• Lymphoedema is a swelling that develops as a result of an impaired lymphatic system. This may be as a result of the lymphatic system not developing properly or through damage or trauma (see section on types of lymphoedema). It can affect any part of the body but is most commonly seen in an arm or a leg. Although thought to be relatively uncommon, recent research suggests that 6 in every 1,000 people in the UK may be affected by this condition. In order to understand how lymphoedema occurs, it is important to have an understanding of the lymphatic system in general – what it is and how it works.
• Secondary Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling that has lasted over 3 months and causes pain and discomfort in either a limb (arm/leg) or an area of the body (chest, abdomen, pelvis, or other parts of the body). It is usually diagnosed post treatment but can occur during treatment. Lymphoedema self-care introduces and demonstrates ‘pillars of lymphoedema management’ with simple techniques you can do at home to support your lymphatic system and enables you to learn more about lymphoedema as a condition.

• Everyone can benefit from learning about the lymphatic system, this will help people recognise signs and symptoms of lymphoedema if they haven’t been diagnosed post treatment.
• It is suitable for everyone, as a healthy lymphatic system will support healing.
• Each session will build knowledge of self-care and provides the opportunity to share experiences.
• These sessions do not act as a substitute for your medical care, and you should continue to adhere to medical advice.

• Session 1 – What is Lymphoedema? In this session we look at the lymphatic system, the signs and symptoms of lymphoedema and where to look for support.
• Session 2 – Being Active There are lots of myths out there, in this session we myth bust and try different activities to see what suits you.
• Session 3 – Compression One of the most important elements of self-care is adherence to wearing prescribed compression. Understand what compression is and how it works as well as how to look after it helps with adherence.
• Session 4 – Self Care With a range of techniques as well as affordable tools to help you at home, a collaborative session in which clients are encouraged to share their hints and tips.

• You can ask lots of questions, the sessions are interactive as well as educational.
• Doing all 4 sessions will give you a good insight into managing lymphoedema. Many clients have come back time and time again as the sharing part of the sessions always provides new insights.
• There is also the opportunity of using the first session to understand the lymphatic system as a solo unit, this can be for any person post treatment.

• Lymphoedema Support Network – Patient advocates Home – Lymphoedema Support Network – LSN
• British Lymphology Society – Research and Legislation with a Therapist Directory BLS Home (thebls.com)
• Pocket Medic – Great short educational videos from the Welsh Lymphoedema Service Films for people living with lymphoedema – PocketMedic.org

• Practitioners should be recognised by the following associations
  • BLS (NHS & Private) Directories (thebls.com)
  • MLD UK Therapists – MLD UK
  • Lymphoedema Training Academy Directory of Therapists | Lymphoedema Training
• The practitioner should be appropriately qualified and covered by an appropriate insurance.
• Typical costs for sessions range between £60 and £100.

The items which scored most highly (over 85% responding ‘strongly agree’) are highlighted in green. More than 85% of clients strongly agreed that:

• They found the session helpful
• They felt safe during the session
• They trusted the advice and support they received
• They found the host supportive and attentive
• They found the session respectful of their individual circumstances