A number of risk factors increase a patient’s chance of developing lymphoedema. The identification of individual risk factors and education on risk-reducing strategies are important in the overall management of patients at risk of lymphoedema. Early intervention in lymphoedema, ideally at a subclinical stage, can prevent progression to a more chronic form.

The Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) has highlighted key messages from the 5 facts article featured in the February edition of InMotion and produced this infographic. Click on the image below to access a printable A3 file. 

About the authors:

Helen Boursinos APAM is a lymphoedema therapist at Monash Health and director of Life Flow Physiotherapy in Melbourne. Helen is a member of the Australasian Lymphology Association and a committee member of the Victorian branch of the APA Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema group.

Gillian Buckley APAM MACP is an APA Lymphoedema Physiotherapist who has worked in lymphoedema management and post-cancer physiotherapy care for more than 20 years. Gillian works in private practice in Melbourne.

Lizzie Eastwood APAM is the clinical lead oncology physiotherapist at Hollywood Private Hospital in Perth. Lizzie has completed advanced training in lymphoedema, Pinc and Steel cancer rehabilitation and oncology scar therapy. She is a member of the Australasian Lymphology Association and the Western Australian branch of the APA Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema group.

Lisa Parry APAM is a certified lymphoedema and Pinc cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist working at the Mater Hospital Brisbane. Lisa has been a committee member of the Queensland branch of the APA Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema group since 2016 and is a member of Health Translation Queensland.

Dr Teresa Lee APAM MACP is an APA Cancer Physiotherapist and an APA Lymphoedema Physiotherapist. Teresa attained a PhD in physiotherapy rehabilitation of breast cancer patients in 2008. She works at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney and was the chair of the New South Wales branch of the APA Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema group from 2012 to 2019.

This infographic is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative supported by FlexEze – partner of the PRF.