Lymphoedema Management: Physiotherapy, Exercise and Self-Care

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that can cause persistent swelling when the lymphatic system is unable to move fluid effectively through the body.

It can affect different areas, including the arms, legs, trunk, face, or neck. For some people, lymphoedema develops after cancer treatment or surgery. It can also occur because of a problem with the lymphatic system that is present from birth or develops later in life.

Although lymphoedema does not have a simple one-time treatment, appropriate management can help people control swelling, protect the skin, maintain movement, and manage its impact on daily activities.

What Is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema occurs when lymphatic fluid accumulates in the tissues because the lymphatic system cannot adequately transport it away.

Swelling may initially be mild or intermittent, but it can become more persistent over time.

Common signs can include:

• Swelling in an arm, leg, or another affected area
• A feeling of heaviness or tightness
• Skin or tissue changes
• Reduced flexibility or movement
• A sensation of fullness in the affected area
• Difficulty with certain everyday activities

Lymphoedema can vary considerably from person to person, so management should be based on an individual assessment.

What Causes Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is generally described as either primary or secondary.

Primary Lymphoedema

Primary lymphoedema is associated with abnormalities in the development or function of the lymphatic system. It can appear at different stages of life.

Secondary Lymphoedema

Secondary lymphoedema develops because of another condition, treatment, injury, or procedure that affects the lymphatic system.

Possible causes include:

• Lymph node removal
• Cancer treatment
• Radiation therapy
• Certain surgical procedures
• Trauma affecting lymphatic vessels
• Other conditions that damage or impair lymphatic function

Understanding the cause can help determine the most appropriate management approach.

Lymphoedema After Cancer Treatment

Lymphoedema can develop following some cancer treatments, particularly when lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels have been affected.

For example, swelling may develop in an arm following treatment involving lymph nodes in the breast or underarm region.

It does not necessarily occur immediately after treatment and can develop later. Anyone experiencing persistent or new swelling following cancer treatment should discuss it with their healthcare team.

How Is Lymphoedema Managed?

Lymphoedema management is usually based on several complementary approaches rather than one treatment.

Depending on the individual’s needs, a physiotherapy programme may include:

• Compression
• Exercise
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Skin care
• Education
• Self-management strategies

The combination and intensity of treatment can change over time depending on symptoms and response.

Compression Therapy

Compression is commonly used as part of lymphoedema management.

Compression garments or other forms of compression can provide external support to the affected area and may help manage swelling.

The appropriate garment, level of compression, and wearing schedule depend on the individual’s condition.

A suitably trained healthcare professional should assess and advise on compression rather than choosing a garment based only on the location of swelling.

Exercise and Lymphoedema

Exercise can be an important part of long-term lymphoedema management.

Movement activates the muscles around the affected area and can support normal fluid movement while helping maintain strength and mobility.

Exercise should be progressed according to the person’s abilities, symptoms, and overall health.

Depending on the individual, a programme may include:

• Walking
• Mobility exercises
• Strength training
• Flexibility exercises
• Functional activities
• Gradual progression toward normal daily activities

People with lymphoedema do not necessarily need to avoid exercise. The appropriate level and type of activity should be discussed with a healthcare professional when there are specific concerns.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Lymphoedema

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialised hands-on technique that may be incorporated into lymphoedema management for selected patients.

It uses gentle, rhythmic movements applied to the skin and superficial tissues.

MLD is not necessarily appropriate for every person with lymphoedema and is generally considered alongside other management strategies rather than as a standalone solution.

A physiotherapist with appropriate lymphatic training can determine whether MLD is suitable based on the individual’s condition.

Skin Care and Infection Prevention

Skin care is an important part of managing lymphoedema.

Swollen tissues can be more vulnerable to skin problems, and breaks in the skin can provide an entry point for infection.

General skin-care strategies may include:

• Keeping the skin clean and moisturised
• Checking the affected area regularly
• Managing cuts or abrasions appropriately
• Taking care with nail and skin injuries
• Seeking medical advice if signs of infection develop

Redness, warmth, increasing pain, fever, or a sudden change in swelling should be assessed promptly.

Self-Management at Home

Long-term lymphoedema management often involves activities that can be incorporated into everyday life.

Depending on your treatment plan, your physiotherapist may teach you:

• Appropriate exercises
• Skin-care routines
• Compression management
• Self-monitoring techniques
• Strategies for maintaining mobility
• Self-lymphatic drainage techniques where appropriate

The goal is to give you practical tools that can be incorporated into your normal routine rather than relying entirely on clinic-based treatment.

Can Lymphoedema Be Cured?

There is currently no simple cure that permanently removes lymphoedema for everyone.

However, appropriate management can help control symptoms and support day-to-day function.

Management may need to continue over the long term, particularly for people with persistent lymphatic dysfunction.

The most appropriate approach depends on the type and severity of lymphoedema and the individual’s overall health.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider seeking professional assessment if you notice:

• Persistent swelling
• A gradual increase in swelling
• Heaviness or tightness in an affected limb
• Changes in the skin or tissues
• Reduced movement associated with swelling
• Swelling following lymph node surgery or cancer treatment
• Difficulty managing an existing lymphoedema condition

A physiotherapist can assess your symptoms and help determine whether lymphatic-focused physiotherapy is appropriate.

When Does Swelling Need Medical Assessment?

Not every swollen area is caused by lymphoedema.

New, unexplained, or rapidly increasing swelling should be medically assessed, particularly if it is accompanied by:

• Significant pain
• Redness or warmth
• Fever
• Sudden swelling in one limb
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Other new or concerning symptoms

These symptoms may have causes that require medical investigation rather than routine lymphoedema treatment.

Living With Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema management is often about finding a sustainable routine that fits your everyday life.

For some people, this may involve regular exercise and compression. Others may require additional physiotherapy support, education, or hands-on treatment.

Your management plan can also change over time. Periods of increased swelling or changes in activity may require a different approach from your usual routine.

Working with an appropriately trained healthcare professional can help you understand your condition and develop practical strategies for managing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lymphoedema permanent?

Lymphoedema is generally considered a long-term condition. While appropriate management can help control swelling and symptoms, there is no single treatment that permanently resolves it for everyone.

Can exercise help with lymphoedema?

Exercise can support mobility, strength, and general physical function and may form part of lymphoedema management. The type and intensity should be appropriate for the individual’s condition.

Do I need compression for lymphoedema?

Compression is commonly used in lymphoedema management, but the appropriate type and level depend on the individual. A trained professional can advise whether compression is suitable and how it should be used.

Is MLD enough to manage lymphoedema?

MLD is generally considered one component of lymphoedema management rather than a complete treatment on its own. Compression, exercise, skin care, education, and self-management may also be relevant.

Can lymphoedema develop after cancer treatment?

Yes. Some cancer treatments can affect lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels and may increase the risk of developing lymphoedema. New or persistent swelling after cancer treatment should be discussed with your healthcare team.

Can lymphoedema get worse over time?

Lymphoedema can change over time. Early assessment and appropriate long-term management can help people understand and manage their symptoms.

Lymphoedema Physiotherapy in Dubai

At Scandinavian Physiotherapy Center DMCC in JLT, Dubai, physiotherapy for lymphoedema focuses on creating an individualised management plan based on your symptoms, medical history, movement, and functional needs.

Where appropriate, treatment may include Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression guidance, therapeutic exercise, education, and self-management strategies.

If you have persistent swelling or are managing lymphoedema following surgery or cancer treatment, a physiotherapy assessment can help determine the appropriate next steps.

Contact Scandinavian Physiotherapy Center on +971 4 551 6126 to arrange an assessment.