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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kc sugar
10:08 08 May 26
I can’t recommend Lexington Physio highly enough, especially Nav, who has been incredible throughout my recovery from a spinal compression injury. From the very beginning, I felt genuinely listened to and supported, and Nav took the time to explain everything clearly and tailor my treatment to what my body actually needed.The care, professionalism, and knowledge at this clinic are outstanding, and I’ve noticed such a significant improvement in my pain, mobility, and overall confidence since starting treatment. What really stood out to me was how patient and encouraging Nav was during the tougher stages of recovery.Special shout to Lauren as well for always giving me such a warm and friendly welcome at the beginning of each session!Thank you again to Nav and the team for all your help!
Tiana Biasi
04:40 01 May 26
Carlo is honestly the best person to see when you either have an injury, unexplained pain or muscle tension. He really explains to you the issue and makes sure you understand the problem.
Niina Matthews
02:10 01 May 26
Best care in Sydney. Ben and his team will look after you, whether you were recovering from an injury or operation, a mum, an athlete, or just needing help with aches and pains due to too much screen time. I've been all of these in Ben's care and he has been able to help me every time.
Leanne
00:25 01 May 26
Highly recommend. They were able to resolve my chronic bursitis which I had for 7 years. Now I'm symptom free!Over many years dealing with Ben and the team and various issues I walk away knowing I have had a very detailed assessment and highly confident the exercises and physio sessions will resolve my issue. They always do!
mark Sheridan
08:18 25 Apr 26
My physio treatment & management by Carlo on my neck & shoulder pain has been exceptional. Carlo provided very clear explanation of the injury, required exercises, and the expected outcomes. Carlo always listened to my feedback of the exercises and provided progression and focused exercises and achieved the results that I required. Very highly recommended.
Elizabeth Sargent
07:47 21 Apr 26
Brendon and the team have been professional and friendly while planning a strength and conditioning program to facilitate recovery for my teenage daughter. She has felt supported and listened to throughout this process.
Kaushal Naidu
09:06 20 Apr 26
We have been consulting with Carlo at Lexington Health, for my mother's chronic pain management and mobility issues. I am very grateful for the treatment plan; level of care and encouragement he has provided us over the last few months.Carlo's skill and professional ethics combined with his empathetic approach towards my mother's pain management challenges made a genuine difference in her healing and kept her motivated throughout the process. His structured assessments and exercise plans were very effective and also ensured further progress over time.We deeply appreciate his professionalism and compassionate care. And not forgetting the administration staff who were always willing to go the extra mile to help with rescheduling appointments. Thank you Team @ Lexington Health.
Muthukumar Srinivasan
01:36 16 Apr 26
I had a great experience with Carlo Villadiego during my marathon preparation. Carlo played a huge role in helping me successfully complete my first full marathon.What really stood out was the personalised approach — the exercises were carefully tailored to my training needs and adjusted as I progressed. Carlo regularly reviewed my progress and fine-tuned the exercises in between sessions, which made a real difference in keeping me strong, improving performance, and preventing injury.Throughout the journey, I felt genuinely cared for and well supported. The level of attention, professionalism, and encouragement was excellent.I would highly recommend Carlo to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and supportive physio. I am definitely looking forward to consulting Carlo again when I begin training for my next marathon.
Dylan Pryor
03:11 13 Apr 26
Carlo has been extremely helpful. He provides a professional and experienced service and has me performing at my best each week!
