Lymphoedema Physiotherapist
Lipoedema | Vascular | Pre and Post Cancer | Compression | Manual Lymphatic Drainage | Scars
Lymphoedema occurs when there is excessive accumulation of high protein fluid in an area of the body. This causes swelling, tissue inflammation, increased fatty tissue deposits and fibrosis of the affected area. Individuals with lymphoedema may notice signs and symptoms of fullness or heaviness in the affected area, clothes and jewellery feeling tighter or swelling that changes across the course of the day.
Lymphoedema cannot be cured but it can be reduced and managed to prevent progression with appropriate therapy. Complex Lymphoedema Therapy is considered best practise for lymphoedema and can help clients at any stage to achieve better physical and mental outcomes, and ultimately lead a healthier, more fulfilled life.
“In every compression, massage, and exercise, we sculpt a path towards comfort, restoring balance to the body’s intricate rhythm.”
Issues that We Commonly Treat for Men & Women
Lymphoedema.
Swelling of part of the body that has lasted for 3 or more months, caused by problems with the lymphatic system. It can range from mild to severe and can occur due to a variety of reasons. Left untreated, lymphoedema can worsen over time leading to changes in one’s mobility, comfort and function.
Lipoedema.
A genetic condition that affects women and presents as disproportionate deposits of fatty (adipose) tissue in one or many of the following regions – calves, thighs, buttocks and upper arms. The extra deposits may be resistant to diet and exercise and can cause heaviness and pain. It is an incurable condition but it can be effectively managed.
Compression garment prescription.
Medical grade compression garments are considered a gold standard of lymphoedema management. They come in all shapes and sizes and in a variety of materials. Jennifer has completed extensive training in fitting clients in the best compression garments for their condition to maximise comfort, ease of donning and clinical outcomes. The compression companies we commonly source garments through are Jobst, Medi Australia, Haddenham Healthcare and Sigvaris.
Vascular oedema (Phlebolymphoedema).
Chronic swelling in the legs that occurs due to disfunction in the veins. Usually swelling will appear in ankles, lower calves and feet. It can be associated with poor skin health and difficult to heal wounds.
Post operative oedema (swelling).
Swelling that occurs following trauma or surgery to an area of the body. Post operative oedema will reduce significantly in the first 2 weeks post op as the with most swelling completely going by 6 weeks following. In some individuals, post operative swelling may take longer to settle and restrict their ability to progress in their rehailitation. Lymphoedema practitioners can offer specialised treatment and education to assist in your recovery.
Peripheral arterial disease.
Peripheral artery disease is a type of cardiovascular disease where the arteries narrow resulting in reduced blood flow to a body part outside of the heart or brain. It can occur in any blood vessel, but mainly occurs in the arteries to the legs and feet. It is common in those with diabetes, history of smoking and high cholesterol. Peripheral arterial disease can lead to blue or purple tinging of skin, swelling, skin breakdown (ulcers), pins and needles or numbeness, irregular pain during activity and/or rest (called claudication) and slowed wound healing.
Post operative and post oncological scars.
Scarring occurs as part of the natural healing process following an injury. Over 12 to 18 months scars will usually mature, flatten and become more mobile as the body heals and remodels. In some cases, scars can become itchy, painful, tight or enlarged as the wound heals (called pathological scars) which can impact on comfort and restrict range of motion and function.
Resources
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Get In Touch
Call
0411 685 607
hello@calmphysiotherapy.com.au
Address
Rise Studio Gerringong,
5a/25 Noble Street, Gerringong, NSW, 2534
Hours
By Appointment