Long distance travel (over 8 hours) by plane, bus, car or train may increase the risk of developing lymphoedema, or worsen existing lymphoedema.
It is suggested that you:
✓ Regularly exercise the affected or ‘at risk
✓ Limb by taking breaks and walking around every few hours.
✓ Wear a travel compression garment as recommended by your lymphoedema physiotherapist. If you already wear a compression garment, this may be different to your usual one.
✓ Minimise the carrying of heavy luggage and use luggage on wheels where possible.
✓ Continue your daily manual lymphatic drainage, compression use and skin care regime whilst travelling. Be sure to pack your soap-free cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, insect repellent, band aids and anti-septic cream.
✓ If you experience any of the signs and symptoms of lymphoedema, seek medical attention. These include: discomfort, heaviness, tightness, fullness, swelling, burning, itching, numbness, pins and needles, temperature changes, redness of the skin and skin indentations from clothing or accessories (such as watches, socks etc).
If you have any questions, or to book an appointment, please contact Physio For You on (02) 4392 1547.