Did you know that many lymphoedema therapists around the world use light therapy to treat their clients? Light therapy, such as the SYMBYX devices, can be used to treat pain and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions. By triggering a cascade of beneficial biochemical processes inside the body (e.g. encouraging ATP production), particular wavelengths of light at specific dosages enhance the body’s natural capacity to heal.
But don’t just take our word for it, hear real stories of relief from real people. Below is a collection of testimonials from lymphoedema therapists using light therapy on their clients, as well as people with lymphoedema who have found relief through light therapy. We’ve also included a case study of a therapist who used it on their client!
To hear more about light therapy for lymphoedema, read on.
Christina Paxon, lymphoedema therapist from South Australia
"I'm a lymphoedema therapist and I have been using the PhysioCare for a few months on clients, family and myself. I have been impressed with the results I'm seeing, especially reduction in pain and inflammation, and softening of fibrous tissues. I have found it useful in the treatment of pain and tightness associated with cording post breast cancer surgery, and it greatly reduced the pain in my mother's arthritic fingers. The unit itself is easy to use, comfortable to hold and it's also easy to clean between clients. Customer service has been outstanding from first contact with SYMBYX and I continue feeling very well supported by the team."
Angela, person with lymphoedema from the United Kingdom
"I am rather motivated to improve the condition of the lymphedema on my legs. Having had chemo 12 years ago I am determined to improve the outlook on my skin. I have noticed that within a few weeks of using the SYMBYX Duocare the tender areas around my left ankle had healed. I therefore did not need to use the betnovate cream any more. I was very encouraged by that. The circumference of my calf has reduced from 41 cm to 39 cm while on the first protocol. After the two week break there has been no increase in the circumference.
It has been a really busy time combining the Duocare followed by the compression boots, then wrapping both legs with the foot wrap and lower leg wraps. I use crepe bandages first before applying the wraps as the synthetic sleeves cause an irritation on my skin. Keeping the leg wraps on for most of the day has been very beneficial.
The condition of the skin on my left leg has improved and the initial bubbling has disappeared. No more leaking as well.
The new protocol is quite easy to handle and I find using the Duocare first thing after breakfast the best time. I have been helped tremendously by you with your patience and encouragement, and I thank you for that."
Avril, lymphoedema therapist from Victoria, Australia
"I purchased a SYMBYX DuoCare in May 2023 having used a RianCorp for about 20 years in my Lymphoedema Practice. It is well known that treatment of lymphoedema is often complex. I see the addition of the SYMBYX DuoCare as an exceptional tool offering another dimension to treatment plans. It has transformed my practice as seen below.
I really appreciate the ability to choose the depth of the penetration of light, the automatic time frames associated with these, and the 10 min cut off. For me it has made a huge difference offering a more flexible, nuanced and targeted method of treating a variety of tissues. Eg wounds, abdominal scars/ adhesions.
During a treatment, I mainly use 2 techniques ‘spot’ (1 spot for a given period) and tracking/scanning (following the lymphatic pathways slowly), e.g. tracking lateral lower leg ankle to knee then spots at popliteal fossa. Initially it’s useful to follow the prescriptive recommendations however, with experience one can be less constrained.
Since I purchased the SYMBYX DuoCare, my treatment sessions have shortened as there’s more watt delivery.
In most cases clients only want to see me weekly (a block of 4-5 sessions), in spite of this, positive results are evident. Often the recommendations are to have every other day treatments. Tissues become softer, joint & muscle pain are relieved and circumferential measurements are often reduced. On occasions there is little to report, one needs to reassure clients that cellular changes have occurred, this can be tricky especially when clients are funding the treatment.
As there’s a massive body of scientific evidence behind PBM, one can be confident with explanations –
- Reduction in inflammatory tissues
- Normalising sub-optimal cellular behaviour due to the swelling (tissue softening)
- Surgical scars & adhesions soften or resolve
- Pain reduction or resolution
I have appreciated the exceptional after sales support SYMBYX has offered with one to one contact, the general webinars and newsletters. The hand book is well thought out providing comprehensive technical & clinical information & advice.
I am pleased to extol the virtues of SYMBYX to anyone who will listen!
***************************************************************************
Case Study of a Client Treated with Lymphoedema from Avril:
Most of my clients are elderly.
One outstanding result occurred with one of my female clients (73 yrs).
Diagnosis: 2005 Endometrial adenocarcinoma
Treatment: surgery, brachytherapy
Lymphoedema: visible onset 8 years post-surgery – abdominal, left leg swelling and intermittent genital leakage
Lymphoedema Treatment/management: compression garments (stockings, cycle pants), sports pads, mobiderm, SIPC pump
Photobiomodulation( PBM): RianCorp, Pulse Laser, SYMBYX DuoCare - 2 blocks of treatment May & September 2023.
Results:
- Tissue changes: Leg shape changed at ankle(collar reduced), thigh less engorged soft pliable; Half of the abdominal area (horizontally, below naval to waist) changed from engorged tissue to soft & pliable
- Circumferential measures: fairly stable
- Leakage episodes:
- Pre SYMBYX DuoCare Treatment
- July 2022 - April 2023 - 2 to 7 episodes a month; total approx 32 episodes
- Post SYMBYX DuoCare Treatment
- 2023 May to September: 1 to 4 episodes a month; August no episodes; total episodes 7
- 2023 September to March 2024: 1 to 3 episodes a month; total 10 episodes
Client self-care:
PBM: Client now owns a Pulse Laser which is used when needed; initially used for arthritic and pain; takes it with her when travelling o/seas
Compression garments: Worn daily, Venosan round knit Class 3 thigh high stocking; 2XU leggings &/or cycle pants; sports pads are most effective. Sheet mobiderm for abdominal area used irregularly
SIPC: Used almost daily; with or without compression garments or leggings as liners
Client is tentatively very happy with the outcomes. [so is the therapist! ;) ]
Conclusion
If you have any questions about using light therapy for lymphoedema, feel free to reach out to the team. Hope to connect soon!