Lymphoedema Treatment Gold Coast
Lymphoedema Treatment
$117 55minute treatment
Manual Lymphatic Drainage applied in the treatment of Lymphoedema aims to redirect the movement of stagnated lymphatic fluid around blocked areas into healthy central located lymphatic vessels so they can drain into the venous system.
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage is different to traditional massage
Lower Intensity pressure is applied during manual lymph drainage. The lymphatic structures located in the subcutaneous tissues are manipulated by these techniques in order to achieve the desired goals by exerting the appropriate pressure in the working phase to stretch the subcutaneous tissues against the fascia (a structure separating the skin from the muscle layer) located underneath, but not to manipulate the underlying muscle tissue. The amount of pressure needed in MLD can be likened to the pressure applied stroking a newborn’s head.
The resting phase of the treatment the stroke the pressure is released, which supports the absorption of lymph fluid into lymph vessels. By making the working phase with every stroke last about one second and repeating five to seven times an optimal result can be expected.
You usually lie down to have massage. But if you have lymphoedema in your head and neck, you may be asked to sit up.
When you have the massage you feel a gentle pressure. It is not a deep massage. If it is too deep it won’t work because it flattens the small lymph vessels so that the fluid can’t drain. The movements are slow and rhythmic so the lymph vessels open up.
You may have MLD daily from Monday to Friday, or 3 times a week, for about 3 weeks. The number of treatments varies depending on the type of MLD you have and what you need. Kylie will also take into account the amount of swelling you have.
After the massage Kylie may bandage the area. They use a specialist bandaging technique called multi layered lymphoedema bandaging. If it is not possible to use bandages, you may wear a compression garment.
Kylie your lymphoedema specialist will regularly check how well your treatment is working. She will assess whether the tissues are softening and how much the swelling is going down. Once the swelling stops reducing, Kylie will advise you are measured for another compression garment to wear.
Remember that you are the person who will notice changes first and you need to talk to Kylie about how your treatment is working. Managing lymphoedema is very much about you and the Kylie working together
Kylie will instruct you how to perform self massage at home. This frees up space for the lymph fluid to drain into from the swollen area.
You massage twice a day, for about 20 minutes each time. Only apply light pressure, as Kylie your specialist has taught you.
You may not be able to have MLD if you have any of the following
- An infection or inflammation in the swollen area
- A blood clot
- Heart problems
- Active cancer in the area
If you are uncertain about having MLD, talk to Kylie as she may need to contact your Doctor and receive written permission to treat if cancer has not been in remission for under 5 years.
Kylie also incorporates Cold Laser Therapy to clear all lymphatic nodes required to be clear for the redirection of fluid from the affected area.Also the Cold laser is used to shower over the affected areas to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and decongest the tissues. Kylie also uses mobiderm bandaging to break down fibrosis in the tissues,lymphatic taping to assist in the redirection of fluid and pneumating leg and arms leaves to greater enhance the treatment where needed to further assist in fluid and volume reduction.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a condition of localised fluid retention and tissue swelling.This is caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
The Lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes throughout the body. It returns the fluid from the body tissues back to the bloodstream. From there it is recirculated back into the tissues.Tissues with Lymphoedema are at risk of infection.
Lipedema (Painful Fat Syndrome)
Lipedema is a chronic disease, occurring mostly in females. It is characterised by bilateral symmetric enlargement of the limbs, secondary to the deposition of fat. The fatty tissue excess is extending from the hip region down to the ankles, in 30% of the cases the upper extremities are affected as well. The cause is associated with extensive hormonal disorders or liver dysfunctions (if present in males) as well as with genetics. Lipedema can develop already during puberty, but the mean age of diagnosis is around 35. Other triggers can include pregnancy, peri-menopause or trauma (surgery).
Lipedema is not rare and commonly misdiagnosed as bilateral lymphoedema, extreme cellulitis or morbid obesity. As a result of prolonged overstrain of the lymphatic system, lymphoedema may develop secondary to Lipoedema (LIPO-LYMPHEDEMA).