The Lymph System and Lymphoedema
What is the lymph system?
What is lymphoedema?
Lipoedema – often confused with lymphoedema
How many people have lymphoedema?

How Treatment can Help
What is the treatment?
How to recognise lymphoedema
What to do if you think you have lymphoedema
Your feelings

The Four Cornerstones of Treatment (1) Skin Care
Cellulitis
Caring for your skin

The Four Cornerstones of Treatment (2) Compression
Compression garments
Guidelines for garments
Checklist for the day when using a compression sleeve or stocking
Using clothes to support the swelling

The Four Cornerstones of Treatment (3) Exercise and Movement
Exercise
How to use daily activities to reduce the swelling
How to use recreational exercise to reduce the swelling
Breathing exercise
Arm exercises
Leg exercises
Using posture and position to help

The Four Cornerstones of Treatment (4) Massage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
Simple lymphatic drainage (SLD – ‘self massage’)
Simple lymphatic drainage for one arm swelling
Simple lymphatic drainage for when you have, or when there is a risk of, swelling in both arms
Simple lymphatic drainage for one leg swelling
Simple lymphatic drainage when you have, or when there is a risk of, swelling in both legs
Skin brushing

Intensive Treatment
Multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging (MLLB)

Other Treatments
Compression pumps
The use of drugs to treat lymphoedema
The use of surgery for lymphoedema

Living with Lymphoedema
My swollen limb feels heavy and uncomfortable. Is this usual?
What should I wear?
Is diet important?
What can I do in hot weather?
Should I make any special arrangements to travel?
Does it matter what position I sleep in?

Special Needs
Lymphoedema in children
Midline lymphoedema
Breast lymphoedema
Swelling in the shoulder or groin
Lymphoedema of the face
Lymphoedema of the genitals

Conclusion: Taking Control

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