Lymphatic Drainage Massage Research Articles

LYMPH DRAINAGE MASSAGE AS ONE OF THE MEASURES FOR CORRECTION OF LYMPH FLOW DISORDERS AFTER MASTECTOMY IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

Objective: Current physical rehabilitation programs for women after mastectomy related to breast cancer. Methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodical literature data on complications after mastectomy in the form of formation lymphedema and physical rehabilitation. Such means and procedures include self-massage, manual lymphatic drainage massage, physical therapy, compression bandaging, wearing elastic compression underwear, Kinesio Tex taping, pneumatic compression, ultrasound and electrostatic therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy and others. Results: existing physical rehabilitation programs include the use of therapeutic gymnastics, manual lymphatic drainage, physical therapy, and therapeutic massage aimed at preventing postoperative complications and countering pathological changes in the lymphatic system in the postoperative period. Conclusions: the analysis of scientific sources proved that after mastectomy, the main method of prevention and treatment of such a complication as lymphedema is the use of complex anti-congestion therapy based on manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, lymphatic drainage exercises and skin care.

An Integrative Approach to the Development of the "Mental Retreat" Wellness Program to Prevent Early Aging

In today's society, where everyday challenges and pressures can significantly impact one's psych-emotional state, it is crucial to develop effective stress reduction strategies and maintain mental well-being. Prolonged stress, as recognized in global practice, can trigger the development of various ailments, such as cardiovascular pathologies, endocrine disorders, and psychosomatic deviations, and can also predispose individuals to autoimmune and oncological conditions. Furthermore, the influence of stressful situations over one's lifetime is a well-acknowledged risk factor that heightens the likelihood of early-onset age-associated illnesses and premature death. The primary objective of this study is to analyze and assess the effectiveness of health-promoting procedures in reducing stress levels and to develop a comprehensive wellness Program called "Mental Retreat." The application of this Program aims to mitigate the risk of various chronic diseases and preempt changes at the gene expression level to decelerate intracellular aging, enhance the body's antioxidant system, and stimulate the immune system. This work lays the groundwork for understanding the effects of procedures with substantial empirical support, highlighting synergistic influences in their combination, such as meditative practices, respiratory exercises, aromatherapy, outdoor physical activities, thermal and contrast procedures with elements of aroma and halotherapy, as well as lymphatic drainage massage effects, among others. The developed wellness Program is intended to be evaluated through dynamic observation and monitoring of integrative organism indicators: based on results from bioimpedance analysis (body composition), assessment of stress levels, and biological age accounting for the imbalance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems and heart rate variability. Based on a global analysis of existing research, it has been found that the use of a variety of wellness methods has proven to improve concentration and overall psycho-emotional well-being, have a positive effect on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, promote relaxation and improve sleep, strengthen the immune system and metabolism, increase stress tolerance, and can also have a positive effect on skin health. It's worth underscoring that the successful implementation of such a wellness Program could have immense implications for public healthcare by preventing the onset of numerous chronic diseases and contributing to an overall enhancement of quality of life.

Comparison of manual lymphatic drainage massage and negative pressure massage therapy efficacy in lymphedema patients: a randomized controlled study

Objectives: Lower extremity lymphedema due to secondary causes is a lifelong complication that can be encountered. Its treatment is essential, because it has significant impact on quality of life and daily living activities related to lower extremity involvement. This research aims to compare the effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) and Negative Pressure Massage Therapy (NPMT) treatments in order to provide maximum benefit to patients. Methods: This prospective, randomized study included 30 patients with lower extremity lymphedema due to secondary causes. Patients, randomized using computer software, were divided into two groups. The first group (n =15) received 45 minutes, 15 sessions of MLD, while the second group (n =15) received 45 minutes of 15 sessions of NPMT using the LymphaTouch device. Compression bandaging was applied to both groups and self-drainage training was given to all patients. The circumference of the extremity at 6 reference points were measured and their pain and discomfort assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were recorded before and after treatment. Changes within the groups and between the groups were compared using the SPSS statistical program. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in all parameters in both treatment groups. The decrease in VAS pain and VAS discomfort scores (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01; respectively), circumference measurement of the extremity (p < 0.01) was statistically greater in the NPMT group compared to the MLD group. Conclusions: In conclusion, NPMT appears to be a beneficial non-invasive treatment method for reducing extremity volumes and decreasing subjective pain and discomfort in lymphedema patients.

