexity to lymphoedema management.
Liposuction can be effective at reducing swelling in stage 1 and 2 lymphoedema in some people. As previously mentioned, this is not a cure but combined with compression garments provide a meaningful reduction in swelling within 3-6months post operatively.
Lymphoedema treatment after liposuction should involve pneumatic compression pumps and complex decongestive drainage toimprove lymph node efficiency anddecrease oedema, fluid retention, and discomfort.
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Lymphedema treatment Brisbane:
Lymphoedema Massage
Manual lymphatic drainage move lymph fluid from the extremity to a central region of the body where lymphatic flow is not impaired.
Best Practice Guidelines in Assessment, Risk Reduction, Management, and Surveillance for Post-Breast Cancer Lymphedema https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4523280/
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a therapeutic technique that involves the use of gentle, rhythmic movements with the hands to stimulate line flow through the lymphatic system
The primary effects of manual lymphatic drainage are to manage lymphatic dysfunction resulting in:
- Reduced swelling
- Improved immune functioning
- Optimised lymph flow
A typical stage 2 lymphoedema treatment frequency may respond to 3-4 sessions of decongestive drainage with compression pumps spaced over 4 weeks. The treatments willreduce swelling cumulatively and treatments will be spaced further apart.
Your therapist will also devise a home management care plan usually including:
- Showing you how to perform the lymph node opening sequence with the help of gloves or the brushing technique.
- Oedema reducing postures and exercises to maintain the effects of treatment
What is a compression pump?
Pneumatic compression pumps are devices that help move fluid out of an area of the body that has excess fluid. The pump applies light pressure starting at the furthest point out of the body and gently squeezes towards the centre of the body. This can be applied to any swollen area that is being treated. The benefits include:
- Softening of fibrosis or reducing pitting edema tissue texture (pitting is when the skin indents and stays indented with gentle pressure).
- Increases movement of lymphatic fluid and blood to reduce swelling.
- Improved wound healing.
Compression pump therapy offers an optimised management for managing acute chronic swelling – such as lymphoedema through:
- Fast relocation of excess lymph fluid from the limbs into the excretory organs (moving swelling associated with venous insufficiency and lymphoedema away from the swollen area into the gut and bladder to be evacuated).
- Greatly reducing inflammatory pain – reducing chronic swelling from the limb, reduces the inflammatory response of the body – meaning significantly less pain and discomfort.
- Improving venous return from the limbs to the heart. Reducing swelling and improving tissue quality allows blood flow to increase which has its own anti-inflammatory effects and improves energy levels and well-being.
- Skin integrity – swelling and chronic inflammation can compromise skin integrity leading to ulcers, pain and pathogens entering the body through wounds.
Lymphedema Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is a low intensity light therapy produced by laser or LED.Whenthe light is applied over injuries or lesions a cellular response occurs which results in:
- improved tissue repair
- reduce inflammation
- a reduction in pain
The Laser and LED light stimulate the cells, (specifically a protein in mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase), to increase ATP (cellular energy) production and reduce oxidative stress. This improves cell metabolism and speeds up healing in tissues.
Low level laser therapy/ Cold Laser Therapy aids in the treatment of lymphoedema by draining the swollen area which changes the inflammation from a painful form – to a more productive healing mode (improves cellular autophagy – tissue repair). It helps improve lymph flow throughout the lymph system and reduce excess fluid and protein built up in soft tissues.
Benefits of Low Level Laser for Lymphoedema:
- Improved recovery time
- Softening of hard fibrosis /scar tissue
- Reduction of swelling and inflammation
- Pain Relief that’s painless and often cured quickly
- Increased Joint mobility
At Knead Massage Brisbane, our experienced therapists provide focused hands-on care for all stages of Lymphoedema management. We incorporate expert complex decongestive drainage with proven pain free technology such as Low-Level Laser and Pneumatic Compression pumps to help maintain your quality of life and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lymphoedema
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Roger Morelli
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