Lymphodema & Lipo-Lympodema Management
Caitlin Ellis is a certified Lympodema therapist. (CLT)
Caitlin obtained her certification in Durbanville, Cape Town on 11 April 2025 through Lymph Medical Academy. The course ran over 3 months, doing theory online of 60 hours and 90 hours of live attendance continuing eduction.
​
This certificates means Caitlin can treat clients in or out of hospital that has lymphodema, lipo-lymphodema or cancer.
Services
Lymphodema Management
A disruption in the normal flow of lymph fluid resulting in an excess accumulation of interstitial fluid and proteins causing odema in the body
​Modalities Include:
-
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
-
​Multi-Layer Lymphodema Bandaging
-
Therapeutic Exerises
-
Meticulous Skin and Nail care
Lipo-lymphodema Management
Lipo-lymphedema is a condition where lipedema and lymphedema coexist. It typically occurs when lipedema, characterized by abnormal fat buildup, progresses to the point where it exerts pressure on the lymphatic system, causing secondary lymphedema, where fluid accumulates due to lymphatic system dysfunction.
Modalities Include:​
-
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
-
​Multi-Layer Lymphodema Bandaging
-
Therapeutic Exerises
-
Meticulous Skin and Nail care
-
Dietian referral
Immune booster
Lymphatic Drainage is a therapeutic massage that can benefit everyone.
It helps to boost your immune system and Improves overall health by the detoxifying the body.
Modalities Include:
-
Manual Lymph Drainage
Other Modalities
Compression (pneumatic) pumps can be effective in the treatment of lymphedema, lipedema and chronic venous insufficiency
​
Pneumatic compression pumps for lymphedema use intermittent pressure to help move lymph fluid and reduce swelling. They work by inflating inflatable sleeves, vests, or stockings, which apply pressure to the affected limb. This pressure helps to push lymph fluid away from the swollen area and back into the lymphatic system​.​
​
Compression Garments
compression garments are applied to maintain the reduction. Garments can be custom-made or ready to use (off the shelf), depending on the shape and size of the limb, or if there are any special considerations. People living with lymphoedema wear the garments during the day and alternate these with bandaging at night during the maintenance phase of treatment. Compression garments are essential for long-term improvement and allow the person to do all their normal activities while still controlling their lymphoedema. They can also be used to prevent the progression of lymphoedema. Sometime a person at risk of developing lymphoedema (and who does not already have lymphoedema) will wear a sleeve for certain activities only e.g. long haul flights.
Garments can be categorised according to fabric construction (i.e. circular or flat knit) and the pressures exerted (Classes I – IV).
​
​Assessment and measurement of garments require that the therapist and/or the orthopaedic supplier has a good understanding of the garment specifications and the patient needs. It is important to note that these are special compression garments manufactured for people with lymphoedema, and are not the same as garments that you may purchase form your local pharmacy. If you have any questions about the correct compression garment for you, please ask your lymphoedema therapist for advice.
Kinesiology tape
Stimulates the mechansism that faciliate the movement of lymphatic and interstial Fluids
Exercises:
Exercise is so effective for lymphatic drainage because muscle contractions act as a pump, pushing lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels. This movement is crucial for removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. Exercise can also helps to increase blood flow, which also indirectly benefits lymphatic fluid movement.
Rebound is a great exercise to help improve lymphatic flow.
Home Care Advice
-
Teach self Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
-
Teach self Bandaging
-
Dry body Brush
What is Manual Lymph Drainage
Lymphatic massage is a technique that uses a lighter touch for oedema or swelling of tissues related to illness, injury or cancer treatment. It is used for the reduction of build-up, removing toxins, and strengthening the immune system.
​
MLD creates a vacuum to facilitae lymph flow by clearing proximal pathway draws protiens and fluid out of the tissue.
Draining unaffected area first can increase the drainage of the affected area by 25%
​
Dr. Emil Vodder Developed manual lymph drainage and earned the term MLD in 1930`s
Skin movement technique rather than a Deep tissue massage
MLD techniques uses hand to skin contact to stimulate and increase lymph flow
Combination of round or oval, small or large, circular stretching motions that move the skin without sliding over it.
The main purpose of the light touch is that the superficial lymph vessels that we want to stimulate are just beneath the surface of the skin and are as thin as silk threads.
We are stretching the anchoring filaments to open and allow more lymph fluid to be manually drained through the lymphatic vessels.
MLD on the surface of the skin assists lymph capillaries - treating and moving the surface of the skin very lightly streaching the skin, facilitates opening of the anchoring filaments ​​​​​
Lymph capillaries are 3mm from the surface of the skin.
​
What is Lymph?
Lymph Means "clear water" in Latin
Describes the fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes in the lymphatic system
​
Role of the Lymphatic System
Removes interstitial fluid from the tissue back to the circulatory system.
Helps large molecules like hormones and lipids enter the blood
Helps the immune system to keep infections in check.
What is Bandaging?
Bandaging for lymphatic drainage, also known as multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging, is a technique used to reduce swelling and promote lymphatic fluid flow in areas affected by lymphoedema. It involves wrapping a swollen limb with a multi-layered system of bandages, padding, and foam, to create controlled compression.
When Is Bandaging Used:​
-
Management of Venous Insufficiency:Compression bandaging is commonly used in the management of conditions such as venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers by applying external pressure to the limb, promoting venous return, and reducing oedema.
-
Promotion of Wound Healing: Compression bandaging helps in promoting wound healing by improving tissue oxygenation, facilitating the removal of excess interstitial fluid, and enhancing the delivery of nutrients to the wound site.
-
Prevention of Recurrence: Compression bandaging plays a crucial role in preventing the recurrence of venous leg ulcers by maintaining adequate pressure on the limb, preventing venous pooling, and minimizing the risk of further tissue damage.
-
Oedema Management: Compression bandaging is effective in managing oedema associated with various conditions such as lymphedema, post-surgical swelling, and traumatic oedema by assisting in fluid mobilization and drainage.
-
Supportive Therapy: Compression bandaging can provide support and stability to the affected limb, particularly in individuals with compromised mobility or muscle weakness, aiding in functional rehabilitation.
-
Enhanced Patient Comfort: Properly applied compression bandages can alleviate discomfort associated with swelling and improve overall patient comfort and mobility.
