Lymphoedema is chronic swelling caused by a disruption in lymphatic flow. Whether it develops after cancer surgery, radiotherapy, trauma, or without an obvious cause, lymphoedema is a long-term condition that demands ongoing management. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique designed specifically to reduce lymphatic swelling and restore fluid balance to affected limbs.
Myotherapy in Melbourne includes clinical lymphoedema management. We combine manual lymphatic drainage with compression, exercise, and skin care to control swelling, improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function to affected limbs. Early intervention and consistent treatment produce the best outcomes.
Lymphoedema is not something you simply live with indefinitely. Clinical lymphatic drainage, combined with compression and self-care, creates measurable swelling reduction and significantly improves quality of life. Treatment is evidence-based and highly effective when delivered consistently.
The lymphatic system drains fluid from tissues throughout your body, filtering it and returning it to circulation. When lymph vessels are damaged or removed—most commonly through cancer surgery or radiotherapy—or when lymph nodes are compromised, fluid accumulates in tissues, causing swelling. This is lymphoedema. It typically develops in the arm after breast cancer surgery, but can affect any limb and can be primary (cause unknown) or secondary (resulting from surgery, radiotherapy, trauma, or infection).
Lymphoedema is progressive without treatment. Swelling worsens over time, affecting function, comfort, and quality of life. Risk of cellulitis (skin infection) increases. However, early and consistent treatment can halt progression and often reduce existing swelling significantly.
Treatment Approach
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Specialized massage technique
Gentle, rhythmic massage that stimulates lymph vessels to drain fluid more effectively. Followed by compression to maintain gains. Most effective when combined with exercise and skin care.
Support Therapy
Compression Garments
Pressure support
Compression sleeves, gloves, or garments worn after treatment to prevent fluid re-accumulation. Essential component of management. Custom fitting recommended.
Ongoing Care
Self-Management
Skin care & exercise
Home exercise, skin protection, and self-care practices maintain treatment gains. Education and support are critical for long-term success. Consistency matters most.
Manual lymphatic drainage uses specific, gentle massage techniques to stimulate lymph flow through functioning lymph vessels and nodes. The technique enhances the body’s natural drainage mechanisms, moving stagnant fluid away from swollen tissue toward healthy drainage pathways. MLD is performed by trained therapists who understand lymphatic anatomy and the specialized pressure and direction required.
MLD sessions are typically 45–60 minutes and are often followed by compression bandaging or garment application. Regular MLD (weekly or fortnightly) combined with compression and home exercise produces measurable swelling reduction within 4–8 weeks. Maintenance treatment (monthly or as needed) prevents swelling from returning.
Lymphoedema is manageable with clinical lymphatic drainage. MyoFitness offers evidence-based manual lymphatic drainage combined with compression and self-care education. Three Melbourne clinics, experienced therapists, comprehensive management plans.
MyoFitness provides personalised lymphoedema management designed to help control swelling, support movement and improve everyday function. Our approach combines manual lymphatic drainage with appropriate compression, exercise and self-care education, creating a practical treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic system cannot effectively drain fluid from the tissues. It may occur after cancer treatment, surgery, radiotherapy, trauma or lymph node damage, while some cases develop without an identifiable cause. Understanding why swelling occurs is an important first step towards appropriate management.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialised, gentle technique designed to encourage lymphatic fluid movement through functioning drainage pathways. Unlike conventional massage, MLD uses specific pressure, rhythm and direction based on lymphatic anatomy. Treatment is adapted to your individual presentation and areas of swelling.
Compression can help support the results of lymphatic drainage and reduce the likelihood of fluid building up again. Depending on your individual requirements, compression may involve sleeves, gloves, garments or other appropriate strategies. Your therapist can discuss how compression may fit into your overall management plan.
Movement is an important part of managing lymphoedema over time. Appropriate exercises may help support physical function and complement hands-on treatment. Your therapist can recommend movements based on your mobility, symptoms and goals, helping you build practical strategies that can be incorporated into your daily routine.
People with lymphoedema need to pay particular attention to the skin around affected areas. Appropriate skin care and protection can help reduce the risk of skin damage and infection. MyoFitness provides education and practical self-management guidance so you can feel more confident managing your condition between appointments.
Lymphoedema is generally a long-term condition, making ongoing management important. MyoFitness brings together manual lymphatic drainage, compression strategies, movement and self-care education to provide a more complete approach. Your treatment plan can be reviewed and adjusted according to your symptoms, progress and changing needs.
The MyoFitness Yarraville clinic at 231 Hyde Street is accessible from across the inner west. All of the following suburbs are within easy reach of the clinic.
MyoFitness also operates clinics in North Melbourne at 154 Peel Street and Surrey Hills at 296A Canterbury Road. All three clinics offer Watson Headache® Approach assessment and treatment for migraine.
Three well-established clinics across North Melbourne, Yarraville, and Surrey Hills, each delivering the same standard of clinical care.
A clinical team spanning remedial massage, myotherapy, physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and psychology under one roof.
Recognised for clinical outcomes, patient experience, and professional standards across the allied health industry.
Every session begins with a clinical assessment. Treatment is directed at the actual cause of your pain, not just the location where you feel it.
At MyoFitness, we provide personalised treatment for a range of conditions affecting movement, muscles, joints and physical function. Our experienced therapists tailor treatment to your symptoms, goals and individual needs.
