Lymphoedema and Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphoedema is a condition characterised by the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the tissues, leading to swelling in one or more areas of the body.

The condition arises from a malfunction in the Lymphatic System, occurring when the body's demand for lymphatic drainage exceeds the capacity of the Lymphatic circulation. The Lymphatic System is involved in the return of all interstitial fluid to the central blood circulation.

Swelling can be triggered by several factors, including:

• tissue trauma

• wounds

• acute infections

• heart failure

• vascular problems

• dysfunctions of the thyroid, kidneys, or liver

• obesity

• and, in some instances, linked to certain medications.

There are two main type of Lymphoedema, however some people can have mixed aetiology.

Primary Lymphoedema is a congenital condition caused by the abnormal development of the Lymphatic Vessels.

Secondary Lymphoedema is the most common form of the condition and occurs when the Lymphatic System is damaged. This damage can result from:

• cancer treatments, such as lymph node removal or radiotherapy

• the progression of a malignant disease

• chronic inflammation

• infection such as cellulitis

• + more

While it typically affects the limbs, Lymphoedema can also involve other regions such as the trunk, breast, head and neck, or genital area.

How does Lymphoedema progress?

• The earliest change is an increase in fluid in the affected area.  It may be intermittent in the beginning, but then becomes more permanent and the amount of fluid can increase over time.

• Overtime the fluid can gradually change to become ‘thicker’, with more protein so it changes from liquid to jelly-like texture.

• The swelling decreases oxygenation of the tissues, interferes with normal functioning and makes the tissues heal more slowly.

• Immune function in the swollen region becomes impaired, so infection, especially cellulitis, can be common.

• There is often an increase in adipose tissue formation, so that the swelling (which was initially due to excess fluid) is later due to excess fatty deposits and then fibrous tissues in the affected region.

Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but it can be managed with appropriate diagnosis and intervention from an accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner. Tarren has training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), however is yet to complete her training for Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and to become an accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner.

Written by Tarren Hehir

Treating clients with Lymphatic Drainage Massage from areas including Fitzroy, Ftizroy North, Carlton, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Fairfield, Richmond, Kew, Brunswick, Brunswick East, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Coburg, South Yarra, Toorak, Prahran, Essendon, Melbourne CBD, North Melbourne, West Melbourne, East Melbourne.