What is oedema?

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Oedema is a build-up of fluid in the tissues. It can cause visible swelling, for example in an arm or leg, but also in other parts of the body. You may also experience tight skin, a feeling of heaviness or difficulty moving.

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Oedema can have several causes. In lymphoedema, the lymphatic system is unable to drain fluid adequately. This may result from a congenital condition or damage to lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes, for example after surgery or radiotherapy. Problems with blood returning through the veins can also cause swelling.

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The cause of the swelling determines which care is needed. If swelling is new or unexplained, it is important to have the cause medically assessed first.

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What is oedema therapy?

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Oedema therapy focuses on reducing and managing swelling and its associated symptoms. Treatment is tailored to the type of oedema, the condition of your skin and the limitations you experience.

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A treatment plan may include compression, exercises, skin care and advice. Manual lymphatic drainage may be included in certain situations. We also consider what you can do yourself to maintain the results.

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What symptoms can we help with?

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You can contact us about symptoms such as:

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• Persistent swelling of an arm, leg or another part of the body.

• A feeling of heaviness or tension in the swollen area.

• Skin that feels tight due to swelling.

• Difficulty moving because of oedema.

• Lymphoedema after surgery or radiotherapy.

• Oedema caused by vein problems, once the cause has been assessed.

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During the assessment, we determine whether oedema therapy is appropriate and whether consultation with your doctor is needed.

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What happens at your first appointment?

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We begin by discussing your symptoms and health. When did the swelling start? Does it change throughout the day? How does the oedema affect your daily activities?

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We also discuss previous investigations, operations and treatments. We then assess the swelling, your skin and how you move. Where appropriate, we measure the size of the affected area so we can track changes throughout treatment.

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We discuss the findings and agree on the treatment goals and approach together.

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What does the treatment involve?

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Compression therapy

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Compression involves applying pressure to the swollen area, for example with bandages or a properly fitted compression garment. This can help reduce fluid build-up and maintain the results. The appropriate type of compression depends on your oedema and health.

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Exercises and movement

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Muscle activity supports fluid drainage. Treatment may therefore include targeted exercises and guidance on movement. We tailor the exercises to your abilities so you can also perform them at home.

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Manual lymphatic drainage

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Manual lymphatic drainage is a hands-on technique in which the therapist makes gentle, rhythmic movements on the skin. The technique aims to support the drainage of lymph fluid.

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Manual lymphatic drainage is not necessary for every type of oedema. We assess whether it could add value to your treatment plan.

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Skin care and advice

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Skin care deserves extra attention when you have oedema. You will receive advice on caring for your skin and preventing small wounds. We also discuss how to incorporate movement and daily activities into your routine, and which changes to look out for.

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What can you expect from treatment?

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The aim is to reduce swelling and associated symptoms as much as possible and improve your ability to manage everyday activities. What can be achieved depends partly on the cause and how long the oedema has been present.

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Lymphoedema is often a long-term condition. Treatment therefore also focuses on managing your symptoms. You will learn which steps you can take yourself and when additional treatment is needed.

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Throughout treatment, we monitor changes and adjust the plan where necessary.

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Oedema therapy at Fysio in Balance

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At Fysio in Balance in Brunssum, we take the time to discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You will receive clear explanations about treatment and practical advice you can put into practice yourself.

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Would you like to make an appointment or ask a question first? Get in touch with us.

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