Lymphoedema therapy
Lymphoedema is a condition that affects at least a quarter of a million people in the UK alone. It is a chronic condition in which the lymphatic system doesn’t work effectively.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
For the treatment of lymphoedema to reduce swelling
Treatment overview
Lymph is the watery fluid that carries white blood cells around the body to fight infection. It is also responsible for clearing away dead or abnormal cells, excess protein, and bacteria.
When the lymphatic system is faulty, the lymph can’t drain away. The lymph fluid builds up, causing swelling, which is called lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema most commonly affects the limbs, making them swollen, heavy, and uncomfortable.
However, it can affect any part of the body from the head to the toes.
The London Clinic offers bespoke treatment plans for the effective management of lymphoedema.
Expert lymphoedema practitioners provide specialist support and the very latest treatments to reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and help you live life to the full.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Surrounded by the latest treatments and advice, you’ll have everything you need to get back to your best health. Our patient rooms are designed for your comfort, while our catering team, in collaboration with expert dietitians, provide healthy, delicious meals to support your recovery.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our teams will be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs and giving you the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands. To provide exceptional care, we keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience. You’ll notice the difference.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our finance options here.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more here.
FAQs
Lymphoedema is caused by problems with the lymphatic system, meaning that the lymph fluid doesn’t flow and drain effectively.
Primary lymphoedema
Primary lymphoedema occurs when a person's lymphatic system is not fully developed. This leads to their lymph systems not working correctly.
Secondary lymphoedema
Lymphoedema commonly develops due to damage to the lymphatic system from injuries, infections, or cancer treatment.
Being overweight or inactive can increase the risk of developing lymphoedema in vulnerable people.
This is because the lymphatic fluid relies on the body's motion to circulate - exercise, activity, and breathing all help to keep it moving.
Many people develop lymphoedema after cancer treatment, where the lymph nodes are removed or damaged by radiotherapy. The arms may develop lymphoedema following breast cancer.
The London Clinic provides specialist cancer care, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Lymphoedema treatment is an integral part of the clinic's cancer aftercare service.
However, The London Clinic can provide specialist support, care, and treatment for lymphoedema of any cause.
Patients can book treatment through the Physiotherapy service. A bespoke programme combining regular massage, compression treatment, and exercise can reduce swelling, protect the skin, and maintain comfort for people living with lymphoedema.
Manual lymphatic drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialist type of skin massage. The practitioners at The London Clinic use techniques to encourage lymphatic flow and prevent oedema. MLD plays a vital role in the management of lymphoedema.
Multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging
The London Clinic provides specialist multi-layered lymphoedema bandaging (MLLB). An intensive programme of daily bandaging can help lymph drainage and prevent fluid accumulation.
MLLB can reduce lymphoedema so that your limb looks and feels better. For some patients, the bandaging may be combined with Manual Lymphatic Drainage to get the very best results.
The bandaging technique requires highly specialist skills and experience.
The London Clinic also offers types of bandaging comprising foam and compression layers, making the process less time-consuming for our patients.
Compression garments
Compression garments are pivotal in the management of lymphoedema. They put pressure on the tissues, preventing fluid build-up and encouraging lymph drainage.
The specialists at The London Clinic will prescribe garments designed to treat your lymphoedema. They will ensure they are correctly fitted, comfortable, and effective.
They will show you the best ways of getting the garment on and off. When worn regularly, garments can make a real difference to swelling, symptoms and skin health.
Kinesio taping
Kinesio Taping can open up the lymphatic pathways and reduce lymphoedema. The London Clinic's specialist physiotherapists use innovative application techniques to lift the skin, provide more space for lymphatic flow, decrease swelling, and ease pain and discomfort.
Skin care
Maintaining skin health is a vital part of lymphoedema therapy. Infections, irritation, and inflammation can make the skin thicken and make lymphoedema worse.
The specialists at The London Clinic provide bespoke skincare advice, including advising on the importance of moisturising regularly, keeping the skin clean, and protecting from bites and scratches, which can let infections in.
Exercise therapy
Exercise encourages lymph movement and reduces swelling. However, when you're in discomfort or recovering from cancer, it can be difficult and frightening to reintroduce activity.
The London Clinic offers therapeutic exercise programmes under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists so that you can safely build strength and fitness.
Sessions may include resistance activity and supported mobilisation on a treadmill, cross-trainer, or specialised static bicycle.
Aquatic therapy
Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based treatment for lymphoedema. It involves the use of water to improve circulation, reduce weight-bearing stresses, and reduce pain.
The expert physiotherapists will formulate an individualised exercise programme specific to your needs.
The sessions take place in the comfortable light and airy environment of The London Clinic’s state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool.