Assessment
At MPLC our Lymphoedema Practitioners gain a comprehensive history to assess your situation at great length to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. MPLC can monitor changes in your body’s tissues and fluid with the use of non-invasive, state of the art technology such as our bioimpedance spectroscope (BIS-SOZO). This device gives an accurate snapshot of what is occurring inside your body allowing us to confidently create a personalised treatment plan as well as giving a clear way to assess your progression.
MPLC follow the Lymphoedema Prevention Program (LPP) which is designed to reduce and prevent the risk of getting lifelong Lymphoedema by detecting very small fluid changes in the affected or at-risk limb.
The LPP has 3 key steps:
1. TEST – using our BIS-SOZO device initially at 3 monthly intervals.
2. TRIGGER – If your scan shows above normal levels your practitioner will evaluate you further for early signs of Lymphoedema.
3. TREAT – Your practitioner will prescribe the treatment plan that best fits your condition.
Early intervention as part of the new Lymphoedema Prevention Program has already shown a 95% reduction in Lymphoedema progression at the 12-month post cancer stage.
Treatment & Management
At this stage, except for early intervention (LPP) there is no cure for Lymphoedema. Treatment is based around reducing swelling and discomfort and maintaining this state.
Managing your Lymphoedema is highly important as it will reduce the risk of secondary effects such as infection, pain and reduced mobility. There are multiple ways MPLC can help you reduce your swelling and gain back your quality of life.
The treatment of Lymphoedema is often called Decongestive Lymphatic therapy (DLT), Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and Complex Lymphatic Therapy (CLT) and can include a range of different techniques, devices and aids including:
LED/Laser Therapy (LLLT/PBM)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD)
Specific exercise programs
Education and Self care
What to expect during your appointment at MPLC
Pumps/ Pneumatic compression therapy (PCT) - This is a specialised garment you will put on that will inflate and encourage the fluid to reduce and move away from the affected area. This type of compression is helpful with people suffering fragile or broken skin, where massage or movement is uncomfortable.
Laser Therapy – Photobiomodulation (PBM) previously known as low level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated the ability to stimulate the body’s immune response and increase blood supply to the damaged cells, increasing tissue repair, reducing inflammation, swelling and pain.
Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, pain free treatment that produces no heat and uses light to boost the body’s natural healing ability by increasing oxygen levels to sick and injured cells.
Compression garments - Can be tailor made to fit each individual and can help reduce and stop lymphoedema progressing. (If your swelling is severe, specialised bandaging may be required first.) Compression garments need to be replaced every 6 months as they will lose the controlled pressure distribution that was specifically designed for you.
There are techniques and special aids to assist you in getting compression garments on and off if you have difficulty.
Bandaging – Is for severe cases or flare ups and could require you to attend the clinic daily for up to 2-3 weeks to gain the desired outcome and decongestion of the affected area. Once the swelling has reduced compression garment compliance is paramount to maintain.
Exercises - This is one of the most important aspects of managing your Lymphoedema. At MPLC we will prescribe specific exercise for you to encourage the Lymph fluid to drain. Exercise for your Lymphatic system is about muscle contraction and movement - not about strenuous or intense activity. The lymphatic system is heavily reliant on muscle contraction to facilitate the lymph fluid return to the heart. Even simple exercise laying down can be of great benefit.
Skin Care – Keeping skin hydrated and protected is very important. Daily Moisturising and skin care can minimise the risk of unnecessary bacterial and fungal infections. Antibiotics may be required to prevent or combat infections such as cellulitis prior to treatment commencing, then simple preventative measures and swift action may help to avoid further problems.
Education and self-care – Lymphoedema is a lifelong condition and understanding how to manage and avoid the triggers will lead to greater independence. Self-care will contribute to the maintenance and prevention of an at-risk Lymphoedema limb by teaching you and your carer how to apply compressions garments, bandaging or massaging fluid out of your affected limb. We will closely monitor your techniques and correct if necessary.
Doctors referral and clearance must be attained if you have:
· Acute Cellulitis Infection / Erysipelas
· Renal Failure
· Unstable Hypertension
· Sever Cardiac insufficiency
· Peripheral Artery Disease
· Deep Vein Thrombosis / Thrombophlebitis
· Hepatic cirrhosis abdominal fluid (ascites)
· Superior vena cava obstruction
· Untreated Tuberculosis or malaria
· Untreated Thyroid Dysfunction
· Primary tumours
· Metastases
We require a clearance from your surgeon, GP or oncologist if you are currently undergoing treatment or if you are post cancer treatment. Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy begins with educating patients of the Lymphoedema risk factors and how to avoid this life changing situation. We will provide ongoing swelling management with additional services including skin care, exercise, wound management and ongoing monitoring of your at risk limb/s. .
Additional services: A healthy Lymphatic system is responsible for carrying away fluid that accumulates in the interstitial space, this system can be overloaded, leaving you with noticeable swelling often referred to as oedema. Causes of Oedema include:
Injury (rolled ankle)
Pregnancy
Long haul flights
Diet
Medications
At MPLC we can help you understand what is happening to your body and how to best treat and manage your conditions moving forward.
