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Lymphoedema is a long-term condition where excess fluid collects in tissues causing swelling. It can affect any part of the body, but it usually develops in the arms or legs.
The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove excess fluid. Lymphoedema develops when this system doesn't work properly.
This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
Primary lymphoedema – this is caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system; it can develop at any age, but usually starts during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood.
Secondary lymphoedema – this develops as a result of another condition or treatment, such as cancer treatment, surgery, injury, or infection
There's no cure for lymphoedema, but it can be managed with a combination of treatments, including:
Compression therapy – this involves wearing compression garments to help move fluid out of the affected limb. We work with www.lipoelastic.co.uk and the promotion code Align10 to give you 10% your purchase of compression garments. We can advise on which garments you may benefit from during your appointments.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) – this is a type of massage that helps to drain fluid from the tissues. We offer courses of treatments of MLD which can be found on our services page
Exercises – regular exercise can help to improve lymphatic drainage. We can suggest some exercises as part of your ongoing managment of your condition during your treatment cycle.
Skincare – good skincare is important to prevent infections.
With treatment, it's possible to control the swelling and manage the symptoms of lymphoedema. However, it's also important to see a doctor if you develop any swelling in your limbs, as early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent the condition from worsening. We can help with a referral to your GP to provide evidence to support a disgnosis.
This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
Primary lymphoedema – this is caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system; it can develop at any age, but usually starts during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood.
Secondary lymphoedema – this develops as a result of another condition or treatment, such as cancer treatment, surgery, injury, or infection
This is determined purely on a case by case basis and can be discussed as part of your appointment with us. Progress varies by individual and as your treatment develops we can adjust accordinlgy. Management of symptoms can be done with us in our treatment room using MLD and with excerises at home.
Yes, lymphoedema management can often be combined with other treatments or therapies. In fact, a combined approach is often the most effective way to manage the condition. Here are some examples:
Compression therapy can be combined with exercise. Wearing compression garments during exercise can help to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. We work with www.lipoelastic.co.uk and the promotion code Align10 will give you 10% off your purchase of compression garments. We can advise on which garments you may benefit from during your appointments.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be combined with skincare. MLD can help to improve the absorption of topical skincare products, such as moisturisers and emollients. We offer courses of treatments of MLD which can be found on our services page.
Lymphoedema management can be combined with other medical treatments. For example, people with lymphoedema may also need treatment for other conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. It's important to ensure that all treatments are coordinated to avoid any negative interactions.
It's important to talk to your doctor or lymphoedema therapist about the best way to combine lymphoedema management with other treatments or therapies. They can help you to develop a personalised treatment plan that meets your individual needs. We can help with a referral to your GP to provide evidence to support a diagnosis.