Take control of your lymphoedema as a team – with assessment, treatment and monitoring you can learn how to manage it.

Early symptoms of lymphoedema may include:

• swelling of part of your arm or leg, or your entire arm or leg, including your fingers or toes
• clothing and jewellery may feel tighter and leave an indent on the affected limb when removed
• a feeling of heaviness or tightness in your arm or your leg
• aching or discomfort in your leg
• recurring infections in your arm or leg (cellulitis)
• hardening and thickening of the skin on your affected limb

Many of the symptoms above may arise from other causes, so it is important to have an early assessment if you suspect you may be developing lymphoedema.  This swelling can be mild and hardly noticeable to extreme swelling that can affect the use of the affected limb.  At Seed Physiotherapy, our therapist will assess and customise your treatment to accommodate your individual need.  We offer a range of services to facilitate lymphatic drainage, monitor and educate you to self-manage in the long term.  These include:

There are a number of excellent online resources for self education and self massage including:

Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA)

Lymphoedema Association of Queensland – Support, information and education

Cancer Australia: Lymphoedema – what you need to know (download pdf)

ALA Education and Self Massage Chest and Arm

ALA Education and Self Massage Leg

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)