Lymphoedema Management
Fiveways Physiotherapy is
one of the few private physiotherapy practices in Brisbane
that provides the full range of lymphoedema treatment,
including one of the few scanning laser
machines (used to aid lymphatic drainage) in a private
practice in the greater Brisbane area and the only Lympha Press (used to treat
lymphoedema and venous insufficiency) in a private practice
While many massage therapists advertise manual lymphatic drainage or oncology massage therapy, such treatment does not adequately address the multiple symptoms of lymphoedema, and may not be effective.
Practice owner, Mandy Goodyear, is a professional physiotherapist trained and experienced in all aspects of lymphoedema treatment and management, and accredited by the Australasian Lymphology Association.
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition which occurs as primary or secondary lymphoedema, the latter generally caused by damage to the lymphatic system by surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation, or injury. The symptoms are swelling of the affected part of the body which can cause heaviness and pain. At this time there is no cure. However, effective treatment can reduce swelling and improve your mobility and your level of comfort .
While many massage therapists advertise manual lymphatic drainage or oncology massage therapy, such treatment does not adequately address the multiple symptoms of lymphoedema, and may not be effective.
Practice owner, Mandy Goodyear, is a professional physiotherapist trained and experienced in all aspects of lymphoedema treatment and management, and accredited by the Australasian Lymphology Association.
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition which occurs as primary or secondary lymphoedema, the latter generally caused by damage to the lymphatic system by surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation, or injury. The symptoms are swelling of the affected part of the body which can cause heaviness and pain. At this time there is no cure. However, effective treatment can reduce swelling and improve your mobility and your level of comfort .
What to expect when you attend for lymphoedema treatment
- At your first
appointment Mandy will assess and discuss your
lymphoedema and ask you about the event that damaged
your lymphatic system, your symptoms, and when you first
became aware of them
- She will then suggest an appropriate regimen of
treatment in order to achieve the best outcome
- With your permission she will carry out specialised
lymphoedema massage
- She will also discuss other available management
strategies and make recommendations as to which of the
following will be effective in managing your lymphoedema
and provide self-management training where necessary
- compression garments
- self-massage
- specialised lymphoedema exercises
- bandaging and taping
- laser
treatment to reduce fibrosis and improve drainage
- skin care