Osteopathy in Oncology and Lymphoedema
Oncology
Oncology is defined as “the study and treatment of tumours”. In medicine it is the speciality that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancers.
As an osteopath with a nursing background, I have met and treated many people who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer. I have worked with them during their active cancer treatment - the chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy stages - or many years later when they approach me for treatment of another problem.
I have found that the gentler, cranio-sacral approach is most appropriate during the active cancer treatment stages, and this can progress to deeper or stronger osteopathic treatments once the person has recovered and is fitter and stronger in themselves.
In November 2019, as part of my Continual Professional Development (CPD) cycle, I attended the North London School of Massage Oncology Massage course. This course introduces massage therapists to the art of gentle massage techniques that are appropriate for people undergoing cancer treatment. I was pleased to find that these technique approaches were not too distant from the cranio-sacral and gentler work that I had already been doing.
As an osteopath with a nursing background, I have met and treated many people who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer. I have worked with them during their active cancer treatment - the chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy stages - or many years later when they approach me for treatment of another problem.
I have found that the gentler, cranio-sacral approach is most appropriate during the active cancer treatment stages, and this can progress to deeper or stronger osteopathic treatments once the person has recovered and is fitter and stronger in themselves.
In November 2019, as part of my Continual Professional Development (CPD) cycle, I attended the North London School of Massage Oncology Massage course. This course introduces massage therapists to the art of gentle massage techniques that are appropriate for people undergoing cancer treatment. I was pleased to find that these technique approaches were not too distant from the cranio-sacral and gentler work that I had already been doing.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is defined as “localised swelling of the body caused by abnormal accumulation of lymph”.
The NHS website says “Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly.” (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lymphoedema/)
Lymph is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is composed of capillaries, vessels, and nodes. The function of the lymphatic system is to return interstitial fluid - the fluid between the cells of all the body tissues - to the venous part of the circulatory system. It also carries fat from the intestine to the liver, whereas carbohydrates and amino acids are transported by the venous system, for processing.
The lymphatic system has an important role in the immune system as it carries circulating immune defence cells and the lymph nodes help to combat foreign organisms, viruses and bacteria.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is the term used for a specialised, advanced therapy that aims to help the movement of this excess build up of lymph within the tissues. “Specialised and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques [are used] to move the skin in the direction of lymph flow” to return the excess fluid to an area where it can be collected and re-enter the general circulation. (http://www.mlduk.org.uk/therapy/)
In June and July 2021 I attended the Lymphoedema Training Academy course, The Lymphoedema Rehabilitation Programme, to learn about Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy which included understanding how to use multi-component bandaging and compression garments as well as how to perform Manual Lymphatic Drainage. (http://www.lymph.org.uk/)
I passed the course assessment and am now a registered LTA Therapist (LTA cert.) who can practise MLD, and I have become a member of MLD UK, an association of MLD practitioners. (http://www.mlduk.org.uk/about/)
The NHS website says “Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly.” (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lymphoedema/)
Lymph is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is composed of capillaries, vessels, and nodes. The function of the lymphatic system is to return interstitial fluid - the fluid between the cells of all the body tissues - to the venous part of the circulatory system. It also carries fat from the intestine to the liver, whereas carbohydrates and amino acids are transported by the venous system, for processing.
The lymphatic system has an important role in the immune system as it carries circulating immune defence cells and the lymph nodes help to combat foreign organisms, viruses and bacteria.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is the term used for a specialised, advanced therapy that aims to help the movement of this excess build up of lymph within the tissues. “Specialised and gentle rhythmic pumping techniques [are used] to move the skin in the direction of lymph flow” to return the excess fluid to an area where it can be collected and re-enter the general circulation. (http://www.mlduk.org.uk/therapy/)
In June and July 2021 I attended the Lymphoedema Training Academy course, The Lymphoedema Rehabilitation Programme, to learn about Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy which included understanding how to use multi-component bandaging and compression garments as well as how to perform Manual Lymphatic Drainage. (http://www.lymph.org.uk/)
I passed the course assessment and am now a registered LTA Therapist (LTA cert.) who can practise MLD, and I have become a member of MLD UK, an association of MLD practitioners. (http://www.mlduk.org.uk/about/)