”Our Female Lymphoedema physiotherapist can help with all aspects of living with lymphoedema, including exercise, manual therapy, guided self-care and fitting and supplying pressure garments.
Lymphoedema
What is it?
How can physiotherapy help?
Lymphoedema physiotherapy can help alleviate the symptoms of this condition in a gentle yet targeted way, using a variety of proven techniques. Your physiotherapist will make an initial assessment followed by a tailored care programme, working closely with you to reach your goals and restore quality of life.
Relieve swelling with pressure garments
Pressure garments work to relieve swelling in two ways: they help lymph fluid flow through the lymph vessels and also act as a force for muscles to work against, enabling fluid to drain out of the affected area. Your specialist physiotherapist can fit you for pressure garments, a scientifically proven and effective way to help with wound healing and swelling relief.
Treating lymphoedema with exercise
Specialised physiotherapy is an excellent way to help you take ownership of your condition. Your therapist will work with you to create a personalised exercise plan to work the muscles that help with lymph drainage. They can also help you with a regime of gentle exercise to help improve your lymphoedema and contribute to your overall wellbeing.
Manual therapy for lymphoedema
Your specialist lymphoedema physiotherapist can provide specialised therapy in the form of manual lymphatic drainage to shift fluid into functional lymph nodes, using the latest proven techniques. Your therapist can also show you some simple massage techniques that you or your carer can practise at home to keep swelling under control.
Self-care guidance to relieve lymphoedema
Taking a proactive role in managing your condition is important to restore you to your best self. Your therapist can advise you on a whole range of self-care activities including diet, exercise, skin care and massage techniques to help you feel more in control of your life and condition.
Lymphoedema is a buildup of fluid in a body part that causes discomfort, increased limb size and decreased mobility. It may be mild or very severe. Prevention and early treatment are the key.
The lymphatic system is made up of vessels and nodes that transport lymph fluid to ‘clean’ your tissues. If this system becomes overloaded or obstructed, fluid may build up in a part of the body. When this swelling becomes hard and misshapen, it is called lymphoedema. In some cases, there is accumulation of fat cells called lipoedema.
For many years, lymphoedema was considered incurable and left untreated. However, if caught early, lymphoedema is reversible and curable! Over the past five years, there have been major advances in diagnosis, treatment options and exercise regimes. Therapy aims to improve lymphatic flow using individually targeted massage, compression and other advanced techniques. Treatment dramatically improves healing of chronic wounds. It also prevents infections such as cellulitis ( infection of the skin), which cause further damage to the lymphatics.
Meet our specialist lymphoedema physiotherapist Kim Allan
Kim Allan is our specialist lymphoedema physiotherapist, an accredited physiotherapist and lymphoedema practitioner and the only one of her kind working in the Northern Beaches area.
Her 36 years of experience working as a physiotherapist means that she has a deep understanding of patients’ unique needs.
Kim’s advanced training in lymphoedema management gives her the specialist knowledge to not only help you live with all aspects of your condition, but to live life to the full.
As well as offering physical and manual therapy and lifestyle advice, Kim can fit and supply pressure garments which are an extremely effective way of managing the swelling associated with lymphoedema.
She says the exciting part about working with lymphoedema is seeing people get better and learning how to look after themselves.
Can lymphoedema physiotherapy cure my condition?
Unfortunately, lymphoedema is a long-term condition which cannot be cured. But a specialist lymphoedema physiotherapist can help you manage your condition effectively, reducing pain and swelling and freeing you to live a fulfilling life.
How can a lymphoedema physiotherapist help me?
If you suffer from lymphoedema, you will know that it can be an uncomfortable, long-term condition. A lymphoedema physiotherapist can provide you with a unique treatment plan, empowering you to manage your condition and enjoy everyday life.
MGS
Physiotherapy
Manly. Mona Vale. North Curl Curl.
We pride ourselves on our attentive service as well as the warm, friendly atmosphere that we’ve come to be known for. We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable in the clinic but also confident that you’ll be in and out on time, with the results you need.
Our approach is anchored in trust, care and open communication. We’re here to help facilitate and accelerate your unique body’s healing process – whatever that means for you and your body.
Early appointments available
We want to make it easier for you to prioritise your health. That’s why we offer flexible, early morning appointments that fit into your busy schedule.
Treating the cause, and the symptoms
Treating the symptoms will only mask the underlying cause. We leverage an evidence-based approach to help unearth the real root cause of your issue.
Cutting-edge technology
From our ZEBRIS Force Distribution Treadmills to our state of the art Pilates studio and Vi-Move movement screening tools – when it comes to the latest and greatest in treatment, we’ve got you covered. We have the latest Laser and Lymphotouch Technology available for treament of Lymphoedema
New patients might ask us…
Can I book over the phone?
Yes! You can call find the clinic phone numbers at the very top of the page on a desktop, or in the side menu on a mobile.
You will find our Receptionists very friendly and helpful. They will find a time that suits you and make sure you know where to park, how to get there and where we are.
Do I need a doctor to refer me to you first?
You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a physiotherapist however if you do have one please bring it along. We like to communicate with your doctor and any other practitioners involved in your care.
Will you remind me that I have an appointment with you?
Yes! You will have your appointment confirmed a day or so before by text, email or telephone call – whichever you prefer.
How long will my appointment be?
Appointments are scheduled a minimum of 30 minutes apart. We find that in the majority of cases that this is the most appropriate amount of time. In more complex conditions or for multiple injuries longer appointments can be arranged.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Yes please! Any investigations or scans relating to the condition will help us understand your presentation better. Even if you just have the reports from scans they will be very helpful. Likewise any notes from other Therapists or doctors would be great. If you don’t have anything then don’t worry just bring yourself.
If you have problems related to walking or sport then please bring your runners or boots in for use to look at.
If you have a WorkCover claim or were injured at work then please bring your claim number. If you do not have a claim number but intend to get one please advise our receptionist when you arrive.
I'm running late!
Our aim is that everyone receives the attention they require and while achieving this we attempt to utilise all of our available time. If you are running late please call ahead and our Receptionist will check with your physio to see if it is possible to still see you. There may not be enough time to attend to your needs effectively. If we rush you through your treatment it is at best not helpful to you and at worst unsafe. We can simply reschedule your appointment for a later time.
First time? Read our FAQs and first visit guide
We have three clinics on
Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Contact our friendly staff to get you moving at peak performance
MGS Manly
CONTACT
Phone 02 9976 2666
Fax 02 9976 2675
Email info@mgs.physio
ADDRESS
1 Whistler Street
Manly NSW 2095
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Fri, 7am – 7pm
Sat, 8am – 1pm
MGS Mona Vale
CONTACT
Phone 02 9979 6978
Fax 02 9979 2161
Email monavale@mgs.physio
ADDRESS
Shop 2, Peninsula Plaza,
20 Bungan Street
Mona Vale NSW 2103
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Fri, 7am – 7pm
Sat, 8am – 1pm
MGS North Curl Curl
CONTACT
Phone 02 9905 3500
Fax 02 9905 3501
Email northcurlcurl@mgs.physio
ADDRESS
53 Griffin Road
North Curl Curl NSW 2099
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Fri, 7am – 7pm
Sat, 8am – 12pm
Start your healing process today
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