Lymphoedema (adjunctive care)
Also known as: lymphoedema, lymphedema, arm swelling after cancer treatment, chronic limb swelling
Lymphoedema is persistent limb swelling from impaired lymph drainage — commonly after cancer surgery or radiotherapy, but also congenital or infection-related. The evidence-based core is compression, specialised massage and exercise. Chinese medicine reads it as water-damp retention with qi and blood failing to move the fluid; acupuncture may support comfort and mobility as an adjunct.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Wear your compression garment exactly as fitted.
- •Keep the limb moving — muscle pump drives lymph drainage.
- •Protect the limb: no blood pressure cuffs, injections or cuts on the affected side.
- •Moisturise daily and treat any break in skin early.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Never needle through swollen, tense or broken skin on the affected limb.[]
- •No deep tissue massage over cancer-recurrence sites without oncology clearance.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Review every 4 weeks with limb measurements, skin checks and garment fit. Escalate redness or fever immediately.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Victorian Government · 2024
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.