Vakuumo procedūrų poveikis brandžiai veido odai

This article analyzes the problem of mature facial skin and the importance of the lymphatic system for the condition of mature facial skin. The effect of a course of vacuum facial lymphatic drainage massage procedures on the changes in two women's mature facial skin indicators such as moisture, elasticity level, wrinkle depth, pigmentation level, pore size and skin sensitivity was evaluated. After the course of procedures for both subjects, the highest positive changes was found in the assessment of moisture and elasticity indicators - they rose by more than 70 percent. The skin looked visually younger, wrinkles were reduced, especially the network of mimic wrinkles. However, the size of the pores remained unchanged, the pigment spots lightened minimally. Keywords: vacuum procedures, lymphatic drainage, lymph, mature skin.

Ergonomic risk assessment during massage among physiotherapists: Introduction of generic postures notion.

Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among physiotherapists. They perform many repetitive tasks in awkward postures that require a high muscle load. This issue was often addressed through subjective analysis (questionnaire) but rarely using postural evaluation combined with an ergonomic assessment. The aim of this article was to decompose draining lymphatic massage performed by physiotherapists in generic postures (GP) to quickly assess the musculoskeletal disorder risk. Based on numeric video recorded in frontal and sagittal planes, 3360 postures were defined from 20-minutes lymphatic drainage massage performed by 7 physiotherapists over a period of 6 months. A hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to define the GP. Seven GP were identified, which were described by their average joint angles, variability and relative frequency. GP6, GP4 and GP2 had the highest frequencies (17.6%, 16.9% and 16.8% respectively). Trunk and neck were essentially flexed (neck: 17.0±10.0° for GP1; trunk: 20.4±8.7° for GP4). Shoulder flexion and abduction ranged from 15° (GP7) to 60° (GP4). Mean and variability of RULA score completed the analysis. The highest scores were computed for GP2 and GP3 (respectively 5.5±1.3 and 5.8±1.2, p < 0.05). GP4 had the lowest (4.0±1.1, p < 0.05). The results suggest that massages have to be monitored. Attention should be paid to the postures used to prevent the occurrence of MSDs. The massages could be described as a combination of generic posture for a rapid ergonomic assessment.

Body weight correction of adolescent girls by health fitness tools

The health condition of teenagers tends to deteriorate. In Ukraine, 30-40% of the population suffers from obesity, of which 15-17% are children and adolescents. In order to solve the mentioned problems, innovative modern fitness programs should be implemented, which would meet the needs of teenagers, contribute to increasing the level of their motor activity, improve general well-being, and save time. EMS training is one of these. In pediatrics, electrical stimulation is used for obesity. The modern vision of the use of electromyostimulation is a type of rehabilitation fitness, "fitness of the future".&#x0D; The purpose of the study was to correct the body weight of adolescent girls under the influence of EMS training. The study was conducted in the fitness club "JUSTFIT" with girls 15-16 years old (n=15) twice a week for 30 minutes. The pedagogical experiment has been lasted for 6 months. During the training, a special wireless EMS suit was used with pads on the hips and chest to which the electrodes were connected. Low-frequency electrical impulses were applied to them, which caused muscle contraction during exercise. EMS training included a warm-up (on the orbiterk), the main part (circular training in a moderate mode: cardio and strength training) and the hang up (relaxation - lymphatic drainage massage). The trainer individually selected the load, strength of impulses and formed the training process. EMS training gives quick results, thanks to the simultaneous training of all muscle groups during physical exercises.&#x0D; A statistically significant difference was established between the average values of all anthropometric indicators of girls 15-16 years old at the beginning and at the end of the pedagogical experiment (р&lt;0.05). Therefore, EMS training is considered a popular and effective fitness program.

