Lymphoedema research: Why even bother?

Do lymphoedema health professionals need to stay up to date with the current research?

Maree O’Connor, titled Lymphoedema Physiotherapist

Research outputs on lymphoedema have grown substantially over the past decade. A quick search on Google Scholar using the terms “lymphoedema” or “lymphedema” revealed a notable increase in publications. However, it is important to note that I did not assess the relevance or quality of the research.

  • 2015 and 2020 there were 6450 results
  • 2020 and 2025 there were 7170 results

Compared to

  • 1990 and 2000 there were 771 results

But does it matter if we don’t keep up with the research as lymphoedema health professionals?

Can I stay up to date by attending a lymphoedema conference every couple of years, hearing the speakers, checking out the exhibitors, and learning from the various workshops? I have been working in this area for over 30 years. Surely, I have learned enough about clinical reasoning and prescription management from the clients/patients I have seen.

The following video might guide or confirm your answer to this question.

So, what are your answers to the three questions posed in the video

  1. How do you decide what to do with your patients?
  2. How do you know if what you do works?
  3. How will your practice update itself over time?

I am interested in your thoughts on how you would answer these questions. Feel free to provide your thoughts in the comments section below.