Lymphoedma & Scar Therapy

Provided by Melissa Smith, our Accredited Lymphoedema Therapist and Oncology Scar Specialist.

We can help with:

Assessment can be via a Lymphoedema Therapist, but official diagnosis can only be via a GP/Medical Specialist.
Not all oedema is Lymphoedema.
Research has shown that baseline screening prior to Cancer treatments can assist diagnosis and early intervention.
There are scans that can be used for pre-screening, to assist diagnosing Lymphoedema or as a surveillance tool - Melissa can advise on and arrange these.

The Australian Lymphology Association recommends Complex Lymphoedema Therapy - Melissa is trained to provide this. It includes a combination of Manual Therapy, Exercise, Self Management and Compression.
Early detection and intervention will significantly improve health outcomes and may even halt the progression of the condition.
When Compression is indicated, clients can obtain free compression garments from the SA Garment Scheme. Melissa is registered to prescribe and order these.

Melissa has trained with RESTORE to become an Oncology Scar therapist.
Scars impact movement, interupt lymphatic flow and can be a psychological as well as physical barrier to recovery.
Early advice on managing scars can improve scar appearance and it’s impact on function.
Early assessment for signs of sub-optimal healing, hypertrophy, kelloid scarring and infection can improve outcomes.
Assessment of old scars (and the tissues around them) can still provide opportunity for improvement.

Self Management is key - it is important to know how to care for a scar right from the start.
Choosing the right moisturisers and potentially using silicone are effective scar management strategies for ALL scars.
Gentle scar therapy can commence after the scabs have gone. Hands-on techniques are designed to reduce the inflammation and address loss of hydration.
It is important not to over-stimulate scar tissue, so avoid therapies that are aggressive or painful. Scars respond well to a “light touch” approach by a therapist with appropriate training.