Kanpumasatsu: A superficial self-massage with a dry towel to enhance relaxation and immune functions

Prior to 2020, healthcare professionals in the United States already had high rate of burnout. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need for public health measures to effectively mitigate its negative health impacts. Despite these measures including vaccination, masking, handwashing, and physical distancing, people continue to be affected by post-COVID conditions (PCC) or newly acquired infections. Promoting one's well-being and self-care, especially the methods that promote one's relaxation and immune functions will serve as valuable tools among all healthcare practitioners and educators. For example, Kanpumasatsu, a skin rubdown using a dry towel, is simple to instruct, safe, and a cost-containing self-care approach that has the potential to promote relaxation and improve one's immune functions. At the present moment, the evidence is limited and the mechanism of how kanpumasatsu improves immune functions has not been clearly documented. However, this author postulates this superficial massage causes the skin to stretch and enhances the lymphatic flow beneath the skin in a mechanism similar to that of lymphatic drainage massage. While the limited evidence of the health benefits of kanpumasatsu is available today, there is a potential for creating and enhancing instructional resources, conducting research and practice through awareness of kanpumasatsu among interprofessional educators and practitioners as a pilot self-care program to prevent burnout.

Electro stimulation of the nerves and muscles of the body, veins and lymphatics

Veins and lymphatics are a side-by-side dual drainage system responsible for the wellbeing of the body systems, their cells and tissues. There are a range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors which affect their vaso-motoricity and we often deal with the significant health impacts of the failure of this dual drainage system though poor knowledge of how we might better influence them. In this paper we cover the range of strategies we can use to stimulate the nerves and muscles of these systems as well as the skeletal musculature using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to gain improved outcomes for those with lymphoedemas when used alone or in addition to lymphatic drainage massage, compression, skin care, exercise, and general activity. I hope the information in this paper stimulates more evidence gathering and further trials considering these infrequent forms of treatment to stimulate our side by side dual drainage systems the veins and lymphatics for better management of lymph and other oedemas.

REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY

Background. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are under a high risk of post-operative reductions in respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function as well as lowered functional capacity. In-hospital physical inactivity and inappropriate rehabilitation increases the chances for development of these complications and affects patients’ future independence in daily routine. Cardiac rehabilitation is crucial in preventing complications and assisting the early function recovery. However, despite the evidences for its benefits and strong guideline recommendations, the uptake of cardiac rehabilitation remains poor. Objective. this study is aimed at promotion of cardiac rehabilitation and sharing successful experience of using it. Methods. Post-surgical treatment and rehabilitation of 387 patients with cardiovascular pathology in the Department of Vascular and Cardiac Surgery of Municipal Non-Commercial Enterprise “Ternopil Regional Clinical Hospital” of Ternopil Regional Council has been analysed. Results. The experience of successful post-surgical treatment and rehabilitation allowed establishing the basic approaches to perioperative management of patients with cardiovascular surgical pathology. Key principles include minimized ICU stay and artificial ventilation time, early verticalization and beginning of physical activities, early removed drainage tubes, tracheobronchial tree drainage, nutritional balance, lymphatic drainage massage, application of elastic jersey on the lower extremities, early transferring to the surgery ward and returning to the regular daily activities, circumstantial health education, complex work of a multidisciplinary team. Conclusions. This set of rehabilitation measures helps prevent complications after cardiac surgery as well as provide a faster patient’s daily routine.

Lympedema Therapies

Secondary lymphedema refers to a condition in which the affected extremity develops progressive hypertrophy due to lymphatic fluid retention. Worldwide, secondary lymphedema is most often associated with parasitic infection; within the United States, secondary lymphedema is most often caused by surgical disruption of the lymphatic drainage basins due to cancer surgery and/or radiation. For patients with lymphedema secondary to parasitic infection, treatment of the offending infectious organism (Wuchereria bancroftii) is critical. For patients with surgical disruption of the lymphatic drainage basin(s), patients are first managed non-operatively with compression and manual lymphatic drainage massage. Over the past decade, surgical techniques have been developed and implemented to improve lymphatic drainage for patients with post-surgical secondary lymphedema. These procedures, including lymphovenous bypass or vascularized lymph node transfer, are aimed at reconstituting lymphatic drainage and reducing lymphatic retention to alleviate early lymphedema. An appreciation of the underlying physiology responsible for secondary lymphedema, and diagnosis and management is required to provide timely and appropriate care for these patients. This review contains 2 tables, 4 figures, and 32 references Keywords: lymphedema, lymphedema treatment, secondary lymphedema, complete decongestive therapy, lymphovenous bypass, vascularized lymph node transplantation, debulking surgery, ICG lymphangiography, lymphedema staging

