What is Lymphoedema?

According to the NHS Choices website – “Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs.” It goes on to say

There are two types of this condition – primary and secondary lymphoedema – which have different causes.

The main causes of each type are outlined below.

Primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations (mutations) in genes responsible for the development of the lymphatic system. The “faulty” genes cause the parts of the lymphatic system responsible for draining fluid to not develop properly or not work as they should. Primary lymphoedema often runs in families, although not every child born to someone with the condition will develop it themselves.

Secondary lymphoedema – develops in people who previously had a normal lymphatic system that then becomes damaged. It can have a number of different causes. For more information via the NHS site follow this link. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Lymphoedema/pages/causes.aspx

Diagnosis

Our therapist, Yulia, is trained in diagnosis and treatment of Lymphoedema using the Földi* method of complete decongestive physiotherapy.

Treatments

Treatments include:-

• Intensive compression bandaging to self-management compression hosiery.
• Post trauma or post-operative patient’s management in reducing post-operative swelling, and scar management.

Conditions we Treat

Specific conditions we treat include:-

• Pregnancy related fluid retention relief
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency lipoedema ( the inner lining of the veins and/or the valves located within the larger veins are not working sufficiently, causing venous blood to collect or “pool” in the veins – this causes swelling and restricts blood transporting back to the heart )

We work with NHS approved suppliers who supply all bandaging materials and compression hosiery under prescription.

*The therapy is based on the Földi method of complete decongestive physiotherapy more information is available here .

What to do next

If you would like to discuss your condition and the best treatment for the relief of symptoms then contacts us and we can set up an appointment with Yulia – call 0118 930 3535 or email .