Lymphoedema, Breast Cancer Rehab and Breast Cancer related arm lymphoedema management.
What is
Lymphoedema?
Physiotherapy plays a significant role in managing lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterised by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues, leading to swelling.
Causes of lymphoedema: Primary lymphoedema (congenital abnormalities in the lymphatic system present at birth) or more commonly from damage to the lymphatic system due to cancer related treatment including surgery, removal of lymph nodes, radiation therapy or infection, trauma/injury and chronic venous insufficiency.
Physiotherapy for breast cancer-related lymphoedema is crucial for managing, which often arises after breast cancer treatment due to lymph node removal or radiation therapy.
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Physiotherapy treatment and
Management of Lymphoedema
1. Complete Decongestive therapy (CDT)
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Compression therapy: use of bandages or compression garments to prevent fluid accumulation.
- Exercises: Tailored exercise program to promote lymphatic drainage and mobility
- Skin Care: Proper skin hygiene to prevent infections.
2. Compression therapy
- Compression bandaging: Multilayer bandages to reduce swelling.
- Compression garments: Custom fitted sleeves or stockings to maintain reduced limb size after the decongestive phase.
- Pneumatic compression devices – Intermittent pneumatic compression pumps to aid lymph fluid treatment.
3. Exercises therapy
- De-congestive exercises to promote lymph fluid movement.
- Aerobic exercises: Low impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to improve cardiovascular health and promote lymph drainage.
- Strength training: Low resistance exercises to enhance muscle tone and support lymphatic function.
4. Skin Care
- Hydration: Regular skin moisturizer.
- Skin hygiene: Keep skin clean and well moisturised.
- Skin protection: Avoid cuts, insect bites and burns.
- Avoid infections: Proper skin care routine, avoiding cuts and insect bites.
5. Patient education
- Self-massage techniques – how to perform simple lymphatic drainage techniques at home.
- Lifestyle modifications: Health weight management and diet, avoid tight clothing.
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Treatment
Breast Cancer Rehab
Post breast cancer shoulder care through physiotherapy is essential for addressing issues such as reduced mobility, pain and muscle weakness that arise after surgery or radiation treatment.
Goals of physiotherapy:
- Restore range of motion: Improve shoulder flexibility and movement.
- Strengthening exercises: Build muscle strength to support shoulder function by completing shoulder and scapular strengthening exercises.
- Enhance posture: Correct posture to prevent and manage shoulder issues.
- Prevent lymphoedema: Reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema in shoulder, breast, and arm.
- Scar tissue management post mastectomy and lumpectomy: Aim to reduce the restricted movement, pain, and functional limitations.
- Cording management: Aim to decrease pain and improve full range by utilising manual therapy, Laser and exercises. (Yes! we provide laser therapy with good results!)
Physiotherapy is integral in managing lymphoedema, enhancing breast cancer rehabilitation with shoulder care and prevention of breast cancer related lymphoedema. By utilising a combination of manual techniques, compression therapy, exercises and patient education, our physiotherapist can help you optimise your recovery and health goals. Regular follow-up with health care professionals ensures that treatment strategies are effective and adapted to changing needs with both short term and long-term goal setting.
At Oedema Clinics (Lexington Health), our therapists are trained and skilled to provide you with evidence-based treatment to offer the best individualised treatment with your condition to enhance your recovery and assist you in improving life.
Some of the common conditions seen at our clinic.
- Lymphoedema -secondary to cancer, injury, or surgery.
- Breast cancer related arm lymphoedema.
- Shoulder care/rehab post breast cancer treatment.
- Cording/ Axillary web syndrome.
- Scar tissue management.
Oedema Clinics take pride in offering lymphoedema treatment with the inclusion of the PhysioTouch in our technique toolbox. PhysioTouch is a device that uses negative pressure (suction), pulsation and mechanical vibration; three extremely beneficial techniques to enhance the body’s lymphatic system to remove fluid from the lymphoedematous limb, or area, and breakdown fibrosis.
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Trevor Kunkel
21:56 22 Oct 25
Carlo at Lexington Health has been instrumental in my recovery following knee surgery. His personalized care, expert knowledge, and commitment to my progress made a huge difference. He combined customized exercise plans, effective manual therapy, and clear explanations that helped me understand each step of the process. From post-surgery rehab to managing chronic pain, his approach was both thorough and compassionate. Thanks to Carlo, I’ve fully regained my strength and mobility—and I’m back to living an active lifestyle. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone recovering from injury or dealing with ongoing pain.
Abi C
22:39 15 Oct 25
Highly recommend Brendon. He has been my daughter's physio for her knee injury. He is very respectful, approachable, knowledgeable and serious about his rehab plan, guiding the player to build confidence and return to play safely. Exceeded our expectation. Thanks Brendon!
William Sexton
05:11 14 Oct 25
I would like to recommend Carlo Villadiego from Lexington Health for anyone seeking physiotherapy for recovery from injuries due to broken bones etc. Carlo expertly assisted me with a program of exercises for my upper right arm & shoulder after an accident resulted in multiple fractures & the insertion of a metal rod by a surgeon. I was unable to do many simple tasks, using my right arm but consulting with Carlo I'm now able to function in my everyday life again with full use of my arm.
Soheil Shafazand
02:12 11 Oct 25
I had physiotherapy sessions with Carlo after my foot surgery, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his help. Over just eight sessions, he guided me through a full recovery with great professionalism, kindness, and genuine care. Carlo was always attentive, supportive, and keen to help me improve each week. Thanks to his expertise, I’ve completely recovered and feel confident again. I highly recommend Carlo to anyone looking for an excellent physiotherapist.
Rebecca Scocco
05:37 10 Oct 25
Our son Cody, basketball player, unfortunately has had some issues over the years. Carlo is amazing, knowledgeable, and helped Cody to return 100% every time. Highly recommend any physio at Lexington, however Carlo is our favourite. A great person, easy going, humours and a pleasure to work with!
Brett Benson
21:11 07 Oct 25
Carlo is great. I'd had a problem with my elbow for a couple of months. Finally went to Lexington and booked with Carlo due to other online reviews. It was a long slow process to recover from tennis elbow, caused by gardening and golf. It was advised it would take somewhere from 3 to 9 months and was sorted out in roughly 6 months. I dutifully followed the instructions and exercises provided and I am now better. Still need to continue with ongoing maintenance and this is much better than not having any strength in my right arm. I highly recommend Carlo and Lexington Health. This is now my go to physio.
Max Cushion
08:53 30 Sep 25
I’ve been seeing Carlo from Lexington health for about 5 years now, very detailed and gets me back from my work/sport related injuries in no time. Highly recommend
William Dsilva
05:15 19 Sep 25
I have been seeing Brendan at Lexington Health for a shoulder injury and I couldn't be more grateful for the care and support I have received. His empathetic approach to managing pain and recovery has made a real difference. Every session is tailored to my progress, and his encouragement keeps me motivated. I truly appreciate the care and professionalism. I have made a full recovery - much sooner than expected. Highly recommend.
Stephen Jordan
01:34 18 Sep 25
A big thank you to Brendan for preparing me for my first Hyrox. He’s approachable, knowledgeable, and eager to help. Brendan was able to explain which movements target each particular muscle and demonstrate exercises to target and strengthen my legs, and thanks to him I was able to achieve a great result at my first Hyrox event.
