The Lounge

At The Lymphoedema Lounge, we provide comprehensive assessment and management of a range of swelling conditions using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the internationally recognised gold standard.

Our approach combines manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care, and personalised exercise programs to reduce swelling, improve mobility, and prevent progression.

We treat swelling caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Primary and secondary lymphoedema

• Post-cancer treatment (including post-lymph node removal, chemotherapy and radiotherapy)

• Chronic venous insufficiency and leg swelling

• Post-traumatic or post-surgical swelling

• Inflammatory or autoimmune-related swelling (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, post-infection)

Our goal is to provide early intervention, symptom relief, and long-term management, tailored to each individual’s needs. We also integrate advanced assessment tools, such as SOZO Bioimpedance Spectroscopy, to monitor fluid levels and guide personalised treatment plans.

We provide support for individuals recovering from cancer, including education, management of surgical scarring, swelling, restoration of range of motion, and strategies to address fatigue. Our holistic approach ensures you regain mobility, strength, function, and confidence in daily activities.

Oncology Physiotherapy

• Breast

• Gynaecological

• Colorectal

• Osteosarcomas

• Prostate

• Melanomas

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy

Assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Upper limb, lower limb and spinal injuries

• Post-operative rehabilitation

• Joint or muscle pain, postural concerns, and injury rehabilitation.

Treatment integrates

• Hands-on therapy

• Dry needling

• Evidence-based exercise with a foundation in Clinical Pilates.

• Personalised strength programs to support confidence, resilience, and long-term recovery.

What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic, progressive disorder characterised by the abnormal and symmetrical accumulation of fat, primarily in the lower body—particularly the hips, thighs, and calves—and sometimes the upper arms. This condition predominantly affects women and is often misdiagnosed as obesity.

Unlike general obesity, lipoedema fat cells exhibit abnormal growth patterns. Dr. Ramin Shayan’s research has identified a unique stem cell in lipoedema tissue that drives this excessive and uncontrolled fat cell proliferation, distinguishing it from typical fat cells. These cells lack the normal regulatory mechanisms, leading to rapid and unregulated fat accumulation.

Signs and Symptoms

• Bilateral and symmetrical tissue enlargement (hands and feet are not affected)

• Often accompanied by pain and extreme sensitivity when pressure is applied (but not always)

• Feelings of heaviness in the legs

• Easy bruising

• Altered skin appearance, texture, and temperature

• Changes in gait, limited mobility, and muscle weakness

• Inability to change shape or lose weight despite typical lifestyle changes through diet and exercise

Our Approach at The Lymphoedema Lounge
Our comprehensive Lipoedema Assessment and Management service includes:

• Detailed history taking to understand symptom onset, triggers, and progression

• Objective clinical assessment, including measurements of affected areas and evaluation of mobility and strength

• SOZO Bioimpedance Spectroscopy for baseline fluid readings and body composition analysis, allowing early detection of changes and ongoing monitoring

• Staging and classification to identify the type and severity of lipoedema

• Education and guidance on lipoedema, self-care strategies, and treatment options

• Collaborative goal setting to optimise function, comfort, and long-term management

Treatment Strategies

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) with our in-house lymphatic therapists

• Compression Garments prescribed by our Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists

• Exercise Programming for strength and mobility with our in-house Physiotherapist

• Dietary Modification - external referrals

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and personalised strategies to manage lipoedema effectively, improve quality of life, and prevent progression.

Remedial Massage Therapy is used to treat a number of conditions affecting the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body. With the fast paced nature of our day-to-day lives, anyone can benefit from this type of massage. However, if you suffer from pain or injury in a particular area of the body, this treatment will be most beneficial to you.

Remedial Therapy can improve

• General and local aches, pains and stiffness

• Chronic pain   

• Poor Mobility

• Anxiety/Stress

• Headaches

• Sporting injuries and rehabilitation

MLD stimulates lymphatic flow and directs fluid out of an affected area and into well draining areas that are functioning normally. MLD utilises a specialised massage technique of gentle, rhythmic, skin-stretching movements that can also soften hardened (fibrotic) tissue.

