The gold standard of care in lymphoedema management is Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy. DLT is a collection of treatments used in conjunction to reduce the swelling from  lymphoedema  and once reduced, to maintain the reduction and prevent re accumulation of fluid.

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Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that must be managed long term.

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Lymphoedema can be caused by several factors. Primary lymphoedema is a congenital condition which means a person is born with a dysfunctional lymphatic system. Sometimes this can be detected at birth, but often doesn’t present until adolescence or even early adulthood.

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Much more commonly, Secondary  lymphoedema can develop due to injury, illness or infection of the lymphatic system, surgical interventions, removal of nodes or radiation therapy, and even due to some medications.

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Lymphoedema usually starts as oedema, which means that the lymphatic system can’t cope with the amount of fluid in the tissue. Overtime the lymphatic vessels fail under the strain of the oedema and the fluid load increase, along with the cellular waste, extra proteins and toxins that are supposed to be being transporting back to the circulatory system. Lymphoedema gradually progresses through stages  if not managed and can cause significant health issues for the individual.

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Effective Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy includes:

• Paying attention to your skin care routine to maintain your skin integrity

• Practicing decongestive exercises, stretches and movement to keep the lymphatic system flowing

• Having regular Manual lymphatic drainage

• Using compression – bandaging, garments

• Education about precautions you must take in your daily activities to decrease your  risk of developing or worsening your lymphoedema.

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DLT is not a one-off fix for lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition and will need maintaining to ensure it doesn’t progress. The most effective way for you to  achieve this is by working with your therapist, and by being compliant with your treatment and your selfcare.

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At your Lymphoedema appointment we will:

• Collect a health history review

• Record Limb measurement

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage

• Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy/Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump as necessary

• Information on risk factors, self-massage and garments

• Assessment for bandaging

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Lymphoedema Management Prices

Please note that the allocated time for all therapies includes time for discussion of current issues, assessment and table time.

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Please note that lymphoedema management appointments cannot be done in less than an hour.

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• 90 minute initial intake $130

• 60 minute appointment $90

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Depending on your private health fund and coverage you may be eligible to claim services under Extras.

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