Looking Back, Moving Forward – Advancements in Lymphoedema Care
The changing landscape of lymphoedema: lessons from the past, directions for the future
Maree O’Connor
Published in Journal of Lymphoedema, (Vol: 20 | Issue: 01 11 Sep 2025).
Congratulations to the Journal of Lymphoedema on 20 years of connecting health professionals with the latest advances in lymphoedema research.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this special anniversary issue and reflect on how far the field has come in two decades.
From improved understanding of the lymphatic system and innovative imaging techniques, to advances in therapeutic strategies and recognition of ageing-related lymphatic decline – the progress made has reshaped how we detect, assess, and manage lymphoedema and chronic oedema.
Key takeaways include the importance of:
- Early detection and intervention to prevent irreversible changes
- Comprehensive assessment across all causes of chronic oedema
- Personalized management strategies, including imaging-guided therapy, exercise, and compression
- Integrating care for comorbid conditions and ageing populations
- Ongoing advocacy, education, and research translation
