The 7th National Lymphoedema Conference will be chaired by Sharie Fetzer, Lipoedema UK

Despite exercise being a cornerstone of lymphoedema treatment, advice intent on reducing risk of developing or exacerbating lymphoedema has created anxiety and avoidance of certain types of activity. This session discusses the historical advice in relation to the evidence around activity and the BLS campaign to promote activity.

This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session

This talk discusses using acupuncture in the management of cancer-related lymphoedema, particularly how it can improve physical and psychosocial health and acceptance of a chronic condition as well as facilitating feelings empowerment and personal control, leading to improved wellbeing and a more proactive attitude towards self-care.

This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session

The use of Deep Oscillation Therapy and electrostatic massage in Lipoedema has been revolutionary in Dee’s practice. Traditional massage in these clients result in painful tissues and bruising. While there is no cure for Lipoedema, early detection and treatment is the key to management.

Deep Oscillation Therapy works to a depth of 8 cm, from the surface of the skin, without pressure or damage to the underlying tissues. Dee attended and provided this treatment at The Lipoedema Roadshow, where all ten of the ladies remarked how soft their legs felt and how silky their skin felt afterwards.

For post-surgical treatment of clients who have undergone tumescent liposuction, she has successfully redressed rebound issues with secondary lymphoedema refill with no pain or pressure. More clients are also booking in pre-surgery having been advised by their consultant surgeons as well as a series of post-surgical.

This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session

Compression is a key component in the management of lymphoedema and both day & night time compression in a variety of forms have always been available to manage oedema.

Haddenham ComfiWave is a new innovative garment for the management of mild to moderate lymphoedema. Initially designed as a night garment, it has been shown to be more flexible, complementing the use of day time compression and providing innovative solutions for other groups of patients.

ComfiWave is a seamless flat knit fabric, providing a therapeutic pressure of 15-21mmHg. The patented knit is highly breathable which combined with 100% cotton next to the skin makes it extremely comfortable to wear and cool at night.

The ribbed construction of ComfiWave provides a suitable base layer to apply bandage systems, adjustable Velcro wraps or flat knit garments over the top for additional compression.

The light weight & easy application of the garment also makes it an idea garment for use in palliative care, patients with strength /dexterity problems or with vulnerable skin conditions.

Patient feedback has been very positive and the flexibility is demonstrated in a variety of case studies.

This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session

Reflexology is a complementary therapy commonly used in cancer care environments. Research into a targeted protocol of reflexology for lymphatic drainage (RLD) in 26 participants with breast cancer related lymphoedema resulted in reductions in arm volumes in all participants,   and associated improvements in pain and swelling.

Qualitative data indicated that the treatment was considered pleasant and non invasive, helping them to re-engage with normal life and return to a state of optimism. Further research using thermal imaging and comparisons with standard protocols of reflexology indicated a volume reduction in the targeted reflexology but not in the standard reflexology protocol.

A minimum data set is a useful tool to illustrate the complexity of patients with lymphoedema, relate this to capacity and provide data which can be used to campaign for increased service provision. A feasibility project of collecting data from pan -London lymphoedema services will be reported.

This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session

Lipoedema is much more than big and painful legs and it is at the same time associated with numerous myths. This lecture critically evaluates some of these popular lipoedema myths. Furthermore, the consensus on lipoedema which has been worked out by the European Lipoedema Forum 2019 will be sketched out. One goal of this lecture is to emphasise the urgent need to create an internet platform for health professionals offering only scientifically based facts about lipoedema.

Many lymphoedema clinics traditionally started within a hospice setting. Today however, most services will treat and manage a diverse range of lymphoedemas. Due to time and resourcing pressures they may therefore not be able to offer their palliative patients the time and attention they would ideally like to.  

This presentation will highlight how careful assessment leading to appropriate treatment decisions, can enable this patient group to gain access to an increased range of treatments currently available, and will introduce and discuss the wide choice of garments and appliances available from Haddenham H C, which can help to support these patients.

This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session.

Managing Chronic Oedema continues to be challenge for many community teams. Inelastic Compression Devices can be an effective therapy in meeting those challenges. Enabling patients to self – care is essential to address the issues with resources and costs to the NHS. This session will provide case studies where patients with chronic oedema have been managed effectively and efficiently with inelastic compression devices whilst promoting patient independence and cost effective therapy.

Declaration of interest: Tracy Green is Clinical Manager for Sigvaris Britain.


This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session

As the NHS moves towards self-care and prevention, there is a strong motivation to utilise technology for the patient so that they can manage their own condition confidently and safely.

This innovative education platform for Chronic Oedema has potential to create a one-stop shop for the healthcare professional which supports them from initial assessment through to ordering.

This presentation will include a 5 minute Q&A session