Lymphoedema Management and Care

Who will benefit from our services?

We can assist anybody with swelling, cancer, vascular insufficiency, obesity and skin ulcers.

What it entails:

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs but it can occur in any body part. It’s important that lymphoedema is identified and treated as soon as possible.

What to expect:

We offer Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). It is not a cure for lymphoedema, but it can help control the symptoms. Although it takes time and effort, the treatment can be used to bring lymphoedema under control. Our treatment protocols are based on four components to our manual lymph drainage therapy:

Specialised massage techniques – known as manual lymphatic drainage, which stimulates the flow of fluid in the lymphatic system and reduces swelling.
Compression bandages – to complement exercise by moving fluid out of the affected limb and minimise further build-up.
Skin care – to keep the skin in good condition and reduce the chances of infection.
Exercises – to use muscles in the affected limb to improve lymph drainage.

CDT is an intensive phase of therapy, during which you may receive daily treatment for several weeks to help reduce the volume of the affected body part.

This is followed by a second phase called the maintenance phase. You’ll be encouraged to takeover your care using simple self-massage techniques, wearing compression garments, and continuing to exercise.

The therapy is scheduled to take place at our practice in George, Western Cape. We offer a travelling service for patients in hospital. The practice is registered with all medical aids and our tariffs are medical aid approved tariffs.