Simple Lymphatic Drainage for Bilateral Arm Lymphoedema - Library

Simple Lymphatic Drainage forBilateral Arm LymphoedemaBreast Care UnitInformation for PatientsiUniversity Hospitals of LeicesterNHS Trust

What is Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD)?SLD is the massage used in the treatment of mild lymphoedema.Massage is used to encourage fluid to move away from theswollen arms to areas where it can drain away normally. Thereare many massage techniques—the one described in this leaflet isspecific to the treatment of lymphoedema. As lymph glands havebeen removed from both of your armpits, the fluid needs to beencouraged to drain towards lymph glands in the groins.How is SLD performed?SLD is performed using the fingers or the flat of the hand. Theamount of pressure used is very important. You should apply justenough pressure to cause the skin to move slightly. Use a strokingaction rather than pressing downwards. If your skin becomes red,this means you are using too much pressure. Your skin must bedry and free from oils or creams.Before you begin, position yourself comfortably lying down. It isimportant that you follow the steps in order. Please do not betempted to skip any of the steps or to do them in a differentorder. All movements should be slow and gentle.If your skin becomes red or the massage is causing you pain ordiscomfort, please stop the massage.Start by taking five deep breaths, breathing in through your noseand out through your mouth.All movements in the massage process should be repeated fivetimes, unless otherwise stated.2

Working on the left side in your groinPlace the side of your hand inyour groin and gently stretchyour skin in an upwarddirection, five times at each ofthe three points shown right.Start at the lowest arrow.Using light pressure, gentlystretch the skin of your lowerabdomen down towards yourgroin. Continue with gentlestretching movements,tracking your way up yourbody, moving the skin in adownwards direction, asshown right.Point 1 is from the bottom ofthe ribs down.Point 2 is from the top of theribs down.214

Working on the right side in your groinAfter completing the massage to the left side of your groin,repeat the above process in your right groin.Finishing the SLDFinish by doing the following breathing exercise:Place both hands high up on your abdomen, overlapping yourribs. Your fingers should be resting on the gap between your ribsat the front. Without arching your back, breathe in slowly anddeeply. You should feel you’re your fingers rise as your abdomenexpands. Hold for a slow count of two, then breathe out slowly.Repeat this exercise four more times. Relax for a couple ofminutes before getting up.5

How do I contact the Breast Care Nurses?We are available from Monday to Friday, between 9:00am and4:30pm. Our office telephone number is 0116 250 2513 - ananswerphone service is available on this number, but messageswill only be listened to during our working hours.To bleep us, please call the hospital switchboard on0300 303 1573, and ask the operator for bleep 2704 or 2724 (theBreast Care Nurse).6

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If you would like this information in anotherlanguage or format, please contact theService Equality Manager on 0116 258 8295Haddaad rabto warqadan oo turjuman oo ku duuban cajaladama qoraal ah fadlan la xiriir, Maamulaha Adeegga Sinaanta0116 258 8295.Eĝer bu broşürün (kitapçıĝın) yazılı veya kasetli açıklamasınıisterseniz lütfen servis müdürüne 0116 258 8295 telefonundanulaşabilirsiniz.Breast Care Information Group. Bilateral Lymphoedema. Edition 1. Produced: September 2009Reviewed: March 2012 Next review: March 2014 (Moody)4124896KR CAN148-0312