Lymphoedema & Burns Management

Lymphoedema Management

If you have lymphoedema (e.g. following breast cancer) then lymphoedema treatment may be an option^1-2. Lymphoedema treatment aims to help the flow of lymph fluid through the affected area. This will help reduce swelling and improve the health of the swollen tissue in the upper and/or lower limb. Reducing the swelling will lower your risk of infection, and make movement easier and more comfortable, and improve your quality of life.

During an assessment, the size of the affected limb will be compared to the other limb, and any differences will be assessed. This will be done using a using a tape measure to measure the distance around the limb (circumference). If lymphoedema is identified, it will be staged from 0 (least severe) to 3 (most severe), however all stages of lymphoedema need ongoing treatment and care.

Mild lymphoedema (Stages 0–1) is usually managed with skin care, exercise and compression therapy, however massage therapy may also be useful.

Moderate or severe lymphoedema (Stages 2–3) usually needs complex lymphoedema therapy to help control the symptoms. Typically, this is done in 2 phases: a treatment phase and a maintenance phase.

During the treatment phase, a combination of regular skin care, exercises, manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging are used. It may take a few days or up to several weeks to reduce the swelling and then you will be fitted with a compression garment. You will also be taught how to manage the lymphoedema yourself, or with the help of a partner or carer.

During the maintenance phase, you will continue to look after your skin and exercise regularly. You will also continue to wear the compression garments to help maintain the improvements made in the treatment phase.

Speak to Sean, your GP and wider medical team, if you are interested in lymphoedema management.

Burns Management

If you require ongoing scar management and burn therapy³ following a burn, then speak to Sean as he may be able to offer treatment options for you. This may include, oedema management, exercise, skin care and scar massage. Scar massage helps to break up the collagen bundles that form to make a scar. The aim is to soften and desensitise the skin, prevent adhesions and decrease pruritus (the unpleasant feeling of itchiness or irritation on the skin that makes you want to scratch), as well as stretch the skin and scarred tissue. Active exercise, functional retraining, joint range of movement, strengthening and aerobic training will form the exercise program.

Speak to Sean, your GP and wider medical team, if you are interested in supplementary burns management

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‍References

1. Cancer Council Australia, Understanding Lymphoedema fact sheet, 2023.

2. Cancer Council Australia, Lymphoedema - what you need to know (booklet), 2013.

3. Agency for Clinical Innovation, Burn Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Guidelines 1^st Edition, Statewide Burn Injury Service, 2017, pg. 1-28.