See our FAQ page for further information on this treatment and preparation.

Professional fitting and prescription of compression garments to optimise comfort, reduce swelling, and support lymphatic and venous return. We provide guidance on wear, care, and garment selection.

Depending on the type of fluid present, compression bandages or garments may be prescribed.

Compression is graduated, which means the highest degree of compression is at the wrist or ankle, with pressure gradually decreasing up the limb. This helps trapped fluid (lymph) flow back into lymph vessels and drain out of congested areas. Compression also acts as an additional force for muscles to work against, pumping fluid away.

Exercise plays a vital role in the management of lymphoedema, lipoedema, and overall health and wellbeing across the lifespan. By engaging the muscles, exercise naturally stimulates the lymphatic system, promoting fluid movement, reducing swelling, and supporting circulation. Regular movement also helps maintain a healthy weight, improve muscle mass, bone density, energy levels, and enhance long-term quality of life.

At The Lymphoedema Lounge, our therapists design safe, individualised programs to meet your needs—whether you are recovering post-surgery, managing a chronic condition, or looking to stay active and strong as you age.

Our programs focus on

• Restoring movement and strength after surgery

• Improving strength, mobility, balance, posture, and conditioning

• Supporting lymphatic and overall body health

Services include

• 1:1 Pilates sessions tailored to your body and goals

• General exercise sessions for rehabilitation, conditioning, and fitness

• Small group classes (1:3 ratio) offering personalised guidance in a supportive environment

The LTU-904 low-level laser therapy (LLLT) device is a non-invasive, FDA- and TGA-cleared treatment option for lymphoedema, but also many other conditions and injuries.

Operating at a wavelength of 904 nanometers, this infrared laser penetrates deeply into tissue, stimulating cellular processes that enhance lymphatic function and reduce swelling.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the LTU-904 in reducing limb volume and improving quality of life in patients with lymphoedema.

Treatment Protocol

Treatment with the LTU-904 typically involves sessions lasting 5 to 15 minutes, applied directly to the affected area. Patients often experience improvements in pain, reduced swelling, and enhanced mobility after just a few sessions, although a series of treatments may be required for optimal results.

Incorporating the LTU-904 into a comprehensive lymphoedema management plan, alongside manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and exercise, can provide a holistic approach to symptom relief and improved patient outcomes.

Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. However, they can become tight, sensitive and raised. Early scar treatment is essential post surgery. We will show you various techniques to help manage scars to optimise scar healing following surgery or injury.

Techniques focus on

• Improving tissue flexibility

• Improving scar sensitivity

• Reducing adhesions

• Restoring movement to affected areas

• Improving the aesthetic appearance of scars

Cording refers to a rope- or cord-like structure that can develop under the skin at the axilla (armpit) post breast cancer surgery that involves the removal of lymph nodes. It may extend down the arm and in some circumstances to the wrist.

You may notice a sharp pain in the axilla, typically when the arm is stretched or raised above shoulder height. It can become thick and visible, restricting movement in the arm.

Therapy focuses on releasing cords, improving shoulder and arm mobility, and reducing discomfort.

At The Lymphoedema Lounge, we use the SOZO Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) device by ImpediMed to provide fast, non-invasive, and highly accurate assessments for lymphoedema and body composition.

How it works
SOZO uses a painless electrical signal to measure extracellular fluid (ECF) and intracellular fluid (ICF), giving insight into early swelling and lymphatic changes before visible symptoms appear.

Benefits

• Early detection of lymphoedema and fluid changes

• Tracking of swelling progression over time

• Guiding personalised treatment plans, including compression, exercise, and lymphatic therapies

• Monitoring response to treatment, helping optimise outcomes

Who it helps
SOZO assessments are suitable for individuals at risk of, or experiencing, lymphoedema, post-surgical swelling, or chronic fluid retention. It is particularly useful for:

• Post-cancer patients

• Lipoedema management

• Chronic swelling and lymphatic disorders

This technology supports our mission to provide proactive, evidence-based care and empower patients with measurable insights into their health.

We accept referrals and provide services under:

• Workers’ Compensation Queensland (WCQ)

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

• Third Party Insurers

• Private Health