|
|



The Adelaide Lymphoedema Clinic was established in 1987 by Michael Mason, who is a member of the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) and a past president of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA). He was the first physiotherapist in Australia to treat lymphoedema patients with Complex Physical Therapy (CPT) and has regularly run training courses for allied health professionals on the treatment and management of lymphoedema in Adelaide and Sydney. Situated at 29 Warwick Street, Walkerville, South Australia, the Clinic is just 4 kilometres north-east of the Adelaide city centre. Here, patients are assessed individually and treated according to their condition, age and general state of health. Complex Physical Therapy (CPT) is still the most effective non-invasive and safest treatment of lymphoedema in the long and the short term worldwide. The treatment is not a cure for lymphoedema. There is no known cure. Treatment is designed to reduce the swelling, improve the lymphatic drainage and increase the mobility of the limbs, thereby relieving the pain, aching, heaviness, tightness and discomfort and improving the patient's well-being and ability to lead a normal life. The treatment also includes education of the patient about the nature of the condition and how best to live with the problem. (For more information on these procedures, see "What is the treatment for lymphoedema?"). At the completion of the treatment, patients are fitted with a compression garment in the form of a sleeve/glove or stocking to maintain the improvement gained from the treatment and control the oedema. The amount of improvement gained from the treatment varies, depending on a number of factors such as whether the lymphoedema is primary or secondary, the length of time it has been present, whether the oedema is soft or hard and the age of the patient. To date, the average reduction in oedema is in excess of 70% for both arms and legs. Patients are re-assessed periodically and supplied with new compression garments. A further course of treatment is given if necessary. |
Adelaide Lymphoedema Clinic 29 Warwick St Walkerville SA 5081 T: 08 8342 9712 F: 08 8342 9711 |