Lymphoedema: Risk, Monitoring & Treatment Explained

Living with or being at risk of lymphoedema can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that with the right knowledge, monitoring, and early support, you can reduce its impact on your daily life.

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a long-term condition that causes an abnormal build-up of fat cells, usually in the legs and sometimes the arms. It mostly affects women and is often misunderstood or not diagnosed for many years.

Many people with lipoedema have been told they just need to diet or exercise more — but this is not the whole story. Lipoedema is a genetic condition that does not respond to diet and exercise in the same way as normal body fat does.

Knowing you have lipoedema can feel empowering — it’s not your fault.

Although cording can be frustrating, it is very treatable. With the right care, it can be resolved or well managed so you can move freely and focus on recovery.

If you’ve noticed tightness, pulling, or loss of mobility after surgery, you don’t need to push through it. Getting help early can make recovery smoother and more comfortable.

👉 If this sounds like something you’re experiencing, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to support you through it.

Regular, tailored exercise can help you feel better physically and emotionally — and even improve outcomes during and after cancer treatments.

Books on My Shelf for Cancer Rehab

When it comes to supporting people through and beyond cancer treatment, I truly believe knowledge is power — and clarity. Over the years, I’ve collected trusted books that help spark thoughtful conversations with my clients.

Feeling constantly drained? Cancer-related fatigue is real—and not something you just have to ‘put up with’.

If you’re running on empty, know this: there are ways to recharge your battery. Small changes to sleep, movement, rest and nutrition really add up—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Resources, information and links to support you or your loved ones navigate a health challenge.

The following article will outline some of the potential challenges related to cancer recovery that I come across in my practice as a cancer rehab physio. My hope is that if you are aware of these challenges, you alongside your physio will be better able to make decisions that suit you and this awareness will allow your rehab plan to be individualised so that you get to where you want to go.

Listen to Karen’s podcast outlining her breast cancer journey and messages of hope.

When you are facing a health challenge, find the support you need from healthcare professionals AND cultivate your personal relationships.

It is almost inevitable to have problems, and frustrations during your experience of a healthcare system - use this guide to support you.

A toolbox of support services that can be of use to you now or in the future as you navigate your health journey.

Take a read to find out step by step what cancer physio entails.

Ensure you are aware of what makes you feel good and what doesn’t. Make conscious decisions to live your very best you and remember you are ‘simply more lovely every year’.

What to do when we feel stuck between two seemingly difficult and complicated choices.

In order to love and give to others you need to like and love yourself first.

How to truly live in the face of a diagnosis.

Eight steps to inviting more love into your life right now.

Perhaps now is the time to ask yourself, “am I stuck right now?” and “what am I going to do about it?”

Sometimes in order to create change, you need to ask new questions.