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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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Lexington Health
5.0
Based on 204 reviews
Umar Javed
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
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.
Axel Saward
Axel Saward
02:28 20 Jan 25
Such a professional and exceptional physiotherapy centre, thank you Carlo for helping with my recovery!
Navneet Brar
Navneet Brar
21:01 11 Dec 24
Amy is amazing.She has helped sooo much with my back injury. each session I can feel myself progressing. The best part is she answers all questions and explains the treatment plan. Chelsea is also amazing. Always greeting with a smile and happy to help with any charge related concerns.team here is great and I would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of a physio.
Sally MacKenzie
Sally MacKenzie
21:32 30 Oct 24
Second time attending Lexington Health for separate issues/injuries, and I could not recommend them more!Amy is knowledgeable and attentive. She quickly identified the problem and created a safe exercise plan that has helped the injury heal and has nearly eliminated all pain.Would definitely return in the future (though hope I don’t need to!).
Francis O'Donohue
Francis O'Donohue
03:11 04 Oct 24
I hurt my lower back playing basketball and was concerned about my long term goal to continue playing, but Lexington helped me rehab and strengthen, and gave me a pre-game warm which has me playing better than ever.. Wish I'd found them sooner!
Jo Clifford
Jo Clifford
07:25 03 Oct 24
I was experiencing chronic knee pain due to osteo in my knee, compounded by multiple underlying injuries. I have been so impressed by the thorough assessment & treatment plan for my knee. The exercises & program proscribed have greatly improved my knee & Carlo is so attentive & willing to answer all my questions. I highly recommend considering Lexington Health!
Greg Hewett
Greg Hewett
02:48 26 Sep 24
A very professional practice and my physiotherapist, Carlo developed an excellent and obtainable recovery plan. I feel that I am achieving my goals very quickly. Thanks very much, Joanna
Hari Oetomo
Hari Oetomo
02:44 26 Sep 24
From the first second when I see the receptionist (Dominic) until I finish the physio session has been fantastic. It has been a very positive progress to my weak ankles and heels. They are now much much stronger and stable. Amy Camilerri has designed a very good exercise for both ankles. She progressively monitor my ankles and increase the strength of the exercise. Highly recommended if you need a well being body conditioning. Thank you Amy
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Google Rating
5.0
Based on 204 reviews
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