FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?
For your first treatment, please wear comfortable clothes that are easy to remove if necessary, and take with you any compression garment you may have, regardless if you wear them or not. No referral is needed.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
Your first session will be a consultation where we will ascertain the level of treatment required. You can expect to learn more about your condition and how to manage it. You will also have a lymphatic drainage massage undertaken on you. Further treatments such as measuring, bandaging, muscle relaxation, and more would be conducted in a future session.
ARE YOU A HICAPS PROVIDER?
Yes J.M Lymphoedema Clinic is a HICAPS provider.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM A DOCTOR?
No referral is necessary to book an appointment. You will however require a referral from your Doctor for your private health fund should you need to claim your bandages or a garment.
SHOULD LYMPHOEDEMA TREATMENTS BE UNDERTAKEN WHILST GOING THROUGH CHEMOTHERAPY OR MORE INTENSIVE MEDICAL TREATMENTS?
Yes you can however we would advise you discuss your intentions first with your doctor to ensure it is aligned with their treatment schedule. Please do let us know if this is the case when filling out your appointment request so we can provide as much information regarding your situation as possible.
WILL YOU BE ABLE TO CURE MY LYMPHOEDEMA?
There is no cure for Lymphoedema as it is a chronic condition. We aim to provide education, support, and treatment to manage your health so you can live life to the fullest.
IS YOUR CLINIC WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
J.M Lyphoedema Clinic is a home clinic and is therefore not commercially suitable for wheelchair access. However, please let us know in your request for an appointment as a home visit or consultation may be possible.
I HAVE LYMPHOEDEMA AND I NEED A LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE. CAN ANY THERAPIST PERFORM A LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE?
Your therapist should be trained in one of the following methods: Dr. Casley-Smith's, Dr. Foldii or Dr. Vodder's method. The Vodder's method is also taught for general purposes and the technique may be too strong for your condition. Ensure that your therapist is trained accordingly. Here at the clinic we specialise in the Dr. Casley Smith method and also the Emmett Technique which is complimentary to Lymphoedema treatments.
WHY IS LYMPHOEDEMA TREATMENT NOT RECOGNISED BY MEDICARE?
Lymphoedema treatment is not yet an item on the Medicare list. However, it is recognised as a chronic condition. You need a care plan from your doctor to be eligible for some rebate. Massage therapy is not registered with the Allied Services and therefore not participating in this program. However, massage therapy is recognised by private health funds, which also come to the party to reimburse bandaging and compression garments with the appropriate cover.
ARE COMPRESSION GARMENTS AN ITEM ON THE MEDICARE LIST?
You need to be eligible for Medicare to cover your compression garment costs. It is means tested. However, your private health fund may come to the party with a doctor's referral.
ISN'T IT TOO HOT TO WEAR COMPRESSION GARMENTS IN QUEENSLAND?
The best time to start wearing a compression garment is winter to gradually adjust to them. Some garments are available in cotton and therefore cooler and softer to wear. You have the option to buy your garment open toe or closed toe. The open toe can be worn with sandals and still looks smart. Queensland weather can be hot, and compression garments can sometimes be uncomfortable to wear if not staying in an air-conditioned environment. To cool the body down, we suggest spraying your affected limbs with cold water.
SHOULD I WEAR MY COMPRESSION STOCKINGS WHEN I EXERCISE?
Yes, you should wear your compression stockings when exercising. For an individual with chronic swelling, the skin elasticity is compromised. During exercise the blood flow increases and so does the amount of fluid in the tissue. The compression garment provides a firm skin barrier for the muscles to contract against and it forces the fluid into the veins and lymphatic vessels. Compression garments are often used by athletes to speed up their recovery time.
WILL I BECOME A FASHION OUTCAST WEARING MY STOCKINGS?
NO!!! Definitively not. The garments are now modern, elegant and stylish, made of high quality textiles. They come in a variety of colours and are designed to combine medical and fashion requirements of both men and women.
I STILL HAVE A PAIR OF "TEDDY SOCKS"(WHITE SOCKS) THAT I HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH WHEN I WAS IN HOSPITAL; CAN I WEAR THEM INSTEAD?
No, these garments are anti-embolism socks designed to prevent blood clotting while the patient is in bed and often they are not phlebologically correct. They often form a dangerous tourniquet.