Possibilities of general manual lymphatic drainage correction as a part of complex therapy of myofascial pain syndrome in athletes

The article describes the general principles of manual lymphatic drainage correction. The authors evaluated the effectiveness of its application in the complex therapy of recreational rehabilitation of athletes with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of general manual lymphatic drainage correction in the treatment of athletes with MPS.Materials and Methods:a total of 30 rugby players were examined. All athletes from the main group received physiotherapy, general lymphatic drainage massage. Patients from the control group underwent the same procedures and general massage without lymphatic drainage correction. The course of therapy included 6 procedures.Results: tensoalgometric parameter values in athletes from the main group increased by more than 5 times after lymphatic drainage correction. In sportsmen from the control group, these parameter values decreased.Conclusion: the application of manual lymphatic drainage contributes to the active restoration of myotatic reflex of physical muscles and regress of pain syndrome in athletes.

Kinesitheraphy in trimalleolar fracture – case report

The purpose of the paper is to prove the efficacy of a kinesitherapeutic program intherecovery of a patient with trimalleolar fractureofthe left lower limb.We present a 42-year-old patient with a trimalleolar fracture and paresis of n. peroneus communis. Kinesitherapy was performed after thirteen weeks of surgery for ten consecutive days. The kinesitherapeuticmeans included: cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage, isometric contractions for the femur muscles, active exercises with and without resistance, active exercises with and on gymnastic apparatuses, post-isometric relaxation for the sciatic musculature and m. triceps surai, training in walking.As a result of the kinesitherapeutic exercises, the ankle swelling decreased.The volume of movement increased, pain was reduced as well as the muscle spasm in the ankle joint. The gait improved.

Mathematical Model of the Upper Limb Manual Lymph Drainage Massage

This paper reports the formulation of a mathematical model that describes the manual lymph drainage massage typically employed in the treatment of upper limb lymphedema. The ability to model such massage is a key feature for the development of automated physical therapy systems that aim at mimicking and assisting the therapist. This type of mathematical model can be hardcoded into a control system responsible to control a soft exoskeleton such as an upper limb sleeve. There is currently no similar model in the literature, nor is there information available about the actual forces exerted by the occupational therapists or the massage profile. Thus, this paper provides a deeper insight into the massage process, using the upper limb lymphedema as a case study. The first step of the design process was to identify the pressure amplitudes and profiles made by the occupational therapists during the manual lymph drainage. A commercial sensorized pressure glove was used to quantitatively analyze the massage. More than 50 occupational therapists wear the sensorized pressure glove when performing an upper limb drain massage and hours of pressure profiles were recorded. The loads and time spent at each compression were characterized, and the compression spots at the upper limb were identified. With the identification of the pressure sites, the respective load and the massage speed, we propose a model capable of mathematically describing the massage profile.

Change of immune status parameters, clinical symptoms and health related quality of life patients with postmastectomy syndrome depending on the used rehabilitation complexes

