What is Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that affects the body’s ability to get rid of excess fluid. Studies have shown that, if genetic (Primary Lyphoedema), this medical condition can go undiagnosed for many years. It can also be secondary to cancer treatment or after a bad accident necessitating a lot of surgery and thus scar tissue.

How do I know if I’ve got it?

You will find that parts of your body will swell as the day goes on and then typically reduce in size after you have been in bed. You will find that your clothes feel tighter in the affected area.

What can be done about it?

Although there have been advances in surgical intervention over the last few years, these are not available on the NHS. However, this condition needs to be address and taken seriously. The reason for it to be well managed is because, over time, it gets progressively worse.

Treatment can consist of the following;

Does the NHS provide help for this condition?

Yes, it does, however, because it is a long term condition, there are limited resources. In real terms this means that some of the interventions described above are not offered.

What services are offered at Atherton Physiotherapy?

One of our therapists is trained in how to diagnose and treat this condition. Once diagnosed all the above interventions can be done as often as needed.

As ‘multi-layer bandaging’ is a thing that takes up lots of time, we tend not to offer it because it would quite costly. So, if we think you need this, we will suggest it to you and then your GP can help with this.
All the other services are offered. And once you are measured for a compression garment, we would endeavour to get these on prescription for you.

Lymphatic massage is a 45-minute appointment and some of our customers need it weekly to start with and then 4-6 weekly after that.

If you need more information then we would recommend that you visit the British Lymphoedema Society where there are lots of other resources for you to look at, https://www.thebls.com/