Paula Maas Lymphoedema Care

29/08/2026

What Causes Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema develops when the amount of fluid entering the tissues exceeds the lymphatic system’s ability to drain it effectively.

There are two main types:

Primary lymphoedema is caused by an intrinsic problem with the lymphatic system. It is often, but not always, genetic and may be present from birth or develop later in life.

Secondary lymphoedema develops when a previously functioning lymphatic system becomes impaired through damage, injury or physiological overload.

Causes and contributing factors can include:

• Surgery or removal of lymph nodes
• Radiotherapy and some cancer treatments
• Injury or trauma
• Recurrent infections, including cellulitis
• Chronic venous disease
• Heart failure and other conditions that increase fluid filtration
• Obesity
• Reduced mobility

Sometimes several factors are present together, increasing the load on the lymphatic system.

Lymphoedema can affect any area of the body, not just the arms and legs.

Persistent or unexplained swelling can have a number of causes, so appropriate assessment is important.

At Paula Maas Lymphoedema Care, I provide lymphoedema support, advice and personalised management in a private home-based clinic in St Lawrence, Essex.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, please visit my website.

20/08/2026

Signs & Symptoms of Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema does not always begin with obvious swelling. Early changes can be subtle and may come and go at first.

Signs and symptoms can include:

• Swelling or puffiness that persists or increases during the day
• A feeling of heaviness, fullness or tightness
• Clothes, shoes, jewellery or watches feeling tighter than usual
• Aching or discomfort in the affected area
• Reduced movement or flexibility
• Changes in the texture or thickness of the skin
• Repeated episodes of cellulitis or skin infection

Lymphoedema can affect any area of the body, not just the arms and legs.

Persistent or unexplained swelling can have a number of causes, so appropriate assessment is important.

At Paula Maas Lymphoedema Care, I provide lymphoedema assessment, advice and personalised management in a private home-based clinic in St Lawrence, Essex.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, please visit my website.

29/07/2026

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling when the lymphatic system is unable to drain fluid effectively. It most commonly affects an arm or leg, but can occur on any part of the body.

The condition may develop after cancer treatment involving surgery or radiotherapy, or it may be caused by changes to the lymphatic system itself.

Lymphoedema can also occur as a symptom of other medical conditions, such as chronic venous disease, heart failure, kidney failure, obesity or following trauma or recurrent infection.

Common signs and symptoms include:
• Persistent swelling
• A feeling of heaviness or tightness
• Aching or discomfort
• Reduced movement or flexibility
• Skin changes
• Recurrent episodes of cellulitis

Although lymphoedema is a lifelong condition, early assessment and appropriate management can help reduce symptoms, minimise complications and support quality of life.

At Paula Maas Lymphoedema Care, I provide comprehensive assessment and personalised management plans tailored to each individual’s needs. Treatment may include:
✔️ Compression therapy
✔️ Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
✔️ Skin care advice
✔️ Exercise and self-management education
✔️ Ongoing review and support

If you have persistent swelling or have concerns about your lymphatic health, it is important to seek an assessment to identify the underlying cause.

📍 Home-based clinic in St Lawrence, Essex
🌐 www.paulamaaslymphcare.co.uk
📞 07846 422275

Lymphatic therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) in St Lawrence Bay, supporting lymphoedema, lipoedema, and post‑surgical recovery with gentle, therapist‑led techniques. Carried out by an NHS trained Lymphoedema Nurse.

22/07/2026

Lipoedema care doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
One of the most helpful things I teach my patients is this:
👉 You don’t need to do everything — you just need to start with one thing.

There are many ways to support lipoedema, including:
• Managing inflammation through nutrition
• Soft tissue work to ease fibrosis
• Compression therapy
• Gentle movement like walking, Pilates, or aquatic exercise
• Stress management and emotional support

Every body is different, and every plan should be too.
If you’re feeling unsure, stuck, or overloaded by conflicting advice, I can help you find a realistic starting point that fits your life and energy.

What is Lipoedema? 🤔
Lipoedema is a chronic, adipose tissue disorder that is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed and mistaken for obesity or lymphoedema.
🔎 Spot the signs and learn the facts at lipoedema.co.uk
📣 Share this post and help us spread the word this June awareness month!
Together, we can make a difference. 💪

01/07/2026

Compression therapy is considered most important in making a long-term impact on the life of a lymphoedema sufferer, as it can help control the condition’s progression and prevent deterioration into worse outcomes. Our BLS compression document aims to explain lymphoedema pathophysiology and the science behind compression therapy.

https://bit.ly/4diEDWD


Want to find out more about compression therapy and how to use it effectively? Our FREE Introduction to Lymphoedema Study Day is designed for non-lymphoedema healthcare professionals to equip them with the right tools for the job.

