In the last blog we examined Parkinson’s Disease, its effects and how physiotherapy can help. This time I thought we could continue with the theme of looking at conditions and topics related to physiotherapy and take a look at Lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is caused when the lymphatic system becomes damaged and the body is unable to effectively drain away excess fluid and swelling occurs. Without starting an anatomy lesson, it is probably helpful to know what the lymphatic system is! The lymphatic system is a key part of the vascular system and carries fluid (lymph) towards the heart. It provides a key way that excess fluid in the body, and for our purposes primarily the limbs, is returned to the heart. You may well ask what excess fluid? Well as part of our bodily processes our tissues create fluid (water and other bits) that has to get back to the heart to then be sent to the organs to be processed this happens via the lymphatic system. Importantly the lymphatic system has a key role in the immune system and helps us fight off infections.

So, if this drainage system becomes damaged a large amount of bodily fluid (known as interstitial fluid) finds it difficult to drain away and the person begins to experience large amounts of swelling due to all this fluid retention. The swelling usually occurs mainly in the legs (mostly due to the effects of gravity) however it can occur in the upper limbs or neck, especially if it is due to the effects of breast cancer.  Lymphoedema can either be primary (ie the patient has a genetic problem with their lymphatic system) or secondary – usually due to a cancer and the subsequent effects of the cancer and treatment. It affects large numbers of people in the UK and its is vital that the condition is well managed.

Evidence shows that early intervention and good management of the condition by the patient can make a large difference in reducing complications and improving quality of life. Early and regular access to physiotherapy can help patients manage their lymphoedema well with training on how to use lymphatic drainage techniques and also help with exercise regimes and strengthening. Patents with poor management of their lymphoedema will often experience extremely swollen limbs that make movement extremely difficult and painful.

Often patients who are experiencing a flare up of their lymphoedema will need their condition managing at home and this is where our home visit physiotherapy service can really make a difference. Our physiotherapists are able to visit the patient with lymphoedema at home, assist with lymphatic drainage and help them with their exercise programmes.

Okay, I hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog. If you or anyone you know has Lymphoedema and needs physiotherapy then please get in touch.

For anyone reading: we are a home visit physiotherapy service, based in Lichfield but serving anywhere within a 20 minute drive including areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Cannock, Burton and Rugeley. We offer a wide range of services including paediatric physiotherapy, post-operative rehabilitation, neurological physiotherapy and neck and back pain relief. If you need further information or would like to book an appointment we can be contacted on 0788 428 1623 or via enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.uk