Compression therapy is the main method used in treating lymphoedema and chronic oedema. When combined with exercise, the authors found that patients in their practice had improved outcomes; making it vital for health professionals to keep up-to-date with this practice Compression therapy is the main method used in the treatment and management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. The increasing prevalence of the condition, which has multiple causes, such as genetic factors, age and external factors, require the effective management of the condition, and to enhance the management methods used to contain the condition. The use of exercise alongside the mainstay method of treatment (compression therapy) has been an underutilised area. The application of a structured exercise programme in conjunction with multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging combined with an adjustable velcro wrap-based systems led to a decrease in limb volume in one case study. The results of the programme indicate that the approach is beneficial and requires embedding further in Walsall lymphoedema service, due to improved patient outcomes, and cost effectiveness in terms of resources.

Compression therapy is the main method used within the treatment and management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. The increasing prevalence of the condition, which has multiple causes, such as genetic factors, age and external factors, require the effective management of the condition, and to enhance the management methods used to contain the condition. The use of exercise alongside the mainstay method of treatment (compression therapy) has been an underutilised area. The application of a structured exercise programme in conjunction with multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging combined with an adjustable velcro wrap based systems led to a decrease in limb volume in one case study. The results of the programme indicate that the approach is beneficial and requires embedding further within Walsall lymphoedema service, due to improved patient outcomes, and cost effectiveness in terms of resources.

Louise Rooney has worked in the NHS for 34 years in various roles, but her passion is the treatment of lymphoedema and how best to support patients with this underestimated and debilitating chronic condition. She has been working as a lymphoedema clinical nurse specialist since 2009; in 2019, she became the lymphoedema clinical lead at the Walsall Palliative Care Centre, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. In this article, Rooney elaborates on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lymphoedema service, her own practice and that of her colleagues.