Lymphoedema early intervention at Calm Physiotherapy is a specialised screening and risk-reduction service designed to detect fluid changes before swelling occurs. By using advanced L-Dex bioimpedance technology, we help cancer survivors proactively prevent clinical lymphoedema.
Worrying about the development of lymphoedema after cancer treatment is incredibly common, but catching the subtle, early signs makes a profound difference. At Calm Physiotherapy, we utilize the Lymphoedema Index (L-Dex screening)—a gentle, non-invasive bioimpedance spectroscopy test—to monitor individuals who are at risk. This advanced technology allows us to pick up microscopic fluid shifts before any visible swelling occurs, giving us the opportunity to implement simple, highly personalised risk-reduction strategies.
Our specialised lymphoedema physiotherapists are here to guide, support, and reassure you through every stage of your post-cancer journey. Kate Alkemade focuses heavily on lymphoedema physiotherapy and early intervention immediately following a cancer diagnosis, helping you navigate the early stages of recovery safely. Working alongside her, Jennifer Romanczukiewicz brings extensive experience as a lymphoedema physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Physiotherapy Group Member to provide targeted rehabilitation. Together, they address critical physical factors like post-operative swelling, joint inactivity, and tight scar tissue in the neck, armpit, or groin to ensure your lymphatic system functions optimally.
If you are concerned about developing lymphoedema and want to have the best chance of reducing your risk of this chronic condition, Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (L-Dex) monitoring is the best test available.
Extensive research has been conducted into lymphoedema prevention methods and early detection. The largest randomised control study on this compared the use of tape measurement monitoring to L Dex over a 3 year period. The PREVENT study found that 92% of people who were monitored with L Dex measurements did not go on to develop chronic lymphoedema compared to 80% of those who underwent tape measurement only monitoring.
Click here to find out more about the prevent study
The U400 L-Dex test is simple, safe, and painless.
You’ll be asked to remove shoes, socks, and any jewellery on your arms and legs. While you lie comfortably on a bed, small electrode pads are placed on hands and feet. The device then sends a very low-level electrical current through your body — you won’t feel a thing — to measure fluid levels.
The test takes just a few minutes and gives us important information to help monitor and protect against lymphoedema.
It is important that before your test you do not:
Complete vigorous exercise within 2 hours prior
Drink alcohol within 12 hours prior
Drink caffeine within 2 hours prior
Ideally you should have an L- Dex measurement completed prior to starting cancer treatment. This will let us know your baseline fluid level in your limb.
After this, we complete measures every 3 months for the first 3 years followed by every 6 months until 5 years post operatively.
If you notice heaviness or feelings of tightness in your at risk limb you should also attend for additional measurements.
The normal range for an L-Dex score is between -10 and +10. Values greater than +10 can indicate lymphedema. Values which have increased by more than 6.5 units from a baseline measurement can also indicate early stages of lymphedema.
Our Physiotherapists will consider your history when interpreting the L-Dex values and use the score as an aid in their clinical assessment of lymphedema.
You will be prescribed a suitable compression garment to wear on your affected limb for 4 weeks, 12 hours per day.
After 4 weeks, your L Dex measurement will be re-taken. If it has reduced and your symtpoms have subsided you will be able to remove the garment.
If you are unsure if an L Dex measurement is appropriate for you, please call our clinic prior to booking. Where L Dex is unsafe, tape measure limb volume measurements will be taken to monitor your condition.
At Calm, we provide compassionate, expert physiotherapy tailored to your needs. Take the first step towards better health today.
