Radiation therapy (often used as effective cancer treatment) affects the body by damaging the DNA inside cells, preventing them from dividing or functioning properly. While the goal is to destroy or shrink tumours by targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells, the nearby normal tissues can also be affected, especially those that naturally divide quickly (skin, mouth, gut lining, blood cells). After radiation, or through infection or post-surgical complications, the body may experience acute (short-term) effects such as swelling (lymphoedema), pain, fatigue, skin irritation and nausea. It is not unusual for chronic (long-term) effects to appear months or years later, like fibrosis (hardening of tissues), organ damage, lymphatic damage and reduced mobility and function. 

Rehabilitation helps address these challenges through targeted therapies that promote healing, improve physical function, and reduce long-term impact.

Our specially trained clinical team can help reduce swelling, restore range of motion, and lower the risk of infection through techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, therapeutic exercise, skin care, and education. Emerging studies over the past decade have begun to shed light on the benefits of LLLT, used in symphony with traditional techniques to improve the lived experience of healing post-cancer or trauma.

Benefits of LLLT for Lymphoedema

1. Reduces Swelling
   • LLLT can help stimulate the lymphatic system and improve lymphatic drainage, reducing fluid buildup in the affected area.
2. Decreases Inflammation
   • The therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce the discomfort, redness, and tightness commonly associated with lymphoedema.
3. Improves Tissue Health
   • LLLT may help improve tissue repair and reduce fibrosis (hardening of tissue), which is a common complication of chronic lymphoedema
4. Relieves Pain and Discomfort
   • Many patients report reduced pain and a feeling of lightness in the treated area, improving overall comfort and mobility.
5. Non-Invasive and Painless
   • The treatment is gentle, safe, and well-tolerated. It’s often used alongside other therapies like manual lymphatic drainage and compression.

Beyond managing physical symptoms, the guiding philosophy of Leading Light Rehab is to create a safe space, an oasis on your recovery journey, support emotional well-being and help you regain confidence and independence. Whether recovering from cancer, trauma, or surgery, these therapies can significantly improve quality of life and support a more complete and sustainable recovery.

The Multiwave Locked System (MLS®), developed by ASA Laser, takes the benefits of traditional laser therapy (i.e. LLLT and Class III lasers) to a higher level. Where laser is traditionally used in cosmetics and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, applying them for post-surgical and oncology care is evidence-based and highly effective. 

This technology brings two wavelengths into a single emission without any side effects, invasive measures, or pain! One wave is continuous (808nm) targeting swelling, cellular metabolism, and the other wave is pulsed (905nm) for the benefits of reducing pain, improving blood flow, and anti-inflammation. Both waves penetrate deeply into the affected tissue without heating the area to best treat oedema and encourage the healing process. Additional benefits include enhanced wound healing, scar therapy, and pain management. 

The conversion of light into biochemical energy significantly reduces pain and associated symptoms– Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT). The dual wavelength laser reduces the amount of extracellular fluid and therefore the total volume in the affected limb, thereby giving improvement to quality of life by reducing aches and pain^source. Every person’s recovery is unique to them. Your laser therapy program will be customised to best support you alongside pressure garments and your physiotherapy exercises. 

Benefits of Using MLS® for Lymphoedema

1. Non-Invasive and Pain-Free Application
   • MLS® does not use any needles or drugs, and there will be no thermal damage to the skin. We simply trace the affected area with a gentle, firm pressure. It is extremely accessible from this perspective, as there is no risk of allergy from the laser emission, and it can be used over metal implants.
2. Relieves Pain and Discomfort
   • The 905nm wavelength is designed to reduce your pain through pulsed light therapy. It is common to have an easier time with fine motor skills post laser (many patients reflect on the ease of putting on their wedding rings). The discomfort from limb swelling is reduced as the lymphatic channels are opened up, allowing for lymphatic fluid movement.
3. Promotes Wound Healing through Cellular Regeneration
   • With laser application, the energy of the cell is given a boost to accelerate tissue repair and regeneration through improved oxygenation, improved enzymatic activity and vasodilation. This is especially beneficial for wound and scar healing.
4. Inflammation reduction
   • The therapy has anti-inflammatory effects from the 808nm continuous light application, which can reduce the discomfort, redness, and tightness commonly associated with lymphoedema.

Beyond managing physical symptoms, the guiding philosophy of Leading Light Rehab is to create a safe space, an oasis on your recovery journey, support emotional well-being and help our patients regain confidence and independence in their daily lives. Whether recovering from cancer, trauma, or surgery, MLS® can significantly improve quality of life and support a more complete and sustainable recovery.

Compression therapy refers to the use of short-stretch bandages or compression garments, like an arm sleeve or a stocking, to contain the affected limb. The provided compression reinforces the skin, decreasing its compliance to swelling and maintaining the appropriate pressure for lymphatic and venous return. Some modifications in compression therapy, such as the use of foam pads, are used to soften fibrotic tissues.
Short-stretch bandaging is essential as it has lower resting pressure but greater working pressure, enhancing the joint-muscle pump in facilitating circulation with movement and preventing the pooling of fluid, especially in lower limbs.

Ideally, compression is worn for 24 hours a day. It is removed only when bathing or completing skin care and then reapplied. Both bandages and garments are hand-washed between uses and air-dried. With appropriate care, bandages can be used for months while compression garments are re-fitted every six months.