Common Queries
Addressing your concerns and inquiries
What causes lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema/chronic oedema can be caused by a variety of factors, including surgery to remove lymph nodes, radiation therapy, infections, venous disease, impaired mobility, obesity or inherited conditions. It results in an accumulation of lymphatic fluid, leading to swelling in any body part depending on the cause. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective management and treatment. It is possible with management strategies to reduce and maintain swelling and and prevent your condition from progressing further. These strategies are known as Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT); a combination of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression garments, exercise/movement and skin care.
I assess, treat and advise re all body areas affected by lymphoedema; arms/legs/head and neck/breast and genitals. Self-motivation to manage your condition is key. I will support you to move towards your goals.
What is Lipoedema? How can I manage it?
Lipoedema is an abnormal, disproportionate build-up of fat in your legs and sometimes arms. It can sometimes be painful and affect daily life. It can feel unsightly and frustrating and impact you psychologically too.
Managing lipoedema involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, and the use of compression garments to support and promote comfort. Deep Oscillation and MLD can reduce swelling (where there is swelling secondary to lipoedema) and reduce heaviness/discomfort/leg fatigue. Some individuals may consider sugical intervention in the form of Liposuction. MLD is used pre and postoperatively to enhance the healing process, reduce swelling and fibrosis.
I am able to assess, treat and support and can provide pre and post op treatments if you decide upon surgical intervention. Working in partnership is key. I will support you to move towards your goals with evidence based treatments and advice.
What about my condition? Can you help? Together, we can explore tailored solutions.
Deep Oscillation is used in the treatment of many health conditions including; lymphoedema, lipoedema, chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, post op swelling, strains and scar management. It reduces swelling, fibrosis and inflammation. Furthermore it can be used for aesthetic conditions including natural face lifting, swollen eyelids, cellulite reduction and dark circles under the eyes.
Low Level Light Treatment (Handy Cure S) is used to reduce fibrosis, pain, swelling, inflammation and is again used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, aches and strains, scar management , tissue fibrosis and more.
I am happy to discuss your individual needs ..Please do call to discuss.
A bit more about offered therapies
Addressing your concerns and inquiries
Manual Lymphatic Drainage/MLD
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised massage designed to encourage lymph fluid to drain from swollen areas. It makes optimal use of the lymphatic system and is used the treatment of a range of conditions such as lymphoedema, lipoedema and in pre and post surgery. It may also benefit detoxification reduction of pain and overall wellbeing. Deep Oscillation and Low Level Light Therapy is offered in combination with MLD treatment programmes to further enhance and optimise client outcomes. I am a Certified Lymphoedema Practitioner and am qualified in the Fill and Flush MLD technique as taught by the Lymphoedema Training Academy.
Deep Oscillation and Low Level Light Therapy
DEEP OSCILLATION® is an internationally patented, proven technology based on the effects of creating an electrostatic field in the tissue of the patient. Easy application is from therapist to patient/client via hygienic, vinyl gloved hands; utilizing all normal massage movements or via circular movements over the tissue with a handheld applicator.
Handy Cure s' Therapeutic Laser combines low level pulsed infrared laser, visible red light and static magnetic field in a compact handheld device that delivers speedy synergistic therapeutic outcomes. Handy Cure s' is a multi-radiance device that utilises laser light emitted by a low-level laser diode (905 nm), 4 infrared LEDs (875 nm) and 4 red LEDs (635 nm) with added benefits of static magnetic field from a static magnet. Combined synergistic use of independent therapeutic modalities has proven to produce noticeable therapeutic effects to be achieved in a relatively short time.
Compression Garments
Compression therapy is the cornerstone for treating patients with venous hypertension, chronic oedema and lymphoedema. It acts on the venous and lymphatic systems to improve venous and lymphatic return and reduce oedema. Compression in the treatment of Lipoedema can reduce pain and discomfort and improve body contour. Following comprehensive clinical assessment and measurements by a certified practitioner compression garments can be prescribed or purchased for different areas of swelling; arms, legs, breast, head and neck, genitals.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesiology or Kinesio tape is a medical grade tape that is made from 100% cotton. It has an acrylic adhesive which enables it to stick to the skin and is latex free. Originally used in therapeutic and sports medicine, Kinesio tape has been used for many years by lymphoedema therapists to help treat swelling of any part of the body. It is particularly useful in treating body areas where MLD or compression garments are not appropriate.
Contraindications
Deep Oscillation; Uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiac arrythmias, heart failure, acute infection, undiagnosed thrombus, untreated or suspected malignancy, pregnancy.
Low Level Light; Undiagnosed thrombus, untreated or suspected malignancy, acute infection
Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Acute infection, untreated or suspected malignancy, congestive heart failure.
Kinesio Taping; Acute infection, sensitive/fragile or broken skin, allergies or sensitivities to the adhesive components of the tape.
I will always seek consent from relevant physicians where necessary.
Next Steps
What happens next? How does it work?
You can make first contact with Magnolia Lymph Support by email or phone. I will endeavour to respond to emails/phone messages within 48hours and am happy to talk through your symptoms and how the service may help your condition.
Your first face to face assessment will be thorough and comprehensive. It is of great importance that you communicate your medical history in full. Some of the offered therapies have contraindications and as such you will be asked to sign a consent form and disclaimer ahead of any treatment choices. We will work in partnership to understand what will benefit you the most. If I am unable to help I will sign post you to other relevant professionals with your consent or will advise that you seek a medical review with your GP before treatment commences.
