Compression therapy and exercise: enhancing outcomes

Abstract

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.

Using thermal imaging to measure changes in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology

“…Opinion suggests that a multi-disciplinary approach is the most effective means of treatment of BCRL (Rooney, Cooper-Stanton and Cave-Senior, 2018;Rodríguez Manso et al, 2018). Reflexology lymphatic drainage appears to be a non invasive, and cost effective tool to be added to the toolbox.…”

“…It is a condition which significantly alters functionality, body image and quality of life (Whatley, Street and Kay, 2018;Thomas and Job, 2018;Taghian et al, 2014) Treatment strategies remain controversial, although there is broad agreement that a multi-disciplinary approach achieves the best results for the patient. (Rooney, Cooper-Stanton and Cave-Senior, 2018;Rodríguez Manso et al, 2018;Lymphoedema Framework, 2006) Current treatment modalities for BCRL include the wearing of compression garments, gentle exercise and the use of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). MLD is a process of gentle massage which encourages retained fluid to move into unaffected tissue.…”