Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by a buildup of lymph fluid, leading to swelling, usually in the arms or legs. It can also affect the abdomen, chest, or genital area. It may result from cancer treatments (like mastectomy or radiation), surgery, or genetic factors (primary lymphoedema).

What are the differences between primary and secondary lymphoedema?

Primary Lymphoedema is genetic and occurs due to an inherited malfunction in the lymphatic system. Secondary Lymphoedema develops due to external factors like surgery (e.g., mastectomy), radiation therapy, trauma, or infection.

How can lymphoedema be managed?

Lymphoedema is a degenerative condition, meaning it worsens over time if untreated. However, proper management through Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), compression garments, skin care, and exercise can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

MLD is a gentle, specialised massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to improve lymph flow, reduce swelling, and activate alternative lymphatic pathways (anastomosis) when the main vessels are damaged.

What is Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?

CDT stands for Combined Decongestive Therapy and is about applying compression to the limb affected by lymphoedema to get the fluid in exceed to keep moving post MLD therapy.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes! I offer lymphoedema patients a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss symptoms, treatment options, and how I can help.

Where is the clinic located?

Melbourne Massage and Treatment Lymphoedema clinic is conveniently located at 1/175 Holden Street, Fitzroy North, 3068, Victoria, Australia.

Can lymphoedema be cured?

While lymphoedema is a chronic condition, proper management can significantly reduce swelling, discomfort, and the risk of complications. Early intervention and consistent therapy are key.

Is compression therapy necessary for lymphoedema?

Yes, compression garments or bandages are essential in CDT to maintain pressure on tissues, prevent fluid re-accumulation, and support long-term management.

Can exercise help with lymphoedema?

Yes! Gentle, guided exercises can promote lymphatic drainage and improve mobility. Giovanni can recommend safe exercises tailored to your condition.

How often should I get MLD or CDT treatments?

The frequency depends on the severity of your condition. Some patients benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need maintenance treatments less often. Giovanni will create a personalised plan for you.

Does private health insurance cover lymphoedema treatments?

Some private health funds may cover part of the cost under myotherapy or lymphatic drainage therapy. Check with your provider for eligibility.

Booking - Melbourne Massage and Treatment Use this page to book your next appointment

Arm Lymphoedema Quiz

Based on the original document - Piller,NB (2006) Lymphoedema Research unit Department of surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042 (Adapted and reprinted with permission). This guide is designed as an educational aid-based primary on experience, no evidence in literature.

Name

Phone

Email Address

1. More than 10 nodes removed from armpitYesNoNot Sure

2. Radiotherapy to armpit areaYesNoNot Sure

3. More than 2 infections (redness) in the limb per yearYesNoNot Sure

4. Whole of Breast Removed (Mastectomy)YesNoNot Sure

5. More than 2 but less than 10 nodes removed from armpitYesNoNot Sure

6. Radiotherapy to chest/breast areaYesNoNot Sure

7. Fluids drained from wound more than 1 weekYesNoNot Sure

8. Infection at the wound siteYesNoNot Sure

9. One infection (redness) in the limb per yearYesNoNot Sure

10. Heaviness, tightness or tension in the limb at timesYesNoNot Sure

11. Frequent cuts/scratches to the limbYesNoNot Sure

12. Dry skinYesNoNot Sure

13. Part of Breast removedYesNoNot Sure

14. 1 or 2 nodes removed from armpitYesNoNot Sure

15. Limb feels different as the day progressesYesNoNot Sure

What to do now?

If you are at LOW RISK, then you will benefit from a range of appropriate educational literature that may be able to even further reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.
If you are at MODERATE or HIGH RISK, then the educational materials will also benefit you. Ideally, if you are in these categories, you should have a non-invasive assessment (Bio-impedance spectroscopy or Tissue Dielectric Constants) to determine if there are already some fluid accumulations in your "risk" limb.

Independently of your level of risk, Giovanni offers 15-minute Online Consultation to better guide you on how to manage this presentation, or prevent any degeneration.

Book your free 15-minutes online consultation now.

Lipedema Quiz

This is not a diagnostic tool but only a guide.
To learn more about the Lipedema presentation, contact Giovanni by sending the result, or booking a free 15-minute online consultation. Be sure to include your full name and email address in the form below (At the end of the quiz).

