There is a care plan which is a technique called decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) which comprises four components which can positively affect the swollen areas:
1. Compression bandages and garments
2. Skin care
3. DLT Exercises to use your affected muscles and improve the lymph drainage through them
4. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) which is a specialised massage technique that stimulates the flow of fluid through your lymphatic system and thus reduces the swelling. This is how Essential Feeling can help you.

Decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) is an intensive treatment therapy which includes MLD as often as daily at first. It is at this point that you will have manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) which is a light touch pumping action to move the fluid along.

This stage will last for several weeks until your body recovers enough to manage the reduction of swelling unaided. At this point, you may want to reduce the frequency of your MLD massages as you’re more able to move around and add exercise into your programme of recovery.

A manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) is usually carried out by a specialist therapist, trained in the art of moving fluid from the swollen areas into your lymph nodes. They’ll then pump the lymph nodes which easily become full during this process so that they don’t become congested.

We’ve covered this above, but we tend to work with clients who have had surgery and are on their recovery path. This includes plastic surgery such as liposuction, tummy tucks and Brazilian butt lifts, and recovery from cancer treatments. If you’d like to read more about our speciality in post surgery lymphatic drainage then check out the page on lymphatic drainage Essex.

This is one of the biggest issues if you are not recovering from surgery. The best way is not to sit too much as Lymphoedema will develop if we’re not active enough, so instead to keep moving. We know it’s not that easy, this whole situation turns into a self fulfilling prophecy as Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling that can often affect your ability to move.

However, as lymphoedema is a swelling caused by damage to your lymphatic system, we would advise not to wear tight fitting underwear if you’re keen on prevention, so as to allow the flow of fluids and to regularly skin brush from your feet up to your groin. Drinking water is also important.

Obviously a lot of these recommendations aren’t always possible for everyone, which is why MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) is such an important therapy.

No. It is a side effect of the treatment for many forms of cancer, e.g. breast cancer so while cancer may be related to some forms of Lymphoedema it isn’t the cancer itself.

You may be thinking of Lymphoma which is a cancer. This begins in your lymphatic system, as well as your spleen, thymus and bone marrow, hence why people become confused. If you think you have this you should seek the advice and diagnosis from your doctor or health specialist who will give you an assessment and provides tests. This is not something we do at Essential Feeling.

Your lymphatic vessels run throughout your body and connects up the lymph node that are located in your head and neck region. it is common for lymph nodes in these areas to swell, as well as those in your armpits and groin area. They swell when they become overloaded.

You can book online, or call or text us so we can find out more about Lymphoedema symptoms that are affecting you. We’re on 07941 668456 when we’ll be happy to discuss your treatment plan with you.

If you know you are going in for surgery, you can book several weeks in advance of your treatment to ensure that you have your slot reserved for when you have someone to bring you if you are unable to drive.

You will need to come to our Lymphoedema clinic in Romford, Essex for our Lymphoedema service. We have appointments available to book 7 days, from 7am to 10pm. Parking is directly outside our treatment rooms and it is free.