Do you have lymphoedema or have an abnormal swelling ?

Don't suffer with this debilitating condition we can help you

Lymphoedema is a chronic, long term condition which can reduce the quality of your life both physically and emotionally. It is an abnormal swelling and collection of fluid in the limbs, head, neck, genitals and trunk and can occur due to the following causes;

1. Post cancer surgery and cancer treatment such as radiotherapy
2. Post trauma swelling such as after an accident, sport injury or sprained ankle
3. Fluid retention, puffy eyes, swollen face, feet or ankles
4. Swollen joints from osteoarthritis
5. Muscular trauma or injury
6. As a result of deep vein thrombosis DVT
7. Following an infection
8. As a result of untreated varicose veins

Treatments involve;

1. Comprehensive health assessment
2. A series of statistics including limb size and measurement of fluid volume in the affected area
3. A series of before and after photographs for you to monitor the effects of your treatment
4. Treatment plan and exercise programme
5. Treatments are tailored for your specific condition
6. Skin care management and advise
7. Final assessment, report and future management programme

What is lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is tissue swelling due to an impaired lymphatic drainage system. The swelling can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly affects the arms and legs. Lymphoedema can also affect the head, neck, breast, genitals and trunk.

There is currently no cure for lymphoedema but with appropriate management it can be improved and controlled.

There are two types of Lymphoedema, primary as a result of congenital abnormality in the lymphatic system which can occur at birth, in the teens or after the age of 35. The secondary cause is as a result of cancer and its treatments, untreated varicose veins, post surgery, trauma, burns or tropical disease.

How we treat Lymphoedema

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialist form of massage carried out by
specially trained nurse practitioners to encourage the movement of fluid from swollen areas towards healthy lymphatics in non swollen areas. This can also help to soften hardened tissue (fibrosis).

Furthermore it stimulates and maximises the potential of the lymphatic system.

This technique is predominantly useful when swelling involves areas of the body where compression garments can not be easily worn such as the armpits, breast, chest, back, abdomen, genitals, head and neck.

Our advice and recommendations for lymphoedema treatment

1. Skin care advice will be given to keep the skin and tissues in good condition and prevent the risk of skin infections such as cellulitis.
2. You may be assessed, measured and provided with medical grade compression hosiery which will improve muscle pump action helping to prevent swelling building up and will maintain any swelling reduction that we achieve.
3. We will advise you on exercise and breathing techniques to encourage fluid drainage.

The benefits of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)

1. It promotes healing from fractures, leg ulcers, torn ligaments and sprains
2. It lessens pain and can be profoundly soothing to areas of the body
3. It helps to strengthen the immune system as part of detox treatment
4. You can achieve relief from swollen ankles and legs which is a key element in the
treatment of venous oedema
5. It can alleviate puffy eyes, facial swelling and fluid retention due to
pre-menstural syndrome caused by fluid congestion

Multi-Layer Lymphatic bandaging (MLLB)

Multi- layer lymphatic bandaging of limbs is the layering of various types of specialist bandages. MLLB is usually used during an intensive course of treatment called Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and is often used in conjunction with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).

The bandages create resistance or rigid support for the muscle to work against. This will improve the lymphatic drainage as well as preventing further build up of swelling in the limb.

Janice is a specialist lymphoedema consultant with over 7 years experience in the field of lymphoedema and she has 8 years vascular services experience. She has attained academic qualifications in advanced lymphoedema management, PG Cert and Bsc (Hons) in professional practice. Additionally Janice is trained in Kinesio taping to levels KT1, KT2 and she is one of the few consultants in the UK who is trained in KT3 level.

Janice is passionate and dedicated to provide lymphoedema sufferers with access to "optimum treatment" in order to achieve fast and long lasting results.

The aim of the clinic is to provide an exceptional high standard of this specialist service to sufferers of lymphoedema and its associated problems. Treatments are individually planned and tailored to your specific needs in a specially adapted room which offers a welcoming, relaxed and friendly environment.

What is Kinesio Taping and when is it used

Kinesio taping is the application of a thin sticky tape to the skin in different ways to help to increase lymph flow and in turn will decrease swelling and discomfort.

The tape lifts the skin to form convolutions, increasing the space between the facial and the muscle. This promotes the flow of lymphatic fluid thereby helping to reduce oedema and associated swelling.

Kinesio tapping can be used on its own or as a combination treatment with MLD and MLLB.

The benefits of Kinesio taping
1. Kinesio taping can reduce muscle fatigue, pain and inflammation.
2. It can correct posture, adjusts mis-aligment of joints and protects against further injury.
3. It also provides therapeutic benefits throughout the stages of injury and rehabilitation.

Criteria for referral to the clinic

Referrals are accepted from your GP, hospital consultant, any healthcare practitioner such as district nurse and you can refer yourself.

Private insurance

Private insurance accepted via a referral from a registered consultant.

If you would like to discuss your condition or treatment with Janice or make an appointment please call the clinic on 0800 028 4744
or email Janice jcotgrove@gmail.com