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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Abdul Syed
01:37 14 May 25
Carlo helped my daughter recover from an Ankle injury. He was very attentive and caring and provided us with a routine
Lauren Kinsela
05:50 08 May 25
Amy and the team at Lexington Health are amazing!Amy is very knowledgeable and caring. She created a plan for my back and tweaked it every time I saw her, so I was always moving forward.I highly recommend this team!
Owen Watson
23:57 05 Apr 25
The staff at Lexington physio are extremely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.Having had multiple injuries with the latest injury requiring Post surgery recovery, I’ve been extremely satisfied with the results.I highly recommend Lexington physio if you want reliable and helpful support and advice.The staff also support local sports clubs by providing their services on game day and trainings.
Sharon Pang
03:46 14 Mar 25
Comprehensive and careful assessment, with effective, personalised treatment plans. Top-tier care. You will feel heard at this clinic. Extremely friendly and encouraging staff. They provide effective, long-term solutions to injuries. I saw Carlo for chronic ankle pain (ligaments and tendons) and Amy for elbow tendonitis and knee pain due to years of sports. The exercises provided have helped me make full recoveries. You will get even stronger than your baseline prior to injury. This clinic will work alongside you and your needs and are very receptive to feedback. They are great at explaining the science and rationale behind the exercises too. Would highly recommend!
Lakshmi Peri
03:15 24 Feb 25
I’ve been seeing Carlo at Lexington Health for since past few months, and I couldn’t be happier with the care I’ve received. From the very first session, they took the time to understand my concerns, explain everything clearly, and tailor a treatment plan that has truly made a difference.The sessions are always professional, effective, and focused on long-term recovery rather than just a quick fix. Carlo is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely cares about their patients' well-being.
KAMRAN MIRZA
01:21 14 Feb 25
From the very first session, I found Carlo a good professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. He took the time to assess my condition thoroughly and created a personalized treatment plan that made a real difference. His hands-on techniques, combined with helpful exercises, helped me recover faster than I expected. Carlo’s friendly and encouraging attitude made every session enjoyable. If you're looking for a top-notch physiotherapist, I highly recommend Carlo—he's the best! Thank you for your outstanding care!
Jacques Pang
03:40 11 Feb 25
I recently had the pleasure of receiving physiotherapy at Lexington Health, and I am delighted to share my positive experience. The combination of professional and knowledgeable staff, effective and comprehensive treatment, state-of-the-art facilities, personalized care, and convenient location makes this clinic a top choice for anyone seeking physiotherapy services.I highly recommend Lexington Health to anyone in need of physiotherapy. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking preventive care, you can trust that you will receive the highest quality of care and achieve the best possible outcomes. My journey to recovery was made smoother and more enjoyable thanks to the dedicated team at Lexington Health Suite F110, and I am grateful for the positive impact they have had on my overall health and well-being.
Umar Javed
05:41 24 Jan 25
“Carlo has been incredible in supporting my shoulder and back recovery. His techniques have been highly effective in relieving pain and strengthening my muscles.”
Rylan Duarte
20:45 23 Jan 25
Carlo was very helpful and patient. He listened to the issues I explained about my back and reviewed the problem and came up with the perfect plan and solution. Thank you Carlo.
