Expert Assessment, Treatment & Ongoing Support

At Feelfit Physiotherapy, we provide compassionate, evidence-based assessment and management for individuals living with lymphoedema and lipoedema.

Our goal is to help reduce swelling, improve comfort, enhance mobility and empower you with the tools to confidently manage your condition long term.

Whether you have recently been diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for many years, our physiotherapists can work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Lymphoedema & LIPOEDEMA

What Is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to effectively drain fluid from the tissues, resulting in swelling, heaviness and discomfort.

Lymphoedema commonly affects:

  • Arms
  • Legs
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Trunk
  • Neck and face

It may develop following:

  • Cancer treatment
  • Lymph node removal
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery
  • Trauma or injury
  • Venous insufficiency
  • Congenital lymphatic conditions

What Is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving the abnormal accumulation of fat tissue, most commonly affecting the:

  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Legs
  • Arms

Lipoedema primarily affects women and often presents with:

  • Symmetrical enlargement of the legs
  • Painful or tender tissue
  • Easy bruising
  • Swelling
  • Heaviness
  • Difficulty losing weight from affected areas

Lipoedema is often misunderstood and can be mistaken for obesity or general weight gain.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve quality of life.

Our Lymphoedema & Lipoedema Services

Comprehensive Assessment

Your physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment including:

  • Medical history
  • Symptom assessment
  • Limb measurements
  • Swelling assessment
  • Functional capacity
  • Mobility assessment
  • Exercise tolerance
  • Compression garment review

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle hands-on technique designed to encourage lymphatic flow and assist with fluid movement.

Benefits may include:

  • Reduced swelling
  • Improved comfort
  • Reduced heaviness
  • Improved mobility
  • Improved quality of life

Compression Therapy

Compression plays a vital role in managing both lymphoedema and lipoedema.

We can assist with:

  • Compression garment education
  • Garment fitting guidance
  • Compression management strategies
  • Long-term self-management plans

Exercise Prescription

Exercise is one of the most important components of lymphatic health.

We develop personalised exercise programs focusing on:

  • Strength training
  • Mobility
  • Walking programs
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Balance and stability
  • Functional movement

Regular exercise can assist with:

  • Swelling management
  • Circulation
  • Strength
  • Weight management
  • Overall wellbeing

Education & Self-Management

Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to manage your condition effectively.

We provide education regarding:

  • Skin care
  • Swelling management
  • Exercise recommendations
  • Compression use
  • Travel considerations
  • Lifestyle strategies

Common Symptoms We Help Manage

Lymphoedema

  • Limb swelling
  • Heaviness
  • Tightness
  • Reduced mobility
  • Skin changes
  • Discomfort

Lipoedema

  • Painful legs
  • Easy bruising
  • Heavy limbs
  • Swelling
  • Reduced exercise tolerance
  • Difficulty with mobility

Why Choose Feelfit Physiotherapy?

Individualised Care

Every person experiences lymphoedema and lipoedema differently. We tailor treatment plans to suit your goals, symptoms and lifestyle.

Holistic Management

Our approach combines:

  • Manual therapy
  • Exercise rehabilitation
  • Education
  • Compression strategies
  • Long-term self-management

Focus On Function

We aim to help you stay active, independent and confident while managing your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lymphoedema be cured?

Lymphoedema is generally considered a chronic condition. While it cannot usually be cured, appropriate treatment can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Is exercise safe with lymphoedema?

Yes. Research strongly supports appropriately prescribed exercise as a safe and beneficial part of lymphoedema management.

Will weight loss cure lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a medical condition and is not simply caused by excess weight. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial, lipoedema tissue often responds differently to traditional weight loss approaches.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly with our physiotherapy team without a referral.

Can physiotherapy help reduce swelling?

Yes. Physiotherapy can play an important role in swelling management through manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, education and compression strategies.

Conditions Commonly Associated With Lymphoedema & Lipoedema

  • Breast cancer-related lymphoedema
  • Lower limb lymphoedema
  • Primary lymphoedema
  • Secondary lymphoedema
  • Venous insufficiency
  • Cancer rehabilitation
  • Lipoedema
  • Chronic swelling conditions

Book Your Assessment

If you are experiencing swelling, heaviness, discomfort or have been diagnosed with lymphoedema or lipoedema, our team is here to help.

Feelfit Physiotherapy

Kedron, Brisbane

Supporting better movement, improved function and long-term confidence in managing lymphoedema and lipoedema.

Rosemary is a member of the ‘Australasian Lymphology Association’ (ALA) and is listed on the ‘National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register’ (NLPR) as a recommended treatment provider. Rosemary’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life sees her constantly updating her skills, to ensure patients receive the most current treatment for their Lymphoedema.

Using a combination of Manual Lymphatic Massage, Compression Bandaging, compression pump and Skin Hygiene awareness, Rosemary helps reduce the fluid volume in the effected limb.

Rosemary can help you arrange compression sleeves, and other treatment aids. Treatment can commence before surgery or soon after surgery to help minimise the risk of lymphoedema.