Services

At Hobsons Bay Lymphoedema Clinic we provide a range of clinical services for the management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema conditions including:
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Cording and scar management
- Compression garment measure and prescription
- Skin care and barrier protection
- Education and ongoing support

A medical referral is preferred but not required.

Medicare subsidies are available for patients with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously CDM or EPC) and private health rebates under occupational therapy may be applicable.

Eligible clients will have access to the SWEP Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program for subsidised compression garments.
Please refer to the SWEP website for details: https://swep.bhs.org.au/lymphoedema-compression-garment-program.php

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is long-term swelling that happens when the lymphatic system is not working properly.

Primary lymphoedema: Caused by a genetic or developmental issue where the lymph vessels do not form correctly from birth.

Secondary lymphoedema: Caused by damage to an otherwise normal lymphatic system, most commonly from cancer treatments, surgery, radiation therapy, infection, or injury.

Key features include:

  • Asymmetrical swelling: Usually affects one limb or is noticeably worse on one side, including the back of the hand or top of the foot and toes.

  • Heavy, tight sensation: The affected limb feels full, achy, or stiff, often restricting mobility or making clothes, shoes, and jewellery feel tight.

Vascular Oedema

Vascular oedema is fluid swelling in the lower legs and ankles caused by decreased blood circulation. When blood struggles to pump back up to the heart, pressure builds up and pushes fluid out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues.

Key features include:

  • Soft swelling: The skin often leaves a temporary dimple or indent when pressed (known as "pitting").

  • Worse later in the day: Swelling typically increases after standing or sitting for long periods, but improves after resting with your legs raised.

  • Tired, heavy legs: The lower legs and ankles often feel tight, heavy, or achy by evening.

Breast Cancer Prospective Surveillance

Prospective surveillance for breast cancer treatment includes an initial assessment for baseline measures, current level of function and shoulder range of movement.

Post operative exercises may be provided in accordance to your surgical teams rehabilitation protocols.

Follow up appointments will include monitoring for early signs of lymphoedema, scar management, assessment for cording or axillary web syndrome and appropriate treatments. Range of motion assessment and ongoing referrals as required.

Compression garments will be discussed as required and individualised measures will be taken.

Lipoedema

Lipoedema is a chronic connective tissue condition that causes an uneven, symmetrical build-up of fat tissue, usually in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the arms.

Key features include:

  • Uneven fat distribution: The fat builds up equally on both sides of the body but stops at the ankles or wrists, leaving the feet and hands unaffected.

  • Changes in tissue texture: The tissue under the skin can feel bumpy, nodular, or firm (often compared to small beans or peas).

  • Pain and sensitivity: The areas often ache, feel heavy, bruise very easily, and are tender or painful to touch.

  • Hormonal link: It primarily affects women, most often starting or changing during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.