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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Rihanna Harrison
09:10 10 Feb 26
I had an ankle injury, i decided to go to Lexington physio and saw Nav. He is such a good physio and he really is invested in his patients throughout the whole journey. He commits to your recovery and pushes you to keep going, which i find really helpful throughout my injury because sometimes you need that little bit of push. He has consistently worked with me throughout my recovery ensuring my ankle turns out better than it was before my injury. He is also really good at helping you become more confident and stronger, ive never felt more stronger and i feel more than ready to go back into playing sports. Overall, both Nav and the Physio centre are excellent, and i would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a physio.
Christian G
23:44 02 Feb 26
I really trust on the quality, professionalism and care for the Lexington Health team , the staff with Ben are excellent on the field i fully recovered for my hamstring injury’s and now I am playing and jumping in soccer. Thank you Lexington Health.
Denis Meredith
23:51 01 Feb 26
Excellent service, very professionally provided
Rekha Dharshani
08:56 29 Jan 26
Very patient in listening to the problem. And very detailed in explaining the exercises to strengthen my back.Will continue to do the excercise recommended by Brendan to avoid seeing you guys :)
Ronald Ord
08:44 28 Jan 26
Carlo is a true professional who knows his craft well, very thorough and experienced. Comes highly recommended.
Mitchy Jimenez
06:59 28 Jan 26
I came here to seek help with a knee pain that has been intermintently hurting for months to the point that I couldn't sleep. Carlo helped me with the programs and now I can do runs again without any pain. thank you so much for your professional care! I can definitely recommend them!
Jenny DOROZARIO
00:13 27 Jan 26
I had issues with my knee either swelling, locking or giving way without any warning for over 8 months. After 6 weeks of physio treatment and exercises with Brendan it has disappeared completely. I’m thrilled.
DAVED MCLENNAN
22:06 15 Jan 26
Carlo has been looking after my damaged nerve in my neck for a few months. He is both professional and thorough. With his treatment my results have been excellent. I would recommend Carlo!!
Casey Poon
09:22 14 Jan 26
Thank you Carlo for fixing my knee in 3 sessions! Carlo is friendly and knowledgeable. The clinic is welcoming and well resourced. Highly recommend
