This website is intended to provide awareness, guidelines and available treatments for Lymphoedema in Ireland.

We operate on a very busy Lymphoedema service since 2009 from our Physiofit Woman Clinic in Sandyford, Co. Dublin. We see patients who are looking for Lymphoedema support and treatment with the goal of reducing their swelling, optimising limb function and increasing general well-being.

It is estimated that around 15,000 Irish people are suffering from Lymphoedema.

There is no cure for Lymphoedema but there are a series of therapies that can help prevent Lymphoedema from getting worse and even reduce the swelling and discomfort in some cases. Lymphoedema is a lymphatic condition that requires long term maintenance and Physiofit Woman is here to support you at every step of your journey.

What exactly is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the interstitium of the skin caused by an insufficiency in the lymph vessel system.

If the normal lymphatic flow is impaired or compromised there is a big risk of developing Lymphoedema. It is easy to understand that cancer patients who are submitted to oncology surgery where the removal of lymph nodes and therapy such as radiation is present, are more prone to develop Lymphoedema. Also any obstruction, injury or trauma to the lymph vessels can originate Lymphoedema. All of these situations mentioned above are part of what it is classified as Secondary Lymphoedema.

Primary Lymphoedema is when there is a congenital malfunction or deficiency of the lymph vessels or nodes during fetal development. In other words we can be born with Lymphoedema.

More details regarding the types of Lymphoedema, other conditions such Lipoedema and the treatments we provide in our clinic are available below.

Primary Limphoedema

What is Primary Lymphoedema? What is Congenital Lymphoedema? What is Praecox Lymphoedema? What is Tarda Lymphoedema?

Secondary Limphoedema

What is Secondary Lymphoedema? What Are the Causes of Secondary Lymphoedema? Surgery, Radiotherapy, Infection, Trauma...

Lipoedema

What is Lipoedema? What Are the Causes of Lipoedema?  Change in Hormone Levels during Adolescence, Pregnancy, or Menopause

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage? What Conditions Does manual Lymphatic Drainage Treat? What Conditions Can MLD Help With?

Bandaging

What is Bandaging for Lymphoedema? How is Bandaging Being Applied? What Are the Most Common Type of Bandages?

Pressotherapy

What is Pressotherapy? What Conditions is Pressotherapy Recommended for? Lymphoedema, Cellulite, General Pain...

Compression Therapy

What is Compression Therapy? What is Compression Therapy Recommended for? Lymphoedema, Thrombosis, Vascular Surgery...

Exercise

What is the Relation Between Exercise  and Lymphoedema? Does Exercise Reduce the Risk of Developing Secondary Lymphoedema?

Post-Cancer Massage

What is Post-Cancer Massage? What Are the Benefits of Post-Cancer Massage? What Are the Conditions Post-Cancer Massage is for?

 

Deborah Fernandes, MISCP

Deborah Fernands

As a pioneer in Women's Health in Ireland, Deborah Fernandes, MISCP  is a Chartered Physiotherapist in Women's Health and a qualified and experienced Lymphoedema Therapist.

With over 20 years of experience, Deborah created Physiofit Woman clinic in Sandyford and provides physiotherapy and classes in her clinic and Physiolates classes in her Studio in Inchicore.

What Makes Us Unique

Over 20 years of experience in Women's Health including Lymphoedema care and management

 

Latest treatments, currently in use by international standards with Continuous Professional Development

 

100% Hands-on Treatments - Visible improvements after first visit