Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that presents as swelling when the lymphatic system does not function properly.
You can either be born with lymphoedema or it can come to pass as a result of cancer surgery or radiotherapy.
Swelling, as a result of the condition, most commonly occurs in the legs and arms but can also affect other areas such as the neck.
With Lymphoedema Awareness Month starting on Monday, March 6, ERH physiotherapist Georgie Kennedy said it was important the community was aware of the services on offer in Echuca and surrounds.
“As well as swelling, a person could experience heaviness, tightness or tingles throughout the body,” Ms Kennedy said.
People who suffer from lymphoedema are also more susceptible to infections.
ERH physiotherapist Kati McLeod said new research showed that early intervention was possible by reviewing and monitoring patients who had just had undergone chemotherapy or cancer surgery.
The hospital is making a concerted effort to offer early intervention services.
It has purchased two machines that monitor the fluid content in people’s arms — one is kept in the cancer and wellness centre and one is in the hospital.
“The SOZO machines enable us to take action early,” Ms McLeod said.
“The machines are able to recognise changes in fluidity before a person has even noticed that they are experiencing changes, which is pretty amazing.”
Kim Steel treats people who have developed lymphoedema.
She provides a mobile service, which helps people to manage symptoms and live comfortably by formulating a management plan, by offering advice as to how to wrap the areas in compression sleeves or garments and by providing lymphatic drainage, dry needling, remedial or myofascial cupping services.
“Everybody’s different, but most can usually manage themselves after they’ve formulated that plan,” Ms Steel said.
