Manual Lymph Drainage(MLD) Links

These links relate to Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and lymphoedema. They contain sites for information and and compression and are “work in progress”. If you find anything useful, please let me know, either by phoning 0115 648 9636, or using the contact form.

You can reach Touching Well by mobile on 0794 227 6538, or via our landline 0115 648 9636, or the contact form.

Sessions are available Monday to Thursday daytime.

I hope to see you soon. With warm regards, Regina

Information about lymphoedema

The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) has lots of information on their website.

The Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network (LWCN) website is a goldmine for information about lymphoedema, from exercises to SLD (simple lymphatic drainage). In the last few years I have been to my required Lymphoedema refresher training with them.

In 2011 Matt Hazledine experienced a severe episode of cellulitis in his left leg, which subsequently caused lymphoedema, a chronic life-long disease, currently with no cure. When he was first diagnosed with lymphoedema, he experienced the the first few months as extremely daunting and isolating, a bit like wading through treacle in thick fog. He founded Lymphoedema United to provide the information and support he would have liked to had when he was first diagnosed.

The British Medical Association has a learning module on chronic oedema and lymphoedema designed for GPs in conjunction with the LSN.

If you need to educate your healthcare professional about lymphoedema, you can direct them to 5 things every GP should know about lymphoedema page.

I have visited the Földi Clinic several times to obserseve lymphoedema treatment. The clinic specializes in Lymphology and may well be a treatment option for people who need intensive treatment over several weeks. In individual cases funding can be obtained through the NHS.

Exercise

Usually exercise is recommended with lymphoedema, you may have been given special lymophoedema exercises. Water based activities are specially effective as the water adds natural compression. Another good option is Nordic Walking. Julie Burniston is offering a regular walking group and individual tuition for Nordic Walking.

Compression

There are many companies that provide compression, quite a lot of it on prescription. You can find a list of them on the Lymphoedema United website.

Haddenham Health Care specializes in lymphoedema support with a wide range of products; they have an amazing product called the Comfiwave, origanally disigned as a garment for night wear. They have arm, leg and chest compression garments and could be the solution you can't find any compression that works for you.

Lipoedema

Lipoedema UK is a not-for-profit association dedicated to raising awareness of Lipoedema. Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in your legs and sometimes arms. It can be painful and affect daily life. It affects (almost exclusively) women from puberty and beyond.