This low level laser therapy can be used to treat the fibrous scar tissue that is associated with surgery. Low level laser therapy encourages lympho-genesis and stimulates the lymphatic system and is important to manage to reduce mobility and reduce lymphatic complications. Low level laser therapy can be used on the following conditions:

• Scar tissue post-surgery including from breast cancer and other surgeries that can impact the lymphatic system
• Leg ulcers
• Cording and skin grafts
• Treatment of various inflammatory skin conditions.
• Cording after breast surgery is another condition restricting movement that can be addressed by laser therapy.

We used a highly specialised machine that has sleeves that get placed on the body parts that are affected by lymphoedema or lipoedema, such as the arms, legs, abdomen and groin area. This process promotes circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids from the extremities of the body through the lymphatic system for processing by the body.

Many patients with lipoedema and lymphoedema find this process can decrease limb circumference and improve skin quality. Many patients also mention that the pain itself can be decreased and fibrosis reduced.

Likewise, for those with chronic pain, education is an important part of managing the condition. Part of this education will involve helping you understand how to prevent deterioration of it and practical ways to treat the condition at home.

Lastly, we develop a holistic treatment plan designed according to your individual needs. There is no silver bullet to treating lymphoedema, lipoedema or chronic pain, rather there are multiple things you need to do, both at home and with a professional service such as what I provide to help manage the condition as best as possible.

It can all be rather intimidating, but rest assured we will provide you with support, specialised treatment and encouragement to deal with the condition.

Lymphatic Taping

This is when we apply specialised tape to the affected body parts that help to lift the skin during natural body movement and encourages the lymphatic fluid to move towards the body’s lymph nodes. This can be applied after a manual lymphatic drainage session to greatly increase the benefit received.

Some with chronic pain or posture issues can also benefit from taping, although this is applied differently to them.

Bandaging

With bandaging, we apply short stretch bandaging or multi-layered bandaging to the limb. This is done by a trained specialist to reduce limb volume before garment fitting.

Compression garment Fitting

An important way to help keep swelling low is to wear compression garments. We stock a variety of limb compression garments, from arms, to lower limbs or full limbs. We measure you up and ensure you are provided with the correct size for your body.

Better still we show you how to put them on. These compression garments are medical garments so you need to know how to wear them and how to protect them from being damaged. We will not only talk you through it, but show you how to put them on safely.

Did you know that there are many conditions that can be improved by wearing compression garments? Here I like just a few: heavy legs, spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, venous oedema and even tired legs.

At PAL Lymphoedema and Pain Clinic we stock Sigvaris compression garments. You can learn more about Sigvaris Group here.

Exercise prescription

Did I mention that I am an exercise scientist? So one of the other services I provide my patients with is tailored exercises that they can do at home to help manage their condition. Below is a list of the various types of exercises I may train you to do as part of your lymphoedema, lipoedema or chronic pain management:

• Decongestive exercises to facilitate lymph flow - This is ideal for my lipoedema and lymphoedema patients
• Posture corrective exercise - Posture issues are common after breast cancer surgery. This is because the shoulder ROM is decreased and then the glenohumeral rhythm gets affected
• Strengthening exercises - These exercises are important for managing lymphoedema. There are several reasons why: It works your muscles which increases the flow of lymph fluid and helps move it away from the swollen area. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce lymphoedema swelling.

We also run the following classes to help manage lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic pain:

• Clinical Mat work pilate class
• Strength Training Classes
• Balance group classes.

Lymphatic yoga + Yoga for care

Lymphatic yoga consists of different yoga asanas and pranayama (basically different types of breathing techniques) that research has shown helps yoga immensely, as it improves the work done by the lymphatic system. The PAL Lymphoedema and Pain Clinic holds regular lymphatic yoga classes where those with lipoedema and lymphoedema can participate in yoga activities that provide relief and wellbeing. It is also a great opportunity to meet others who have these conditions and find a support network from others who are in a similar position.

Other yoga classes I run include:

• Yoga therapy
• Yoga for care
• Yoga for singers
• Yoga for kids

I am a trained yoga teacher in a top university in India. You can learn more about it in the About section.