What is Lymphoedema?

Understanding Your Body's Call for Balance

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing...

In simpler terms, lymphoedema is edema (swelling) of the Lymph (Lymph fluid/lymphatic system.

But what is actually happening in the body?

The circulatory system (blood) delivers nutrients and fluid to your body's cells through the arteries. Most of this fluid is returned to the heart via the veins, but not all of it. The leftover fluid stays in the tissues, and that's where the lymphatic system steps in. Its job is to maintain fluid balance and clean up waste, debris, and toxins, which are then filtered through your lymph nodes - your body's "processing plants".

When the lymphatic system is blocked or becomes overwhelmed and can no longer drain fluid effectively, it fills up. This prevents any more fluid from entering, causing the excess to build up in the surrounding tissues. As a result, fluid collects under the skin, leading to swelling - this is known as lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema often develops quietly. You may not notice anything at first - just a sense of tightness, heaviness, or discomfort. But beneath the surface, your body is working hard to adapt to a disrupted flow.

The good news? When you understand what's happening, you can take simple, empowered steps to support your body and ease the swelling.

The Lymphatic System - Your Body's Unsung Hero

Your lymphatic system is a vast network of vessels and nodes that:

• Drain excess fluid from tissues

• Filter out toxins, waste, and pathogens

• Support immune function and heating.

Unlike blood, which is pumped by your heart, lymph fluid relies on movement, muscle contractions, and proper vessel function to flow.

How Does Lymphoedema Happen?

Lymphoedema often develops when lymph nodes are removed or damaged, usually due to:

• Surgery (such as cancer treatment where lymph nodes are removed)

• Radiation therapy

• Injury or trauma

• Infections or inflammation

Here's what happens step by step:

1. Lymph nodes removed or damaged creates a blockage

2. A surgical drain is often placed in the body where the lymph nodes have been affected to remove excess fluid from the site - but once removed, scar tissue can form, disrupting normal flow. Scar tissue also builds up in the surgery site interrupting the flow of lymph fluid.

3. Blood circulation continues to deliver fluid to the area.

4. Lymph vessels fill up but the fluid get stuck as it cannot push past the blockage.

5. Without lymphatic drainage, fluid builds up in the tissues, especially in gravity-prone areas like arms or legs.

6. This leads to swelling, discomfort, and tissue changes over time.

​An Example: Removal of lymph nodes in Breast Cancer Treatment

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoedema

You might first notice:

• A feeling of fullness, tightness, or heaviness

• Swelling that comes and goes

• Discomfort, soreness in the area around surgical/lymph node site.

• Difficulty moving the affected limb.

• Skin that feels different - tight, dry or thick.

  If unmanaged, the fluid thickens and builds up, leading to:

• Persistent swelling (especially in the hands, feet, or extremities)

• Fibrosis (hardening of tissue)

• Increased risk of infection

Why Understanding Matters

When you know how your lymphatic system works, you can make more informed, compassionate choices. The body isn't 'failing' - it's asking for support.

By encouraging gentle movement of lymph fluid, you help it find new pathways to healthier lymph vessels, where it can be processed and eliminated naturally.

This is where true healing begins - not with force, but with flow.

Next: Supporting the Body with the Right Tools

Our DP-Tx technology targets the area of the blockage. Our simple, wearable support inserts can help guide lymphatic fluid where it needs to go, relieve swelling, and work with your body, not against it.

Click here to learn more about how DP-Tx works, or click here to see the Bra Insert product.