Lymphoedema management has changed dramatically over the past decade, as health care professionals have trained in European techniques known as complete decongestive therapy or complex decongestive therapy.
The treatment occurs in two phases which includes manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, compressive bandaging and remedial exercises. When the limb is congested or reduced in volume the patient is then fitted with their compression garment to maintain the reduction.

The main aims of lymphoedema management are controlling limb swelling and minimizing complications. It is therefore important that practitioners explore practical and body image issues with individuals who are fitted with compression garments since they have the potential to considerably influence outcome by enhancing concordance and maximizing quality of life.

Current research for Lymphoedema is to advance research of the lymphatic system and to find the cause of and cure for lymphatic diseases, lymphoedema, and related disorders. The lymphatic system is vital to the health of every individual. Scientific investigation of the lymphatic system will provide preventive and therapeutic benefits for a broad array of diseases. As an integral part of the immune system it is both critical to the body's surveillance against cancer, and it can provide pathways for cancer to metastasize.

At jobskin we support evidence based practice, if you would like to conduct a study, poster or research project Jobskin would like to hear from you.

Please contact our lymphoedema specialist Marianne.dunne@jobskin.ie