Policies
Cancellation Policy:You will receive a confirmation email upon booking and a reminder email will be sent 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. You are able to cancel via the link in the emails or you can contact Magnolia Lymph Support directly. If you cancel within 24hours you will not be eligible for your deposit refund.
Lateness Policy; Please endeavour to be on time. There is plenty of on street parking which requires a Ringco parking app for a reasonable priced payment fee. There is also a multi storey car park nearby.
Infection Control Policy; Please do not attend if you are unwell with cough/cold/flu symptoms or you have had diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours or have an unexplained rash.
The clinic environment is maintained to a high level of cleanliness and all equipment is cleaned/disinfected inbetween clients.
Informed Consent Policy; You will be asked to fill in a client history form prior to your appointment and to sign a consent form stating the you have read accompanying information and agree to comply with Magnolia Lymph Supports's policies and procedures.
Prior to every appointment you will be asked for your verbal consent before we proceed.
Medical Conditions and Contraindications Policy; It is imperative that you complete the client history form in full detailing any existing medical conditions, previous or ongoing surgical interventions or treatments. If new medical conditions are diagnosed or suspected we would ask that you update before each appointment. Some treatments have contraindications and as such we need to understand your full medical history. A Physician's note may be required before treatment programmes can proceed.
Payments; 50% deposit on booking. This can be made via bank transfer. Bank account details will be sent with your confirmation email. You will be eligible for a full deposit refund if cancellations are made with at least 24 hours notice.
Data Protection Policy
GDPR Privacy Policy
This policy relates to Magnolia Lymph Support
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) of 25 May 2018 is the legal regulation that has been put in place to safeguard an individual’s personal information. The GDPR is an EU-wide directive that all UK businesses need to be compliant with. The following privacy policy details the lawful basis for Magnolia Lymph Support to hold information, the type of information that Magnolia Lymph Support holds about its clients, why that information is required, who it is shared with, how that information is used and protected and details the rights an individual has in terms of access to that information or, requests for information held to be amended or deleted.
WHY THE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED
The lawful basis by which Magnolia Lymph Support holds this information is held under Special Category Data: Health. In order to provide an effective and safe treatments, Magnolia Lymph Support requires information about your current health and your medical history. This information is used to provide you with the best possible course of treatment and advice. Magnolia Lymph Support also requires your contact details to arrange appointment times with you. As a Registered General Nurse and certified Lymphoedema Specialist Practitioner I abide by the Nursing and Midwifery Council's Code of Conduct at all times.
WHAT INFORMATION DOES MAGNOLIA LYMPH SUPPORT COLLECT ABOUT YOU
Magnolia Lymph Support collects information about you when you first book in for a treatment.
By your first appointment you will have provided your personal and contact details (name, address, DOB, email address) and a fully completed your Client History Form (previous treatment history, injury history, current medication and other health-related information) . Treatment notes relating to the reason for treatment, the treatment provided, any assessments and future plans are also held and held electronically with Cliniko – a specific patient software package.
Cliniko treat security of information as a priority. Data is encrypted, backed up automatically and kept in ultra secure facilities. Please visit www.cliniko.com for more information.
Upon signing the client history form you are agreeing that Magnolia Lymph Support will keep your details confidential and abide by current GDPR guidelines. You also agree that Magnolia Lymph Support can contact you via telephone, text message and email regarding your appointments and treatments. This also includes the occasional marketing/promotional update of our products, services and availability. An option to unsubscribe is always included if you would no longer like me to contact you.
Personal data is collected such as:
Name
Date of birth
Address
Email address
Telephone number
Occupation
Emergency contact or next of kin details
Health conditions including allergies, medication and doses, history of; injuries, operations, illnesses provided on the client initial assessment form and discussed during the first and subsequent treatments
GP surgery details and other treatments currently and previously received
Lifestyle covering an overview of: exercise, diet, sleep and stress levels
Information on current physical state
Treatment detail and assessment notes which will be recorded after each treatment/consultation.
Diarised records of appointment times
HOW WILL WE USE THE INFORMATION GATHERED?
Magnolia Lymph Support requires this information to assess and plan your treatment requirements and provide you with a safe and effective care. Additionally, the information is used to refer to at subsequent treatments in order to assess levels of improvement. The information may be shared with other health professionals should you be referred to one of these by Magnolia Lymph Support. This will only be done with your consent.
Your information will not be shared with anyone else (other than required for legal process) without explaining the reason why this is necessary and obtaining your explicit consent. The contact information you provide may be used by Magnolia Lymph Support to contact you in relation to appointment times or dialogue regarding your treatment plan.
HOW LONG IS THE INFORMATION HELD FOR?
Magnolia Lymph Support is required to keep your information for a period of 7 years after your last treatment for insurance purposes. Your data will not be transferred without your consent.
SECURITY
Magnolia Lymph Support is committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures have been put in place to safeguard and secure the information that is collected both online and on paper. Any health and personal information gathered on paper is stored securely in a locked filing cabinet.
YOUR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
Individuals are provided with legal rights governing the use of their personal data. These grant individuals the right to understand what personal data relating to them is held, for what purpose, how it is collected and used, with whom it is shared, where it is located, to object to its processing, to have the data corrected if inaccurate, to take copies of the data and to place restrictions on its processing. Individuals can also request the deletion of their personal data.
These rights are known as Individual Rights under the Data Protection Act 2018.
COMPLAINTS
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the way in which we process your personal data please make contact with Magnolia Lymph Support You also have the right to complain to the UK’s data protection supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO many be contacted via its website which is https://ico.org.uk/concerns/ or by calling their helpline on 0303 123 1113.