KLF funds bursaries at The Royal Marsden School to train NHS practitioners in the management and treatment of lymphoedema, thus increasing the availability of therapists which is still limited.
Medical Links
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
Lymphoedema Support Network:
www.lymphoedema.org/lsn
The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) takes the lead role in educating and supporting other patients with this condition by providing a high standard of information and promoting self-help. Since its inception in 1991, when there was very little information or help available for patients, the LSN has evolved into an independent and influential charity. It is the only national patient-led organisation offering information and support to people with this condition and has a unique understanding of the patients’ experience.
Patient focused sites:
www.lymphoedema.org.au (Based in Australia)
www.lymphnet.org (Based in America)
For Manual Lymph Drainage information in the UK: www.mlduk.org.uk
The purpose of this website is to promote public awareness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) from the point of view of both the patient and potential practitioners. Within the site you will find information on MLDUK as an organisation and what it strives to achieve; what techniques are used by Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioners; a national and international register of MLDUK – accredited therapists as well as details of courses for those of you who might be interested in becoming therapists. On the Links page, you will find brief information of, and links to, organisations which provide support to lymphoedema sufferers and/or treatment.
For more general cancer information:
Perometer
Perometers are highly sensitive optical extremity and body scanners. The core piece is a scanner unit in a robust measuring frame. Depending on the application, the scanner is moved manually over the body, over one of the extremities or over a measurement object when taking data. All perometer models are mechanically easy to handle. The measuring process is extremely fast and takes only a few seconds. The operating and control software is adapted to the respective measuring target and optimised for high usability. The Lympoedema team have tested these and are happy with the usability as well as the accuracy – the piece of equipment will be useful in diagnosing and monitoring treatment for patients.
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump
This piece of equipment is a treatment which uses an inflatable sleeve and electronic pump to reduce swelling, improve fluid movement and help manage chronic tissue congestion. It works alongside methods like massage and compresion garments.
How it works
Inflatable sleeves - multi-chamber garment wraps aroound the swollen leg or arm.
Sequential filling - the pump fills the chambers with air, moving in a wave pattern from the bottom of the limb upward to push fluid toward active lymph areas.
Inflation cycles - the device repeatedly inflates and deflates on a timed cycle to mimic natural muscle pumping and clear fluid build-up.
Benifits and uses
Volume reduction - helps decrease the size of a swollen limb and softens firm tissue.
At-home care - can be used safely at home as part of a daily routine prescribed by a specialist.
Complementary therapy - works best when combined with skin care, exercise and standard compression wear.
LymphScanner
The LymphScanner is an all in one measurement unit that is composed of an integrated probe, a built in contact pressure sensor and display screen.
Lymphoedema is one of the most misunderstood and neglected conditions in healthcare today. It affects millions of people worldwide and yet patients often struggle to even obtain a diagnosis.
Let's Talk Lymphoedema (published in 2017)
is a friendly, informative guide that offers support to sufferers and their families and helps them to deal with its effects. It's time to start talking about this widespread but little-known disease.
Professor Mortimer is the major lymphedema specialist in this country. He is the founder of both Lymphedema Support Network and The British Lymphology Society. He was appointed as the first Clinical Training Fellow in Lymphovascular medicine in the UK.
Comfiwave
Comfiwave is a patented compression garment designed to compliment the treatment a patient receives during waking or sleeping hours. Click on the link below to find out more.
General information
CWLF-006a-NPv4-comfiwave-brochure-comp