Mornington Peninsula Lymphoedema Clinic

05/08/2026

Pitting oedema: what can you do?

When you press the swollen area and an indentation remains, this is known as pitting oedema.

Pitting oedema is a sign of fluid accumulating within the tissues, not a diagnosis itself. Effective management begins with understanding why the swelling is occurring.

Management may include:

👣 Regular movement
Walking, ankle pumps and calf raises help activate the muscle pump and encourage fluid return.

⬆️ Elevation
Raise the affected limb when resting, ideally above the level of your heart where comfortable.

🧦 Appropriate compression
Compression garments or bandaging may help control swelling, but should be recommended following an assessment to ensure they are safe and suitable.

🧴 Good skin care
Keep the skin clean and moisturised, and monitor for cracks, wounds, redness or signs of infection.

🩺 Clinical assessment
Persistent, worsening or one-sided swelling should be investigated. Treatment must address contributing factors, which may involve the vascular disease, lymphatic dysfunction, medications or other underlying health conditions.

29/07/2026

❌ MYTH: Elevating your legs cures swelling.

Actually…

Elevation temporarily reduces hydrostatic pressure, allowing gravity to assist venous and lymphatic return. While this can reduce swelling, it does not restore impaired lymphatic function or treat the underlying pathology. If swelling consistently returns once standing or walking resumes, further assessment is recommended.

28/07/2026

❓TRUE or FALSE?

“If swelling disappears overnight, it can’t be lymphoedema.”



⬇️

(False. Early lymphoedema commonly improves overnight before becoming more persistent.)

28/07/2026

Meet Gin! 💙
Those who have had the pleasure of being treated by Gin know just how warm, caring and supportive she is.

With a wealth of experience as a myotherapist and a thoughtful approach to lymphoedema care, Gin takes the time to listen, understand your concerns and develop a personalised management plan from your very first appointment.

The Mornington Peninsula Lymphoedema Clinic is for the assessment, management and treatment of Lymph

26/07/2026

❌ MYTH: Drinking less water reduces swelling.

Actually…

Your body relies on adequate hydration to maintain normal fluid balance. When you’re dehydrated, blood volume decreases and hormones such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone increase to conserve water and sodium. This can encourage fluid retention rather than reduce it.

In addition, the lymphatic system depends on normal tissue fluid dynamics to collect and return excess interstitial fluid back to the bloodstream. Restricting fluids does not “dry out” swollen tissues and is not an effective treatment for lymphoedema or most chronic oedema.

The Mornington Peninsula Lymphoedema Clinic is for the assessment, management and treatment of Lymph

23/07/2026

💙 Every patient deserves someone who genuinely cares. Meet Deborah Hill

23/07/2026

✈️ Before your next flight, read this. Your legs will thank you.

Long periods of sitting, cabin pressure and reduced movement can all cause fluid to pool in your legs and feet. For most people it’s temporary, but if you have previously noticed swelling during and after flights or already have vascular or lymphatic dysfunction then here are some simple ways to help:

✅ Stay hydrated. In fact be as hydrated as possible prior to your flight. Dehydration can actually make fluid balance more difficult for your body.
✅ Perform 20-30 ankle pumps/calf raises or write the alphabet with your feet while seated to activate your calf muscle pump every 30mins or more if needed.
✅ Stand up and walk the aisle for 2-5 mins every 1–2 hours or when possible.
✅ Avoid crossing your legs for long periods.
✅ Limit alcohol, which contributes to dehydration.
✅ Wear well-fitted compression socks 🧦 these need to be graded, this mean tighter at the bottom and not restrictive at the top or they won’t be comfortable or effective. We can help with this part!
✅ If you already experience swelling, put your compression garment on before your swelling starts—ideally before leaving home.
✅ Book in for a treatment with MPLC pre and post your trip to ensure getting back to your best asap.

✈️ After your flight, if possible elevate your legs for 20–30 minutes and go for a short walk with your compression socks on to help your circulation and lymphatic system.

21/07/2026

The 5pm Foot check 👣

Take your shoes off after work today.

If one foot:
• feels tighter
• leaves sock marks
• is harder to fit into your shoe
• looks puffier than it did this morning

…it may be worth having it assessed.

Some mild swelling in both feet or ankles after a long day of standing can be normal and often settles overnight when you’re lying down.

However, persistent swelling, pitting oedema (where pressing your finger leaves an indent), or swelling affecting one foot or leg only is not something to ignore. These signs may indicate an underlying issue with your lymphatic or venous system and should be investigated.

Early assessment can lead to earlier and more effective treatments!

16/07/2026

🌿 Your Diaphragm: One of Your Body’s Most Powerful Lymphatic Pumps

Unlike your heart, the lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump. Instead, it relies on movement, muscle contractions and deep diaphragmatic breathing to keep lymph fluid moving.

Every slow, deep breath creates gentle pressure changes within your chest and abdomen that helps facilitate lymphatic and venous return, encouraging the movement of lymphatic fluid back into the circulation.

This is why breathing exercises are an important part of lymphoedema management.

ALSO

During Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), if clinically appropriate we treat the abdomen. This area contains important central lymphatic pathways, including the cisterna chyli, where lymph from the legs, pelvis and abdomen collects before travelling through the thoracic duct.

Combined with diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal MLD helps support your body’s natural lymphatic drainage.

🩵 Breathe deeply. Move often. Keep your lymph flowing.

08/07/2026

At MPLC we stock the range of MooGoo Skin Care, ideal to soothe and relieve dry skin areas, chaffing and areas that have undergone treatment or reactive after treatments..
MP Lymphoedema Clinic