POST-OPERATIVE LYMPHATIC CARE

SPECIALISED LYMPHATIC SUPPORT FOR YOUR BODY AFTER SURGERY

When surgery or cancer treatment changes the normal lymphatic pathways, your body can need specialised support to move fluid again.

Surgery and cancer treatment can change or compromise the normal lymphatic pathways.

This can happen when lymph nodes are removed or affected during cancer treatment, when lymphatic vessels are disrupted during surgery, or when tissue has been altered as part of a procedure.

When normal lymphatic pathways are compromised, fluid can accumulate in the tissues, causing swelling, heaviness, tightness and congestion.

This is where specialised lymphatic care can be helpful.

Post-operative lymphatic treatment works with the lymphatic pathways and lymph nodes to help redirect fluid towards functioning lymphatic pathways, supporting the body as it adapts to changes created by surgery or cancer treatment.

YOUR TREATMENT

60 MIN — $185

A focused post-operative treatment designed to support lymphatic flow, fluid movement and recovery.

Treatment may include Manual Lymphatic Drainage, gentle lymphatic techniques, appropriate fascial and scar work, compression or strapping where suitable, and movement guidance.

90 MIN — $245

A more comprehensive treatment allowing additional time for whole-body lymphatic work and areas requiring greater attention.

90 minutes is recommended when you have more widespread swelling, significant fluid congestion, multiple treatment areas or more complex post-operative needs.

WHY POST-OPERATIVE LYMPHATIC CARE IS DIFFERENT

Following surgery or cancer treatment, the usual lymphatic pathways may be disrupted or compromised.

This can occur when:

• Lymph nodes have been removed

• Lymph nodes have been affected by cancer treatment

• Lymphatic vessels have been disrupted during surgery

• Tissue has been removed or altered

• Surgery has changed the normal pathways through which fluid would usually drain

Rather than simply working over the area that is swollen, specialised lymphatic treatment looks at the pathways that remain available and works to redirect fluid towards functioning lymphatic pathways and lymph nodes.

This is one of the reasons post-operative lymphatic care is different from a general lymphatic treatment.

The treatment considers where the surgery or treatment has occurred, which pathways may have been affected, where fluid is accumulating and which alternative pathways can be used.

POST-CANCER LYMPHATIC CARE

Lymphoedema can develop following cancer treatment, sometimes during treatment and sometimes months or even years afterwards.

It can occur following procedures where lymph nodes have been removed or affected, including treatment for breast, gynaecological, prostate, head and neck and other cancers.

If lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels have been affected, the body's usual ability to move lymph fluid can change.

Specialised lymphatic care can form part of ongoing lymphoedema management, alongside compression, movement, skin care and appropriate medical care.

If you have had cancer treatment, medical clearance and communication with your treating team is important, particularly when treatment is ongoing or you have recently completed surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

WHO IS POST-OPERATIVE LYMPHATIC CARE FOR?

This treatment may be appropriate following:

• Cancer surgery

• Lymph-node removal

• Breast surgery

• Abdominal or pelvic surgery

• Liposuction or liposculpture

• Abdominoplasty

• Body contouring procedures

• Facial procedures

• Other surgeries where lymphatic pathways have been disrupted or lymphatic support has been recommended

Your treatment will always depend on the type of surgery or cancer treatment you've had, your stage of recovery and the advice of your surgeon or medical team.

YOUR BODY AFTER SURGERY

Swelling after surgery isn't simply something that needs to be pushed out of the body.

Your lymphatic system is working to manage fluid while your body is also dealing with inflammation, tissue trauma and changes created by the procedure.

When lymphatic pathways have been disrupted, the body may need support to find alternative routes for fluid movement.

This is why post-operative lymphatic work needs to be gentle, specialised and purposeful.

The goal isn't to force fluid through the tissues.

It's about working with the lymphatic system and supporting the pathways available to your body.

WHAT YOUR TREATMENT MAY INCLUDE

Depending on your procedure, cancer treatment and stage of recovery, treatment may incorporate:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage using the Vodder Method®

• Whole-body lymphatic treatment

• Techniques to support and redirect fluid movement

• Work through functioning lymphatic pathways

• Gentle fascial techniques

• Appropriate scar work once the tissues have healed sufficiently

• Compression guidance

• Lymphatic strapping or taping where appropriate

• Movement guidance

• Support for areas of tightness, congestion or restricted tissue

The techniques used will change as your body progresses through the different stages of healing and recovery.

LYMPHATIC CARE AFTER SURGERY

The lymphatic system is a connected network, so post-operative treatment isn't simply about working on the area that was operated on.

Treatment works through the lymphatic pathways and lymph nodes throughout the body, preparing alternative pathways and supporting fluid to move away from areas where normal drainage has been compromised.

This whole-body approach is particularly important when surgery or cancer treatment has altered the usual lymphatic pathways.

SCAR & TISSUE CHANGES

As your incisions heal, scar tissue can begin to change the way the surrounding tissues move.

Once your surgeon has cleared you for appropriate hands-on work, gentle fascial and scar techniques can be incorporated where suitable.

This can be particularly helpful when the tissues feel tight, restricted or different following surgery.

Scar work is always dependent on the stage of healing. Fresh incisions are not treated as though they are healed tissue.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your surgery or cancer treatment, your recovery and any instructions you've received from your surgeon or medical team.

I'll want to know when your procedure took place, what areas were treated, whether lymph nodes were removed or affected, and how your body has been responding.

Treatment is then adapted to your stage of healing and the condition of your lymphatic system.

Early post-operative treatment is generally very gentle. As your tissues heal and your medical team's restrictions change, treatment can gradually become more comprehensive and incorporate additional techniques where appropriate.

60 OR 90 MINUTES?

60 MINUTES — $185

Choose 60 minutes for focused post-operative lymphatic care or when you need support with specific areas of swelling and congestion.

90 MINUTES — $245

Choose 90 minutes when you have more widespread swelling, multiple treatment areas or would benefit from more comprehensive whole-body work.

WHEN IN DOUBT, I RECOMMEND 90 MINUTES.

AT EMBODY, WE SLOW DOWN

Post-operative and post-cancer care isn't about rushing your recovery.

Your body has been through a significant amount, and treatment should respect that.

We'll work with where your body is on the day and adjust the treatment as your recovery progresses.

READY TO SUPPORT YOUR RECOVERY?

BOOK YOUR POST-OPERATIVE LYMPHATIC CARE

A GENTLE REMINDER

Post-operative lymphatic care is supportive treatment and does not replace advice or care from your surgeon, oncologist or medical team.

Please follow your treating team's instructions regarding when treatment can begin and which techniques are appropriate for your procedure and stage of recovery.

If you develop sudden or worsening swelling, significant pain, redness, heat, fever, shortness of breath or other concerning symptoms following surgery or cancer treatment, seek medical attention promptly.

POST-OPERATIVE LYMPHATIC CARE
60 MIN — $185
90 MIN — $245