|
NORTH SYDNEY
LYMPHOEDEMA CLINIC
Preventative strategies for a limb at risk of lymphoedema
Fitting of compression garments for travel
Manual Lymphatic drainage
Complex Physical Therapy
Counselling
|
 Helena
Wakefield
|
|
Advanced
MLD & CPT Cert.,
Foldi Clinic, Germany.
Dip. Lymphatic
Drainage
M.A.
Cultural Psych. |
Helena Wakefield
is a fully trained lymphoedema therapist qualified in Complex Physical
Therapy and compression garment fitting with an Advanced MLD
& CPT Certificate at the Foldi Clinic of Lymphology, Germany and a
Diploma in Lymphatic Drainage. Helena is a highly skilled practitioner
who has a broad range of practical experience with breast cancer
patients, primary and secondary lymphoedema patients. Early
intervention work with ‘Preventive
Strategies,’ utilizes Helena’s motivational skills with
patients, with a limb at risk of lymphoedema. Helena
has presented on Manual Lymphatic Drainage at the 2007 National
Massage Conference and lectured on preventive measures for a limb at
risk of lymphoedema at cancer support groups.
Preventative Strategies for a limb at risk of lymphoedema
Preventive measures are attained by a program of self lymphatic drainage and gentle exercises. Lymphatic decongestive exercises provide a risk minimisation strategy for an arm or leg. Self
or simple lymphatic drainage assists in clearing the adjacent quadrant
to the limb at risk and assists with lymphatic drainage of the affected
limb.
Recommendations
to reduce the risk include wearing a prophylactic compression garment
when travelling. Avoid sunburn and apply a moisturising cream daily.
Avoid carrying heavy shopping bags and luggage with your affected arm.
Avoid prolonged standing for an affected leg. Swimming is highly
recommended.
* Decongestive exercises for a limb at risk of lymphoedema
* Sequence of exercises assists
decongestion of
limb
*
Increases range of
movement
*
Tailored individual
program
* Fitting of compression garments for travel
Preventative Strategies for a limb at risk of lymphoedema
An
important area of risk minimisation, is the wearing of a prophylactic
compression garment when travelling. The measuring and fitting of a
compression garment requires a trained therapist.
* Manual lymphatic drainage
MLD
assists in the decongestion of a limb at risk by increasing the
lymphatic flow. Post surgery the technique assists the lymphatic fluid
into alternative pathways.
As
a remedial technique, MLD works by the use of a very light pressure, a
stretching of the skin which has an effect on initial lymphatic
vessels, the drainage is not a massage.
Self or simple lymphatic drainage is easily learnt as a preventative strategy alleviating post surgical oedema.
* Complex Physical Therapy
CPT combines a number of therapeutic techniques which reduce oedema. These are:
* Manual Lymphatic Drainage
* Compression bandaging
* Decongestive exercises
* Skin care
CPT
is phase I of lymphoedema management. Phase II is the fitting of a
compression garment which is worn daily and is combined with a program
of SLD and exercises.
CPT can improve lymph transport. The effects will reduce oedema and pain with an increase in mobility.
NORTH SYDNEY LYMPHOEDEMA CLINIC
20 Cairo Street, Cammeray, Sydney N.S.W. 2062
PH: (02) 99 555 760
© 2003 North Sydney Lymphedema
Clinic
|