Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) :- This treatment aims at stimulating the body’s lymphatic circulation.
The lymph plays a major role in our immune system which in turn is responsible for removing waste and aids the body’s defence. Our lifestyle can have an adverse effect on the body with us being exposed to environmental toxins, processed foods, stress and medication are just a few of the factors that can all be detrimental to our lymphatic system.
A Lymphatic treatment is a very relaxing treatment that is pain free and can be performed on people of all ages and on people who are frail or in recovery from surgery.
Decongestive Lymphatic Therapies (DLT):- If you have a diagnosis of Lymphoedema, Odema, Lipodema or look at best practice for prevention post surgery this is the therapy for you. Decongestive Lymphatic Therapies are a combination of Massage, Compression (Bandaging, Garments or Pneumatic Compression Pumps) Low Level Laser Therapy, Exercise, Skin Care, Education Advise to assist with the management of the condition. A very comprehensive health history will be done on your first consult and you will be given a treatment plan to follow to assist you with your stage of your condition.
Pneumatic Compression Pumps:-
The pumps work by gentle sequential pressure being applied to area, the action is replicating the Lymphatic system it is highly beneficial for conditions that cannot tolerate Manual Lymphatic Drainage, self care advise will be given to optimise the use of the pumps. Time in pumps can vary and can be combined with a massage treatment for maximum effect.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT or Photobiomodulation)
The Laser works by helping the bodies ability to heal, light without heat is applied to bring oxygen to damaged cells. To assist with pain, swelling and breaking down fibrotic tissue. Can also be used on scars and damaged tissue.
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is the accumulation of protein-rich fluid resulting in swelling of one or more regions of the body.
PRIMARY LYMPHOEDEMA
The less common form of lymphoedema is generally a result of a genetic condition that affects the development of the lymphatic system. This could be the absence of lymph nodes or the vessels or they may not have formed correctly at birth. In turn Primary Lymphoedema comes in different forms and develop at different life stages:-
SECONDARY LYMPHOEDEMA
Secondary lymphoedema is a much more common type of lymphoedema it is developed from damage to the lymphatic system. This can be an effect of cancer treatment including the removal of lymph nodes.
Other non-cancer causes of secondary lymphoedema include:
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Trauma and tissue damage
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Filariasis
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Obesity
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Immobility and dependency
Lymphoedema may present at anytime after trauma immediately or years later.
Lymphoedema can progress if left untreated causing pain, infection risk, range of movement restriction and quality of life.
SYMPTOMS
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Clothing/shoes or jewellery may feel tight
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Visible swelling one side may look bigger than the other
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Heaviness or fullness to the limb affected
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Ache or pain in the swollen area
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Restricted range of motion
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Skin infections
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Hardening or thickening of the skin
There are some conditions that a doctors clearance would be required prior to treatment:-
ODEMA:-
Swelling can occur for other reasons which can be aided with Decongestion Therapies some are:-
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Surgery
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Heart Conditions
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Pregnancy
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Long Haul Flights
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Medications
SURGERY RECOVERY
Decongestion Therapies methods can be used pre and post surgery for Liposuction, scar tissue damage and wound healing.
Treatment times will vary.