ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT OPTIONS

Bioimpedance spectroscopy: SOZO

Maintaining fluid balance is essential for optimal health; and every system in the body depends on this balance. Survivors of cancer are particularly vulnerable to an imbalance, as surgical procedures and treatments may put these patients at risk of developing clinical lymphoedema.

SOZO is a non-invasive fluid and tissue analysis tool, which enables early detection of lymphoedema. It provides a direct measure of extracellular fluid, therefore detecting lymphoedema up to 10 months prior to other volumetric measurements. The SOZO also helps monitor your fluid status and body composition, which provides additional information for tracking your health and any associated fluid changes.

Measurements should be taken BEFORE surgery, and then at regular intervals every 3 months after surgery to establish your normal baseline, assess any early stage lymphoedema, track your progress, and provide peace of mind.

Early lymphoedema detection and early intervention management strategies lead to better treatment outcomes, which can improve quality of life and reduce the cost burden of ongoing treatments.

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) devices are pressure-controlled pumps based on manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) techniques. Any lymphatic conditions concerning swelling or compromised veins can be treated with an IPC device. Pain after vigorous sport can also be reduced with these devices.

In some cases several treatments are required for reduction the IPC device in conjunction with other management techniques may be  more cost effective. These IPC devices are also available for home use, and we offer a trial to buy rental program. Having a home device can make treatment easier, which leads to greater compliance and therefore better results.

Low Level Light Therapy

Also known as ‘Cold Laser’ offers safe and natural ‘pain relief’. Clinical trials indicate ‘cold laser’ acts on DNA to promote post-operative and post-traumatic healing, accelerating recovery through improved immune response, and reducing inflammation and pain hand held and scanning devices are used in conjunction with MLD for the treatment of lymphoedema, muscular pain, scarring and burns or after radiation treatment.

Using the cold laser allows for specific conditions and tissue types to be addressed while the therapist combines manual techniques. The results are longer lasting and more effective, particularly if followed by subsequent treatments.

Home Visits

At times it may be difficult for you to attend our clinic. We offer a mobile service to your home or nursing home where we can provide lymphatic massage or compression therapy. We can also demonstrate practical ways that family members may be involved if they choose. A doctor’s clearance is necessary, so ask us for a referral form to provide to your doctor.