As of Jan 2023 Rapid Recovery is thrilled to announce we are now running a lymphoedema clinic!
Our Lymphoedema practitioner Emma has undertaken further studies in lymphoedema care and as far as we can tell is the only qualified lymphoedema practitioner working in the Yarra Valley.
Who do we help with Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system fails to move lymphatic fluid through the body at a normal rate. For example, this often occurs after cancer where lymph nodes are damaged, injury or operations or people experiencing problems with veins.
With this in mind, we can help anyone with lymphoedema, the most common causes we see are:
- Cancer (1 in 5 people will experience lymphoedema after breast cancer & 1 in 2 after gynaecological cancer)
- After operations
- People with varicose veins
- After injuries
- After cellulitis
So, if you are experiencing lymphoedema and you fit one of the above criteria, you are the type of person we can get fantastic results for.
Lymphoedema Therapy
What is Lymphoedema Therapy?
Lymphoedema Therapy is a targeted treatment which combines the techniques of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), skin care, exercise, and compression prescription. By all means, the aim for the therapist is to address the area of swelling, this may take a few days up to several weeks to reduce the swelling.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphoedema is the accumulation of excessive amounts of interstitial fluid in the tissue, resulting in chronic swelling and other associated symptoms in one or more areas of the body.
There are two types of Lymphoedema:
Primary Lymphoedema:
This is a structural or functional abnormality within the lymphatic system. This can be being born with a genetic abnormality in the formation of the lymph vessels.
Examples of this are:
- Aplasia: Lymph Vessel can be absent.
- Hypoplasia: There is fewer vessels or lymph nodes.
- Hyperplasia: Excessive number of lymphatics.
- Dysplasia: Abnormal lymphatic development.
Common syndromes associated with Primary Lymphoedema
- Turners Syndrome
- Noonan Syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
Secondary Lymphoedema:
This is when there is a known cause of structural or functional abnormality within the lymphatic system.
Examples of this can be:
- Cancer treatment
- Trauma with scar tissue
- Infections damaging the lymphatics
- Parasites
Common damages to the lymphatic system may include:
- Latrogenic Lymphoedema: Surgery or radiation based.
- Traumatic Lymphoedema: Motor or sporting accidents, deep cuts or bruises and bites.
- Post infection Lymphoedema: Cellulitis or lymphangitis, and parasites.
- Neoplastic disease: – tumour growth.
- Other causes: Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
Early sign and symptoms of Lymphoedema:
- Heaviness or ache
- Signs of swelling
- Rings or other jewellery occasional feeling tight
- Clothing and shoes feeling tighter
- Skin and tissue changes
- E.g. Dry flaky skin, wounds, lymphorrhoea
Stages of Lymphoedema:
These images are just indicators of each stage, everyone can be slightly varied.
Stage 0 – lymphoedema is reversible the lymphatic system is impaired but there is not enough fluid build-up for patients to notice symptoms.
Stage 1 – noticeable swelling and discomfort Treatment at this stage can alleviate symptoms and sometimes reverse progression.
Stages 2 and 3 – lymphoedema is irreversible but again can be well managed to control symptoms and prevent further progression.
What to expect in your Lymphoedema Therapy Consult?
Initial consults are primary focused on gaining an in-depth health history to understand the areas of concern and treatment pathway which can be undertaken.
Afterwards we move to treatment, which can include Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Oncology Massage, Exercise Prescription, Education on lymphoedema, skin health and self-care, Bandaging and compression Garment measurement and prescription.
Can I claim my private health insurance with Lymphoedema Therapy?
Indeed you defiantly can! Additionally, this can be claimed on the spot in the clinic after your treatment. This will be able to be claimed using either Myotherapy (using the HICAPS machine) or remedial massage via receipt.
Where do we run out Lymphoedema Clinic?
Rapid Recovery runs the Lymphoedema Clinic from our main clinic in Healesville – 305 Maroondah Hwy.
Need more info on lymphoedema?
The Australian Institute of Lymphoedema is a fantastic resource of information for clients, doctors and other referring allied health to gain a further understanding on lymphoedema. This is where Emma undertook her further lymphoedema training.
https://instituteoflymphoedema.com.au