If you prefer to contact Giovanni anonymously, call with a private number at 0449790781.

Texture of fatty tissue may feel granular and/orfibroticYesNoNot Sure

Symmetrical, disproportionate accumulation of fatty tissue (refer to picture on the Lipedema page)YesNoNot Sure

The waist may be small in proportion to thighs, buttocks, and legsYesNoNot Sure

Cuffs or bulges may develop around joints (e.g. ankles, knees, elbows, wrists). Feet remainunaffected unless lymphoedema is a comorbidityYesNoNot Sure

Legs are often hypersensitive to touch and pressureand may feel coldYesNoNot Sure

Affected areas may bruise easily with minimaltraumaYesNoNot Sure

Patients describe affected areas as sore, painful, heavy, swollen and tiredYesNoNot Sure

Symptoms can worsen in hot weather, during orafter exercise, standing or sitting for long periodsYesNoNot Sure

Fat pads, which can be tender or painful, accumulate on the upper outer thighs, inner thighs, and around the knee area, can cause abnormal gait,and contribute to joint painYesNoNot Sure

Filling of the retromalleolar sulcusYesNoNot Sure

HypermobilityYesNoNot Sure

Soft, thin skin with loss of elasticity. Skin can havea lumpy appearance.YesNoNot Sure

Non-pitting oedema and negative Stemmer’s sign on feet and hands in the absence of coexisting lymphoedemaYesNoNot SurePitting oedema is when by appling pressure to the area with a finger, for more than 60 seconds, you get left an indentation in the skin.

Difficulty losing weight from affected areas despite exercise, modified diet or bariatric surgery. If well-directed, these measures may help reduceinflammation and co-existing obesity if presentYesNoNot Sure

Abnormal nerve sensationsYesNoNot Sure

Pain on blood pressure check (larger cuff may berequired)YesNoNot Sure

Relatives with similar body shape or fat distributionYesNoNot Sure

Out of 17 questions, the number above, tells you how many symptoms applies to you. The more symptoms, the more luckily you are suffering from a Lipedema presentation. Get in touch with Giovanni now, via the form below, for further understanding on how to manage Lipedema presentation.

Prefix

First Name

Last Name

Reference list

This quiz is a reproduction of a flyer from the association Lipoedema Australia.
The reference list is Adapted from 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13,14[1] , 16, 18 and available here (PDF).

Leg Lymphoedema Quiz

Name

Phone

Email Address

1. More than 10 nodes removed from the groinYesNoNot Sure

2. Radiotherapy to the groin/pelvic areaYesNoNot Sure

3. Average of more than 2 infections (cellulitis) in the limb per yearYesNoNot Sure

4. Dry or scaly skin on lower legs/feetYesNoNot Sure

5. More than 2 but less than 10 nodes removed from groinYesNoNot Sure

6. Fluids drained from wound more than 1 weekYesNoNot Sure

7. Infection at the wound site after surgeryYesNoNot Sure

8. Average of one infection (cellulitis) in the limb per yearYesNoNot Sure

9. Frequent cuts/scratches to the limbYesNoNot Sure

10. 1 or 2 nodes removed from the groinYesNoNot Sure

11. Heaviness, tightness or tension in the limb at timesYesNoNot Sure

12. Limb feels worse as the day progressesYesNoNot Sure

What to do now?

If you are at LOW RISK, then you will benefit from a range of appropriate educational literature that may be able to even further reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.
If you are at MODERATE or HIGH RISK, then the educational materials will also benefit you. Ideally, if you are in these categories, you should have a non-invasive assessment (Bio-impedance spectroscopy or Tissue Dielectric Constants) to determine if there are already some fluid accumulations in your "risk" limb.

Independently of your level of risk, Giovanni offers 15-minute Online Consultation to better guide you on how to manage this presentation, or prevent any degeneration.

Book your free 15-minutes online consultation now.

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Arm Lymphoedema Quiz

Arm Lymphoedema Quiz

OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ADD TO RISK

What to do now?

Lipodema Quiz

Lipedema Quiz

Reference list

Leg Lymphoedema Quiz

Leg Lymphoedema Quiz

OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ADD TO RISK

What to do now?