Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy (DLT)
Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy (DLT) is a treatment for Primary/Secondary Lymphoedema, Oedema and Lipoedema.
(DLT) Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy Upon receiving a positive diagnosis, DLT may be recommended and there are two phases to the Therapy:
Intensive – with your therapist
-
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
-
Multi-layer bandaging
-
Exercises
-
Skin Care
-
Weight Management
Maintenance – Self Management
-
MLD is replaced by SLD (Simple Lymphatic Drainage)
-
Wearing compression garments
-
Self-bandaging/Velcro wraps
-
Daily Skin Care
-
Weight Management
Components of DLT Therapy
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MLD - Using specific massage techniques to mobilise the skin the stimulate the lymphatic system. It facilitates lymph flow into the venous circulation utilising lymph vessels. MLD is found to be most effective when used in conjunction with compression bandaging.
-
MLLB - Multi-layer bandaging is the intensive phase of the treatment and is used to provide compression and support to the underlying tissues. Foam or soft padding under the bandages help increase fluid movement by adding pressure and reducing slippage. Different density and thickness are used dependent on the limb, whether arm or leg and on what the tissue is like, i.e.: fibrotic, soft or pitting. Bandaging is performed every day for a minimum of two weeks (excluding weekends).
-
Exercises - Are used to enhance the efficiency of the muscle pump working against the compression bandages increasing lymph circulation. You will be given individually tailored exercises suited to your particular requirement.
-
Weight Control/Maintenance - It is very important to maintain a healthy weight. These conditions can be exacerbated as fat cells compress the lymphatics further, reducing and impeding lymphatic flow. A good weight loss/nutritional plan will help before, during and after your intensive treatment.
-
Compression Garments - At the end of the intensive phase, you will be measured for custom or standard fit compression garments. During the maintenance, self-management phase you should aim to wear your garments daily. Any SLD exercises should be done whilst wearing your compression. It is recommended your garments be replaced every 4-6 months.
Contact us for a Consultation
Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy (DLT)
Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy (DLT) is a treatment for Primary/Secondary Lymphoedema, Oedema and Lipoedema.
(DLT) Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy Upon receiving a positive diagnosis, DLT may be recommended and there are two phases to the Therapy:
Intensive – with your therapist
-
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
-
Multi-layer bandaging
-
Exercises
-
Skin Care
-
Weight Management
Maintenance – Self Management
-
MLD is replaced by SLD (Simple Lymphatic Drainage)
-
Wearing compression garments
-
Self-bandaging/Velcro wraps
-
Daily Skin Care
-
Weight Management
Components of DLT Therapy
-
MLD - Using specific massage techniques to mobilise the skin the stimulate the lymphatic system. It facilitates lymph flow into the venous circulation utilising lymph vessels. MLD is found to be most effective when used in conjunction with compression bandaging.
-
MLLB - Multi-layer bandaging is the intensive phase of the treatment and is used to provide compression and support to the underlying tissues. Foam or soft padding under the bandages help increase fluid movement by adding pressure and reducing slippage. Different density and thickness are used dependent on the limb, whether arm or leg and on what the tissue is like, i.e.: fibrotic, soft or pitting. Bandaging is performed every day for a minimum of two weeks (excluding weekends).
-
Exercises - Are used to enhance the efficiency of the muscle pump working against the compression bandages increasing lymph circulation. You will be given individually tailored exercises suited to your particular requirement.
-
Weight Control/Maintenance - It is very important to maintain a healthy weight. These conditions can be exacerbated as fat cells compress the lymphatics further, reducing and impeding lymphatic flow. A good weight loss/nutritional plan will help before, during and after your intensive treatment.
-
Compression Garments - At the end of the intensive phase, you will be measured for custom or standard fit compression garments. During the maintenance, self-management phase you should aim to wear your garments daily. Any SLD exercises should be done whilst wearing your compression. It is recommended your garments be replaced every 4-6 months.
Contact us for a Consultation
Please call for an appointment
01243 785096/07812 605677
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
RLD Reflexology Lymph Drainage is a scientifically proven and medically researched unique technique to treat and relieve symptoms of Secondary Lymphoedema which often follows surgery for breast cancer; in which the lymph nodes/vessels have been damaged by infection, radiation or removal. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, the lifetime risk is 1:8 and approx. 20% of patients develop Secondary Lymphoedema in the arm following surgery. RLD was pioneered at Cardiff Metropolitan University by Sally Kay BSc (Hons) whilst working in Cancer Care.
When lymph circulation becomes blocked from infection, surgery, radiation or damage fluid can collect causing swelling. In chronic oedema, swollen tissue will bulge out and cause puffiness causing patients to use compression sleeves or bandages. These can be extremely uncomfortable in heat, unsightly and need changing regularly to prevent further infection.
RLD mimics the effects of MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage) however it is performed on the feet but has an overall effect within the whole body to alleviate swelling, pain, stiffness and skin fibrosis, associated with Lymphoedema and genetic Lipoedema. This technique is also used for boosting the Immune System and can be helpful to treat many other conditions as well as Lymphoedema including:-
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and ME, Lupus, Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS, Cystic Fibrosis
Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Coeliac Disease, Diabetes, Thyroid and Hashimoto’s Disease
Asthma, Eczema, Migraines/Headaches
Inflammatory Disorders
Hayfever, Acute Rhinitis, Nasal and Sinus Congestion, Dry/Itchy Eyes
Auto-immune Disorders
Dramatic results can often be witnessed within one treatment, but a course of 6-8
sessions is recommended.
More Information
RLD treatment benefits include:
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Reduction of pain and severe discomfort
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Significant reduction of swelling/fluid
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Increase in arm or leg mobility
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Improvement in strength to arm, hand or leg
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Improved body image