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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Jack Tramonte
08:22 29 Jun 26
All the staff at Lexington Physio is amazing. I have had Nav for a previous quad injury and he was able to get me back to playing within a couple weeks. I am currently in rehab for a ACL reconstruction with Ben. A few weeks post operation Ben already had me walking and feeling comfortable with the strength of my knee. I highly recommend Ben and the team
jordan rahman
08:00 29 Jun 26
Upmost best rehab facility in Sydney, Ben has the most exquisite knowledge and is always continuing to learn more about yourself to get the best treatment out there,Highly reccomend, came in for rehab with shoulder surgery and went out stronger then before,
Aimee Jarmain
07:31 18 Jun 26
I've been visiting Ben at Lexington Health for a few years now and would definitely recommend his services. He has been great at helping me manage my back pain, and he is always friendly and professional.
Jason Ricketts
05:56 12 Jun 26
I have seen the crew at Lexington health after my shoulder operation, they have been outstanding. The amazing ladies at the front desk always greet you when you walk in with big smiles, the 2 guys I have seen Ben and nav has always communicated with me about the my treatment if something doesn't work they adjust the treatment plan.Thank youdom,lauren,Ben and nav for your outstanding work to your clients and the wider community.
K T
06:19 07 Jun 26
Excellent care and treatment, they helped my son relieving and ultimately eliminating his pain. Professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to my son's recovery. Thank you
Tarunroop Dhillon
09:25 29 May 26
Carlo has been great and has helped me with exercises to improve and manage knee pain. I have been visiting for a number of years now.
Eleanor
07:52 26 May 26
Highly recommend Lexington Health.Nav is an amazing physio who helped my daughter recover from a soccer injury.
Green Bananas
06:43 24 May 26
I’ve been working on my chronic headache, neck, back issues with Carlo and it’s been really productive! Especially with my neck, I’m actually doing my exercises for once 😂 and it’s making a difference. You can tell this isn’t just a 9-5 for these guys, but they actually care and want to help you get better 😊
Steve Dawson
00:33 24 May 26
Worked with Carlo to restore fitness in thigh and lower back. Done a great job, would highly recommend.
