SERVICES

​Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and Combined decongestive therapies

PREVENTION program for lymphoedema up and running with the SOZO bio impedance spectroscopy and clinical assessment. Best practice guidelines followed.
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic and light manual therapy that reduces pain, swelling and inflammation. When the lymphatic system is working well and is intact, excessive fluid does not accumulate in the tissues. To work optimally, the lymphatic system needs external variation in tissue pressure. The most common way of facilitating this is by movement of the skeletal muscles.

​Our breathing pattern and respiratory muscles can also help. ​MLD is known to encourage the entry of fluids into the lymphatics, facilitate transport along the system and open alternate pathways. This therapy can help with Lymphoedema and other issues such as: venous stasis ulceration, wounds, scar tissue, burns, traumatic oedema, dermatological conditions such as rosacea, orthopaedic indications such as adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), arthritic conditions, acute whiplash, Meniere’s Syndrome, migraines, concussion, sinusitis, fibromyalgia.
Oedema from lipoedema, lymphoedema, venous issues  MLD helps

Oedema may be treated with combined decongestive therapy (CDT), which includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), taping, compression, exercise, skin management and education. CDT is the standard treatment for chronic lymphoedema.

​Most people respond well to CDT. The main aim is symptom reduction, e.g. swelling, skin condition improvement, preventing infection and improve quality of life. CDT consists of an intensive treatment phase and then a maintenance phase. The treatment phase may be a week or weeks, be daily and more or less often.

Treatment is individualised according to your response. The treatment provides a combination of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), skin care, exercises and compression bandaging. Once the swelling has reduced, the maintenance phase is begun. During this phase you will be taught how to care for your skin, self-massage and suitable exercises. It is recommended that you see a lymphoedema therapist every 6-12 months for regular review.
Your first appointment for MLD/CDT will usually be an hour and a half-be prepared for two hours if your condition is complex. ​
This will allow for a complete assessment, including limb measurements, treatment and information sharing. Intensive treatment requires commitment to attend frequent, multiple appointments in the initial weeks, potentially more than an hour at a time.
Contact us if you would like more information or to make a booking.
Prehabilitation to Rehabilitation
Cancer diagnosis can be a traumatic time, with little time to prepare before treatment.  Research demonstrates that prehabiliation prior to treatment improves outcomes for patients. Come for a 45-60 min assessment prior to cancer surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Range of motion and postural assessment, baseline lymphoedema measures, education including scarring, cording and lymphoedema. no referral required.

Scar therapy, axillary web syndrome, radiation fibrosis

Picture
​Manual techniques and tools (low level laser, Microcurrent, neuromuscular taping) are used to release and realign adhered tissues (including axillary web syndrome ‘cording’),  increasing range of motion, improving function, and decreasing pain and sensitivity. Scar therapy can improve quality of life.
Pain after surgery and radiation treatment ?-it could be radiation fibrosis. Specific massage techniques  are used to help with this. You will be taught how to self treat to facilitate the process of healing and managing the pain and restrictions.

Consultancy & Mentoring

Providing chronic oedema expertise in clinical assessment, education, & evaluation.  For the aged care provider, educational institution, general practice, cancer care providers. Neglecting chronic oedema may increase suffering, decrease independence, increase cost to the client, health provider and the environment. 
Riverside provides Mentoring of new lymphoedema  & scar therapists by providing 1:1 tuition/guidance in the clinical environment at low cost