Treatment of lymphoedema

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for lymphoedema, and treatment varies depending on the severity.  

Treatment plans will be individually devised and may consist of: skin care, exercise, Simple lymphatic drainage/manual lymphatic drainage, a specialist technique to help with lymph drainage, and compression garments, which are often needed life-long. 

Bandages, wraps, Kinesio tape and pneumatic compression (IPC), are also treatment options.  If a course of bandaging is required, you will attend as an out-patient 2 to 3 times a week for bandage renewal. This will be over a period of 2 to 4 weeks and you will also go to bed with the bandages on of a night.  Sometimes night time compression is also recommended permanently. 

We may also recommend that you have treatment with other specialities, such as community nurses, practice nurses, Tissue Viability. 

As Lymphoedema is a long term condition that can be progressive, life-long self-management is important, so you will be taught how to manage this condition independently, which requires a high level of motivation and compliance.

Patients will usually be discharged once they have been stable for 12 months.  Patients who are non-compliant with their plan of care or do not accept treatment will, as well as non-attendance at appointments will also be discharged.