Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema Services
Don’t just survive….THIRIVE….
Lymphoedema is a progressive chronic condition however can be successfully managed if diagnosed and addressed early. At Perth Lymphoedema Clinic, we offer specialised Lymphoedema Therapy to help you with your condition so that you can maintain your function and mobility.
Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is considered the gold standard of the treatment of the lymphoedema that has progressed beyond stage 1 phase. CDT is a combination of Manual Lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, Exercise prescription and skin care. Typically CDT involves an Intensive Phase , requiring multiple number of appointments during the initial weeks followed by a less intense Maintenances phase.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): It’s a versatile, non -invasive therapeutic soft tissue manipulation, very precise in nature and purpose (gentle two way stretch applied with an overall direction towards the relevant functional lymphatic territory). In Perth Lymphoedema clinic, our Lymphoedema therapist, Jino is trained in internationally acclaimed Dr.Vodder’s school International and certified in both Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy (MLD and CDT) and Applied Lymphatic Therapy.
Compression Therapy: Use of appropriate compression bandaging system (traditional multi layered bandaging or modern two-layer bandaging) is used to push excess fluids out of affected area. We will choose and apply the appropriate bandaging system that suits your condition and situation. Once maximum possible oedema reduction is achieved, medical grade compression wraps or compression garments (off the shelf or custom made) are used to maintain the gains made by intensive phase of treatment. We will measure and prescribe the right garment and helps you source it.
Self care: Due to a slowed lymphatic function and due to the removal of lymph nodes of the root of extremities those limbs are at higher risk of infection, should the skin integrity is breached. So, it’s important to maintain appropriate hydration and skin care plays an integral part in the management of Lymphoedema.
Muscular contraction has a positive effect on lymphatic flow. Number of tailored exercises are beneficial to improve lymph flow and maintain function.
Initial and maintenance phase of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Initial phase of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
This initial phase involves intensive treatment requiring multiple no. of appointments during the initial weeks. During this period, a number of treatments including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, skin care, specific exercises are used to achieve reduction in oedema. Client education and teaching self-care of the condition is crucial during this phase of the therapy. Once maximum possible reduction in oedema is achieved, your therapist will advise you on the correct type of compression garment considering your specific needs and situation and measurement for the same is taken to source it.
Maintenance Phase of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Phase two of CDT is about maintaining the results of the initial phase by appropriate compression garments, self-management strategies acquired by the patient, requiring less frequent periodic monitoring and intervention by your lymphoedema therapist.
Compression bandaging and Compression garment prescription and fitting
An integral part of combined decongestive therapy for Lymphoedema and Lipoedema. At Perth Lymphoedema Clinic, we use S.T.R.I.D.E algorithm to guide us prescribe ideal medical compression garment.
Compression bandaging and compression garment also aids in reduction of swelling which occurs after surgeries like knee, hip, shoulder replacements and repairs.
Venous oedema of the leg with and without venous ulcers benefits from appropriate compression bandaging and compression garments.
Scar therapy / soft tissue therapy
Exercise
Skin care
Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Therapy
Treat yourself with a session of best Manual Lymphatic Drainage ……experience the benefits
In addition to being a key therapeutic technique in the management of Lymphoedema and Lipoedema, Manual Lymphatic Drainage has got many other beneficial effect on our health and wellness. Some of the key benefits are,
Immune boost: Lymphatic system is corner stone of your immunity. It is tied to every part of your body. An optimal lymphatic flow is essential to health and wellness. Lymphatic flow seems to slow down as we age. So it’s important that we support this system crucial to our health and wellbeing, Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage can help.
It’s a versatile, non-invasive therapeutic soft tissue manipulation, very precise in nature (gentle multidirectional stretch applied with an overall direction towards the relevant lymph nodes) that helps in removal of metabolic waste materials, inflammatory signalling proteins, damaged cell debris from the cellular environment while improving blood circulation which delivers much needed oxygen and nutrients to the cells for the optimal bodily functions.
Stress relief and promote sleep: Another important effect of Manual Lymphatic Drainage is its proven ability to reduce sympathetic tone resulting in benefits such as stress relief and relaxation, improved quality of sleep , mental clarity etc. There are other special techniques available to enhance the quality of sleep and to reduce mental fogginess. Choose a relatively quite day to have s session of manual lymphatic drainage to prolong the benefits, if stress relief is your reason to attend the clinic.
Skin health and aesthetics :Lymphatic drainage massage ( best kept beauty secret ?) is gaining popularity in beauty and cosmetic industry due to its positive effect on skin and underlying soft tissue. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage nourishes skin tissue by aiding in clearing the metabolic waste materials, dead cell particles , inflammatory signalling protein , tissue swelling underneath the skin, improving the nutrient and oxygen uptake by skin tissue enhancing tissue regeneration. The result is a healthy glowing skin. Remember, skin is an organ and it protects us from pollutants and pathogens entering our body.
MLD massage also aids in minimising and clearing skin bruises and hematoma faster and reduce pain and discomfort associated with plastic or cosmetic surgeries. By enhancing lymphatic flow, MLD can significantly improve cosmetic outcomes and prevent excessive scar formation.
The non invasive nature and proven benefits of manual lymphatic massage make it valuable adjunctive therapy in post operative care, enhancing the outcomes of aesthetic procedures.
Sports Lymphatic Massage : Manual Lymphatic Drainage after a workout session or after a sports event can be of enormous benefit. You will experience a quick recovery as MLD helps remove metabolic byproducts faster and improve blood circulation carrying good supply of oxygen and nutrients which are important for the revitalisation of the exhausted muscle groups. A reduction in sympathetic tone by MLD allows the body’s own natural healing mechanism to kick in. MLD combined with Dr.Vodder’s Applied lymphatic special techniques are a great adjunct therapy in sports rehabilitation where recovery is made faster.
You may choose to have MLD for either one of the reason listed above but you will have all other benefits too..