Find out more and sign up here: https://bit.ly/3Pfox6I

15/06/2026

Thought I’d share this here — I work locally with people who have ongoing swelling, and this post explains a few reasons why it sometimes doesn’t improve on its own. Hope it’s useful.

If your swelling isn’t improving — even though you’re elevating, drinking more water, or wearing compression — it’s not your fault.

Swelling can become “stuck” for lots of reasons:

• the lymphatic system is overwhelmed
• scar tissue is slowing drainage in
• fluid is collecting faster than your body can move it
• your compression isn’t the right type or fit
• you’ve had surgery, injury or cancer treatment
• your lymphatics simply need support

This is where specialist lymphatic therapy (MLD) makes a real difference.

I help people with:

• post‑surgical swelling (tummy tuck, lipo, knee/hip surgery)
• lymphoedema or lipoedema
• cancer‑related swelling
• chronic leg swelling
• unexplained heaviness or tightness

If you’re not sure whether your swelling is “normal”, you’re welcome to message me.
A quick chat is often all it takes to understand what’s going on and what can help.

You don’t have to put up with swelling. There are options.
💬 Send a message if you’d like to talk.

15/06/2026

If your swelling isn’t improving — even though you’re elevating, drinking more water, or wearing compression — it’s not your fault.

Swelling can become “stuck” for lots of reasons:

• the lymphatic system is overwhelmed
• scar tissue is slowing drainage in
• fluid is collecting faster than your body can move it
• your compression isn’t the right type or fit
• you’ve had surgery, injury or cancer treatment
• your lymphatics simply need support

This is where specialist lymphatic therapy (MLD) makes a real difference.

I help people with:

• post‑surgical swelling (tummy tuck, lipo, knee/hip surgery)
• lymphoedema or lipoedema
• cancer‑related swelling
• chronic leg swelling
• unexplained heaviness or tightness

If you’re not sure whether your swelling is “normal”, you’re welcome to message me.
A quick chat is often all it takes to understand what’s going on and what can help.

You don’t have to put up with swelling. There are options.
💬 Send a message if you’d like to talk.

29/05/2026

🌿 LTA Fill & Flush Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) vs Beauty “Lymphatic Drainage Massage”

A calm, clear guide from Paula Maas Lymphoedema Care

At my clinic, lymphatic treatments are always evidence-based, gentle, and tailored to your individual needs. Here’s the difference between clinical lymphatic therapy and beauty-style lymphatic massage, so you can choose what’s right for you.

🌿 LTA Fill & Flush (FG-MLD)

Clinical • Mapped • Safe for swelling conditions

• Based on fluoroscopy-mapped lymphatic pathways
• Designed specifically for lymphoedema, lipoedema, post-operative swelling, and chronic oedema
• Gentle, precise techniques that follow how your lymphatic system actually drains
• Adapted safely for medical conditions and complex presentations
• Delivered by an LTA-trained lymphoedema therapist in a calm, private clinical setting

This is true lymphatic therapy — grounded in science and tailored to your body.

🌸 Beauty “Lymphatic Drainage Massage”

Relaxation • Light pressure • Wellbeing-focused

• A soothing, feel-good massage
• Not based on fluoroscopy or clinical lymphatic mapping
• Not suitable for lymphoedema, lipoedema, or post-surgical swelling
• Helpful for general relaxation, but not therapeutic for lymphatic dysfunction

Both have value — but they are not interchangeable.

Why It Matters

If you’re experiencing swelling, heaviness, or a diagnosed lymphatic condition, you need accurate, evidence-based care that supports your lymphatic system safely and effectively.

Your body deserves the right approach.

16/05/2026

🌿 Why Choose a Qualified LTA Fill & Flush Therapist?

Fill & Flush (FG‑MLD) is a modern, research‑led approach to Manual Lymphatic Drainage, developed using fluoroscopy to map real lymphatic pathways. It’s gentle, effective, and highly targeted — but only when delivered by someone properly trained.

As an LTA‑qualified therapist, I’ve completed advanced training in:

• Fluoroscopy‑guided lymphatic techniques
• Safe, accurate drainage pathways
• Post‑surgical, trauma‑related, and chronic swelling management

This means you receive evidence‑informed treatment, tailored to how your lymphatic system works.

If you want safe, effective lymphatic care from a therapist trained to the highest standard, I’m here to help.

16/05/2026

Swelling that’s persistent or intermittent — whether linked to varicose veins, recent surgery, or trauma — is always worth noticing.
These changes can be early signs that your lymphatic or venous system is under extra pressure.

At Paula Maas Lymphoedema Care, I offer specialist assessment, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), and clear, gentle guidance to help you understand what’s happening and how to support your recovery.

If you’re experiencing post‑surgical swelling, swelling after injury, or on‑off puffiness that never fully settles, you’re welcome to get in touch.

Please message or contact me through my website page.