Discover the non-negotiable role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in the lymphedema maintenance phase. This article explores the consequences of neglecting MLD, focusing on the decline in health-related quality of life and the limitations of compression-only care, advocating for MLD as a vital, active component of long-term management.

The smell of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has long been synonymous with calm its essential oil diffused in clinics and homes alike for relaxation and sleep. But research shows this familiar smell conceals a potent pharmacological profile. Inflammation is the quiet architect of lymphatic dysfunction and Lavender’s essential oil contains a complex chemistry that directly targets inflammatory molecules involved in the development and persistence of lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a daily challenge, even for those with access to the best specialty care. For most, poverty, ignorance and stigma with amply

Explore how Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) promotes wound healing through lymphangiogenesis, improves tissue repair, and reduces chronic wound

As many of us resolve to lose weight this year, it’s vital to consider how success is measured to avoid unrealistic goals and setbacks.

The populatory of elastic taping among athletes and health professionals is visible across our sporting screens, and the use of elastic tape

There's nothing quite so satisfying as reading a well written paper which summarises everything interesting that we know about the lymph system. Wix stock image In this regard, the recent paper by Weber et al ( 1 ) is a good read for anyone fascinated by lymphatics, regardless of academic ability. Personally I can't help but make connections with the descriptions given, and what I know about lymphatic physiology and the effects of MLD. It's also very affirming when new unders

An easy - and free - way for therapists to assess clinical progress is to use an analogue scale. Image by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash This can be a numeric scale such as the one developed in 1932 by Rensis Likert ( 1 ) to measure attitudes. Typically a 5- or 7-point ordinal scale, respondents rate the degree to which they agree or disagree with a statement. It is essentially a rating scale, usually presented as a score between 1 - 5 or 1 - 10, where the person selects

There has been a lot of discussion lately around systematic reviews and RCTs on the effectiveness of MLD in our treatment mix. Measuring tre

Between COVID, climate change and the exponential growth of our connected world, it is obvious to me that we must now behave as as global co

Randomised controlled trials are not suited to assessing the effectiveness of treatments for lymphoedema and other choric diseases.

... not surprising when you consider the strong links between lymphatic disease and fat disorders, they are reciprocal risk factors for each

Releasing a frozen shoulder makes it much easier to apply effective CDT in arm lymphoedema, and reducing piriformis pain will certainly help

Systematic reviews are an academic exercise to ‘systemically review’ the existing literature on a particular research question. They are ...

Across two decades of teaching therapists how to interact with lymphatics through MLD and Lymph Taping, I have witnessed an explosion in research on lymphatic function and disease. Some observed truths have been completely reversed, like the advice around exercise for people affected by lymphedema. Once it was shown that any post-exercise swelling is temporary, and that overall people who exercise have better lymphedema outcomes than those who don't, our advice did a big 180

The study looked at how the lymphatic endothelia cells behave when there is tissue hypoxia, so there are three interesting things here. How

Thompson et al, found evidence for MLD to prevent onset in early breast cancer patients and to reduce arm volume in early stage lymphoedema

The study I am involved with through #CNTD on enhanced #self_care for people affected by moderate to severe #LymphaticFilariasis and #Podoconiosis related #lymphoedema has started in Ethiopia. We recruited our participants in November and then did a four-week follow-up in early December. The study methods are the same as in Bangladesh (see the post Lymphoedema in Rural Bangladesh), but the two countries and the patients are worlds apart. Information sessions for potential par

My main role at the Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases #CNTD - so far - has been to design and implement a study to see if we can improve on self-management for people affected by moderate to severe #LymphaticFilariasis and #Podoconiosis related #lymphoedema . And after almost a year of planning we started data-collection in Nilphamari District in north west Bangladesh at the beginning of October. Learning self-care exercises. Anyone can make a difference to their lymp

I had an email recently from a therapist who described her client as having deep #pitting_oedema and heavy #fibrosis. Technically this is not possible. If the tissue is truly fibrotic then it really doesn't pit much any more. But in many ways they look and feel the same. So what is the difference and how can you tell which is which? The #loose_connective_tissue is a complex and fascinating part of our bodies. Since every cell in your body relies on it for nutrient supply and