LYMPHOEDEMA THERAPY

Have you had Treatment for Cancer?

You will have had one or a combination of treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

After these procedures, there’s more than 1 in 5 chance you may develop what’s known as “Lymphoedema” on the affected side (1 in 3 if you’ve had radiotherapy).

Lymphoedema can show in a number of ways, including:

A sore, or aching arm
Swelling in the arm or breast
Pins and needles in the hand/wrist
Skin changes such as redness or dryness
“lines” or “strings” of tension in your upper arm (also known as “cording”)

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is an increase in tissue fluid swelling, which occurs as a result of the Lymphatic System being unable to cope with an increased need or due to injury to the lymphatic system commonly as a result of surgery or trauma, or due to congenital abnormalities/ syndromes

Symptoms can include swelling in fingers, toes and affected limb or area such as breast, a feeling of heaviness, and fullness in the limb.

Who gets Lymphoedema?

The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) review of research evidence on Secondary Lymphoedema states “conservative estimates suggest that 20% of breast, genitourinary, gynaecological, or melanoma survivors will experience secondary lymphoedema. Your risk is increased after lymph node surgery and radiation treatment.

How do you treat Lymphoedema?

We use a number of proven techniques and equipment to help detect, and speed up the movement of your lymphatic system.

This includes:

Thorough History
Examination
Hands on Treatment
Goal Setting
Appropriate rehab Exercises
Bandaging
Garment Prescription
Low Level Laser
SOZO- bioimpedance measurements
Scar management/cording and axillary webbing
Low Level Cold Laser Treatment

We use the latest technology in fluid detection, allowing identification of sub-clinical lymphoedema. The SOZO machine aids in determining whether early intervention is warranted, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of developing lymphoedema.

Your Lymphoedema Therapist – Also Available at Geelong Lymphoedema Therapy

Georgina has been a registered Osteopath for over 17 years, currently owns and works at The Anglesea Osteopathic Clinic, and will be consulting as a lymphoedema Therapist from The Barwon Breast & melanoma Surgery- Conrad Brandt’s rooms- 115 McKillop St, Geelong and at The Anglesea Osteopathic Clinic.

Georgina combines her skills of manual therapy including soft tissue techniques, joint articulation and manipulation with her own personal cancer experiences. There aren’t too many therapists with first hand experience of what you’re going through.

She has also obtained qualifications in Pilates, Dry Needling, PINC- Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphoedema Therapy through Alert Education/ Macquarie University.

Georgina is a Member of Osteopathy Australia & The Australasian Lymphology Association.

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