How does lymphoedema therapy work?

Lymphoedema develops when lymph fluid is not moving away from an area effectively, sometimes after cancer surgery or radiotherapy. A trained therapist may use light manual lymphatic drainage to encourage fluid toward working lymph pathways. A compression garment or bandaging helps limit refilling while movement activates nearby muscles and joints. Skin care lowers the chance that a small crack becomes an infection. The programme is adjusted to the limb, skin condition, symptoms, and ability to exercise. The aim is better comfort, movement, and day-to-day control rather than a single procedure.

Wear compression exactly as fitted and check the skin underneath for rubbing, redness, blisters, or pressure marks. Keep the skin clean and moisturised, protect it from cuts and burns, and move the affected arm or leg regularly without forcing painful stretches. Elevate the limb when comfortable and follow the therapist’s exercises. Avoid self-massage until the technique has been demonstrated, particularly if you have heart, kidney, or blood-clot concerns. Bring changes in swelling, heaviness, tightness, or function to follow-up visits.

Contact a clinician promptly if the swollen area becomes hot, red, increasingly painful, or suddenly larger, or if you develop fever or feel unwell. These changes may indicate cellulitis or another problem needing treatment. Seek urgent help for sudden swelling with chest pain or breathlessness, or for a cold, pale, numb, or severely painful limb. Remove compression if instructed by your team or if it causes marked numbness, colour change, or pain.

What is causing my swelling? Should I see a lymphoedema therapist? Which compression garment and pressure are appropriate? Which exercises are safe after my surgery? How can I recognise cellulitis early?