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.
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What is it for?
For the treatment of lymphoedema to reduce swelling
Lymphoedema therapy consultation at The London Clinic
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.
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.
Consultants
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
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Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.