What is Lymphoedema?
Primary Lymphoedema is an abnormality of the lymphatic system
- Hypoplasia (incomplete development of lymph vessels)
- Hyperplasia (diameter of lymph collectors is larger than normal)
- Aplasia (absence of single lymph collectors, capillaries or lymph nodes)
Secondary lymphoedema is when the lymphatic system has acquired damage
- Trauma e.g. burns
- Repeated bouts of local infection
- Removal of lymph nodes, radiation of lymph nodes (treatment of cancer)
- Lymphoma (cancer of the vessels)
- Surgery
- Immobility
How is Lymphoedema treated?
Treatment includes:
- Health history and lymphoedema staging
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Education on risk factors, self-massage techniques
- Compression pump
What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a long term condition where fat builds up under the skin in abnormal amounts.
The condition mostly affects women but its underlying cause is unknown
The condition mostly affects women but its underlying cause is unknown
How is Lipoedema treated?
Treatment includes:
- Health History
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Intermittent Compression pump therapy
- Structured ongoing appointments that meet your needs and fit into your schedule
What is the difference between Oedema and Lymphoedema?
Oedema is a symptom of a disease such as Congestive heart failure, Immobility or Renal disease. The treatment focus is on correcting the underlying cause and failing that, managing the oedema by elevation, wearing of compression garments, diuretics or dietary changes. Lymphoedema is a disease rather than a symptom. As there is a problem with the lymphatic system, lymphoedema does not dissipate by itself and will continue to progress without adequate treatment.
