The lymph system is part of the body’s immune system that helps protect us from infection and disease. Lymph fluid contains white blood cells to fight infection and is a one-way drainage system moving fluid from tissues into the blood. If the drainage systems blocks, this leads to lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a permanent swelling condition caused by radiotherapy or surgery to lymph nodes. There is a higher risk of developing this if patients have both treatments. Lymphoedema usually affects an arm or leg, but can also affect other areas.

Early diagnosis of lymphoedema results in easier and more successful management. Treatments include manual lymph drainage techniques, compression garments and multilayer, advice on recommended exercises, positioning and skincare measures and lymphoedema bandaging by specialist practitioners (generally specially trained nursing and physiotherapy staff). People with lymphoedema who cannot carry out their own foot care or are at increased risk such as diabetes will also need a podiatry assessment.

Those with lymphoedema may develop skin breakdown and it is important to be mindful about caring for the limb or area that is affected, for example do not use blood pressure cuffs on, or put needles in, an arm affected by lymphoedema as this can make it worse.

Specialist lymphoedema practitioners can be nurses, AHPs such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists, or Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) therapists who have completed additional training. These staff would generally be working at an enhanced or advanced level.

Rehabilitation Assessment for Lymphoedema

Assessing swelling, skin, aches, pains, diet