To assess the effectiveness of the use of some physiotherapy methods in the rehabilitation of patients with PMES according to clinical parameters, markers of endothelial dysfunction, and the results of a questionnaire. 185 patients suffering from PMES were examined. They were divided into 4 groups: in the 1st group (control, 61 patients) basic treatment was used (physiotherapy exercises, photomatrix therapy, manual lymphatic drainage massage of the affected upper limb, pneumatic compression); in the 2nd group (43 patients) - basic treatment + sinusoidal modulated currents to the area of the muscles of the thoracic girdle; in group 3 (42 patients) - basic treatment + electrostatic therapy of the upper limb on the side of the operation; in the 4th group (39 patients) - basic treatment + SMC therapy + electrostatic therapy. Before and after the rehabilitation course, clinical symptoms, blood counts for interleukins (IL) 6, 8, 10, homocysteine were assessed, testing was carried out according to the SF-36 (Short Form Medical Outcomes Study) questionnaire, WAM (Well-being, activity, mood) questionnaire, Hamilton depression scale. There was a tendency to a decrease in the quantitative parameters of the immune status: the mediators of the acute phase of inflammation - pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-6, IL-8), homocysteine and anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL-10). A statistically significant decrease of length of circumference of the affected upper limb was recorded in patients of groups 3 and 4, which electrostatic therapy was used in the rehabilitation program. Lymphatic edema of the upper limb was decreased statistically significant by 33.25% in the 3rd group, by 35.45% in the 4th group. According to the data of the Mirage multicenter study, parameters of the physical and mental components of health of the SF-36 questionnaire after a course of rehabilitation therapy ware significantly approached to the average population parameter in all groups. There was an objective improvement in the general well-being of the patients, an increase in activity and mood according to the data of the WAN questionnaire and psychological state according the Hamilton scale. Inclusion of electrostatic therapy procedures, sinusoidal modulated currents in the rehabilitation program, significantly enhances the therapeutic effect, promote to reduce the edema of the upper limb, increase the range of motion of the shoulder joint, which has a positive effect on the quality of life andemotional state of patients. The level of IL-6, IL-8 tends to decrease, which indicates the absence of tumor growth and systemic inflammatory reactions. Decrease of the level of IL-10 and homocysteine confirms the safety of the use of physical factors in the treatment of PMES.

Trial on the efficiency of the recovery treatment for patients with distal radius fractures

The hand is considered to be one of the most important structures of the human body, with the help of which we can do different kinds of activities. A lesion of the hand can destabilise the patient from a physical point of view but also from a psycho-social one. The distal radius fractures are the cause of morbidity for patients and determine the decrease of the workforce, despite the restoration of the bone alignment and even if the fracture is cured from an anatomical point of view. The hand traumatisms, especially the fractures, may have as causes osteoporosis, age, medication by corticoids, repeated traumatisms and physical deficiences. The objective of this trial is the evaluation of parameters (the movement amplitude, the muscular force, the prehension, the functional coefficient, the quality of life) which enable the clinical - functional recovery of patients who had hand traumatisms and their social- professional reinsertion. The study was conducted for a period of 6 months in the ambulatory and included 20 patients diagnosed with post-fracture sequelae at the distal radius level. The evaluation of the patients was made at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, as well as at the examination 6 weeks after the end of the treatment. For this purpose, electrotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage and the kinesiotherapy program were applied. After making the joint balance sheet, it is found the favorable evolution in the recovery on all the mobilisation directions, but also the functional coefficient, in all the evaluation moments: initial, final and control. By applying the evaluation methods and scales to the 3 moments of assessing the patients, the efficiency of the complex recovery program can be seen. Key words: clinical - functional recovery, hand traumatisms, the distal radius fractures,

Post-therapeutic lymphedema in breast cancer

Introductions. Lymphedema is an interstitial accumulation of protein-rich lymph fluid, due to the post-therapeutic alteration of lymphatic circulation in the upper limb. The appearance of lymphedema is favoured by a number of risk factors. All of these factors ultimately lead to a process of tissue fibrosis. Materials and methods. This study was carried out in an outpatient regimen, for a period of 12 months, in the kinetotherapy room, using massage elements for lymphatic drainage and kinetotherapy technique. The study group included 15 patients aged 27-65 years.Results and discutions. Patients evaluated the quality of life after surgery based on the physical and mental symptoms, which is why anxiety, pain reduction through massage and kinetotherapy give patients self-confidence as well as confidence in the recovery process. Conclusions. This complex programme that includes lymphatic drainage massage methods and kinetotherapy techniques should be applied individually, progressively, under the control of the kinetotherapist. Key words: lymphedema, kinetotherapy technique, lymphatic drainage massage,

The ALERT model of care for the assessment and personalized management of patients with lymphoedema.

