Services

Compression
​Therapy

Compression treatment helps to prevent swelling and refilling of the areas effected It puts pressure on the area of swelling to push fluid towards lymph nodes that are working and can take the load of excess lymph fluid.

The pressure is firm, and gives an extra force for the muscles and lymphatic vessels to work against to move lymph fluid. 
​
There are different ways to apply compression. They include bandaging and garments.

Buying your own compression without therapist support is not advised. The garments are quite an investment, and poorly fitting garments can cause more harm than good. I can advise on the most appropriate form of compression for you and can assist with fitting. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage  

A gentle,​ subtle massage technique that works to stimulate the initial lymphatic vessels in the first layers of skin to open and drain towards functioning lymph nodes.

I completed my training in the Dr Vodder Method of Combined Decongestive Therapy in 2015. I travelled first to Perth and then Walchsee in Austria, where I had the privilege to train under Professor Hildegard Wittlinger.

This training means that I can adapt the commonly used technique of MLD to the needs of someone with lymphatic problems. 

MLD should never be painful, although softening fibrotic tissue can be uncomfortable. 

Reduction and Maintenance

There are two phases to lymphoedema management:
  • Reduction or Decongestion
  • Maintenance​
The reduction phase is to remove as much excess fluid as possible before fitting for compression garments. It can take up to 3 weeks of daily treatments of MLD and intensive compression therapy using bandages or adjustable wraps. It can seem like a big commitment, but the results are well worth the effort. 

Once we have reduced the swelling, we can work together to maintain those results. 

Check out this short video to see the results of a 3 day intensive reduction using compression bandages
reduction_video.mp4
File Size: 8962 kb
File Type: mp4
Download File

Low Level Laser Therapy

Low Level Laser Therapy, sometimes also known as cold laser or photobiomodulation, is a painless, non-invasive treatment tool that I use alongside CDT to reduce hardened fibrotic tissue and scar tissue, reduce swelling and inflammation and improve mobility and skin condition.

The infrared light works at a low frequency to penetrate into the tissues below the skin.

Treatments should be done at least 3  times a week for 3 weeks for best results. It can be used as part of a longer treatment.  
​

Oncology Massage

I've been massaging cancer patients at all stages of their diagnosis since 2011. After 7 years at the Cancer Society, I now work solely in my clinic. 

Oncology Massage is a gentle massage modality that considers the patient's current state of health, and stage of treatment and is performed to bring about a relaxation response. It has been proven to reduce anxiety, nausea and pain, while stimulating the immune system and promoting a state of relaxation and wellbeing.

I have since gone on to develop a course in Oncology Massage to train massage therapists to work with cancer patients. This course is accredited with international body, Society for Oncology Massage.  ​

Compression Pumps

This is another great tool to be used alongside CDT. It's great for maintaining your results and helps you to self-manage your condition on a daily basis. 

The patient wears an inflatable sleeve on the effected limb which then runs on sequence inflating and deflating to mimic MLD.  

Clients can buy their own pump and use daily at home for ongoing long term management. I'm happy to guide you in your purchase. 
​



Scar Therapy

I think scars are beautiful - they are part of your life story and a mark of what you've overcome. Yet, I am also aware that scars can be problematic for a lot of people.

​Regardless of their appearance, scars can also restrict movement, cause pain and numbness, and block lymph flow, so scar therapy is a really exciting field.

I make use of my tool box and can use one or more of 
  • low level laser therapy,
  • scar massage and myofascial release,
  • scar taping and
  • silicon therapy

By working on the scar, whether it's a new scar or an old one, we can improve the way you move and how the scar feels. 

Lymph Taping

Uses soft, flexible fabric tape called kinesiotape to assist lymphatic drainage following treatment.

The tape can be worn for a week, is water-proof and hypo-allergenic.

It's also useful to use in areas that are difficult to compress, such as in cases of head and neck oedema, breast oedema and seromas and abdominal areas. 

I can provide tape or can sell you your own roll to reduce costs. 

Advice and Support

Hands on treatment is important, but it's also important to learn as much as you can about your condition.

I believe a large part of my role is to give you all the information you need to make the most of your treatment. I'm also a great listener, and happy to support you with any of your treatment needs, including working with your GP to cover your health needs. 

I'm the founder of the Lymph Info Trust, and our goal is improve the quality of life of all patients by raising awareness and access to information through education. 

​

140 Vigor Brown St, Napier South          06 8336162      0211 426944       [email protected]

site seal