This study documents the development and evaluation of a comprehensive multidisciplinary model for the assessment and personalized care of patients with lymphoedema. The Australian Lymphoedema Education Research and Treatment (ALERT) programme originated as an advanced clinic for patients considering surgery for lymphoedema. The programme commenced liposuction surgery in May 2012 and then introduced lymph node transfer in 2013 and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) in 2016. An outpatient conservative treatment clinic was established in 2016. ALERT commenced investigations with indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography in late 2015, leading to the creation of a diagnostic assessment clinic offering ICG in 2017. Since 2012, 1200 new patients have been referred to ALERT for assessment of lymphoedema for a total of 5043 episodes of care. The introduction of ICG lymphography in 2015 initially allowed better screening for LVA, but is now used not only to guide surgical options, but also as a diagnostic tool and to guide manual lymphatic drainage massage. The total number of new patients who attended the surgical assessment clinic to December 2018 was 477, with 162 patients (34·0 per cent) undergoing surgery. The ALERT programme has developed a multidisciplinary model of care for personalized lymphoedema treatment options based on clinical, imaging and ICG lymphography. Patients are selected for surgery based on several individual factors.

Efficacy of an antigravity treadmill on functional outcome in non-operatively treated pelvic fractures: a prospective pilot study

Background/Aims Treating pelvic fractures non-operatively is possible. The immobilisation stage of recovery requires different adjustment processes compared to those used in operative treatment. The aim of the present study was to prove the additional benefit an antigravity treadmill can have on patients with non-operatively treated pelvic fractures. Methods A prospective pilot study, including patients with non-operatively treated pelvic fractures as the intervention group and healthy volunteers as a control group, was undertaken. Patients of the intervention group participated in a training session with an antigravity treadmill every 3 days for a total of 40 days, in addition to physiotherapy, lymph drainage massage and manual therapy. Patients were evaluated using a dynamic gait index, and a numeric rating scale on three successive dates, to assess their pain. A standardised gait analysis was also carried out. Results The intervention group comprised 9 patients, while 33 patients made up the control group. All patients completed the protocols and experienced a significant decrease in pain and increase of mobility. Gait analysis showed that by the 40-day follow-up, patients in the intervention group had regained almost normal gait patterns when compared to the control group. At each time point, a significant improvement in patients' gait patterns could be seen. Conclusions The results concurred with previous studies, suggesting that the antigravity treadmill is safe and that recovery to almost normal gait patterns is possible, while the comparison to a healthy group strengthened the data. The present prospective study thus showed promising results regarding the efficacy of the antigravity treadmill, despite study limitations.

A new indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography protocol for identification of the lymphatic drainage pathway for patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema

BackgroundBreast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Recently indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography has become a popular method for imaging the lymphatics, however there are no standard protocols nor imaging criteria. We have developed a prospective protocol to aid in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCRL.MethodsLymphatic imaging procedures were conducted in three phases. Following initial observation of spontaneous movement of ICG in phase one, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage was applied to facilitate ICG transit via the lymphatics in phase two. All imaging data was collected in phase three. Continuous lymphatic imaging of the upper limb was conducted for approximately an hour and lymphatic drainage pathways were determined. Correlations between the drainage pathway and MD Anderson Cancer Centre (MDACC) ICG lymphoedema stage were investigated.ResultsOne hundred and three upper limbs with BCRL were assessed with this new protocol. Despite most of the patients having undergone axillary node dissection, the ipsilateral axilla drainage pathway was the most common (67% of upper limbs). We found drainage to the ipsilateral axilla decreased as MDACC stage increased. Our results suggest that the axillary pathway remained patent for over two-thirds of patients, rather than completely obstructed as conventionally thought to be the case for BCRL.ConclusionsWe developed a new ICG lymphography protocol for diagnosing BCRL focusing on identification of an individual patient’s lymphatic drainage pathway after lymph node surgery. The new ICG lymphography protocol will allow a personalised approach to manual lymphatic drainage massage and potentially surgery.

Use of Haddenham Venex armsleeve for lymphoedema management in clinical practice.

Lymphoedema of the upper limb can be an unwelcome side effect of treatment for breast cancer, some skin cancers, as well as having non-cancer-related causes. Treatment focuses on patient self-management, and involves skin care, exercise, lymphatic drainage massage and compression. Lymphoedema is a chronic, life-long condition, and the correct choice of garment will influence treatment outcomes, enhancing concordance and improving quality of life. This article examines how, following recent improvements to the comfort and overall fit of the Haddenham Venex lymphoedema sleeve, patient feedback informed the implementation of further modifications, and how gaining feedback from patients has empowered them to manage and monitor their own condition. By taking ownership for their own care, long-term control of the condition is improved and self-management is enhanced.