Managing Lymphoedema in Every Body
In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights, Maree is joined by Nadia Walton to explore the realities of managing lymphoedema in people living in larger bodies. This thoughtful and practical conversation moves beyond assumptions to address what truly matters in clinic: building trust, adapting assessment techniques, navigating compression challenges, and creating sustainable, realistic management plans. Together, they discuss size-inclusive language, clinician bias, manual handling considerations, compression decision-making, exercise “snacking,” and how to set patients up for long-term success without overwhelm. Whether you’re early in your career or highly experienced, this episode offers practical strategies and reflective insights to strengthen your confidence, clinical reasoning, and patient engagement when working in this often complex space.
About our guest speaker: Nadia Walton
Nadia Walton is a leading Melbourne physiotherapist specialising in size-inclusive care. With over a decade of experience in public and private healthcare, she empowers people living in larger bodies to move with confidence, strength, and joy. Nadia’s work blends evidence-based physiotherapy, lymphoedema management, and personalised movement programs to improve pain, mobility, and overall well-being, without judgement.
As founder of Laneways in Fitzroy North, Melbourne Nadia champions inclusive healthcare, guiding individuals and organisations to create environments that respect and support all body sizes. She also works at a community health lymphoedema clinic, diagnosing and managing complex lymphoedema and lipoedema. Nadia is passionate about dismantling weight stigma and building sustainable movement habits that fit each person’s life.
Sponsor
This episode of Lymphoedema Insights is proudly supported by Haddenham Healthcare, a family-owned, UK-based medical device company with a global outlook. They specialise in compression therapy for lymphoedema, designing products that integrate into patients’ daily lives. They support therapists working with clients of all body shapes and sizes, offering flexible solutions including wide-sizing options and custom garments. Made-to-order and custom flat-knit garments can include features such as grip tap openings, making therapy easier to manage for clients living with larger bodies. They innovate with purpose and partner long-term to ensure every patient is supported.
Learn more at www.hadhealth.com.au
🎧 Listen to Episode 14
Key Takeaway Messages
Build Trust and Address Stigma:
- Acknowledge the history of stigma many patients in larger bodies may have experienced in healthcare settings.
- Avoid using terms like “morbid obesity” and instead use more neutral language such as “living in a larger body” or “having obesity.”
- Focus on being an ally to the patient and avoid judgment or assumptions about their body size or lifestyle.
Tailor Assessments with Dignity:
- Slow down during assessments and prioritize the patient’s comfort and dignity.
- Use towels or coverings to ensure privacy during physical examinations.
- Consider alternative or proxy measurements if standard methods are not feasible due to mobility or body size.
Focus on Quality of Life:
- Engage patients in conversations about their goals and how lymphedema impacts their daily life.
- Use tools like visual analog scales or quality-of-life questionnaires to understand their priorities.
- Celebrate small wins, such as improved mobility or better skin health, to encourage continued engagement.
Exercise Strategies:
- Normalise small, manageable exercises like walking in the hallway or doing heel raises while waiting for the kettle to boil.
- Encourage patients to focus on consistency rather than intensity or frequency.
- Highlight the benefits of “exercise snacking”—short, simple activities throughout the day.
- Online group exercise classes can provide a safe and supportive community for individuals in larger bodies.
Compression and Skincare:
- Start with manageable compression solutions, such as foot and calf wraps, to build patient confidence.
- Collaborate with compression service providers and technicians to find the best solutions for tricky cases.
- Prioritize skincare and exercise as initial steps to improve outcomes before introducing compression therapy.
Adopt a Holistic, Client-Centered Approach:
- Address the patient’s needs and goals rather than focusing solely on weight loss.
- Emphasize overall health and mobility improvements rather than using weight as a proxy for health.
- Help patients understand that lymphedema management is a long-term process and guide them through it step by step.
Create a Supportive Environment:
- Spend time educating patients and answering their questions to empower them in their care journey.
- Foster a sense of community, especially for patients who may feel isolated or judged in traditional healthcare or gym settings.
Healthcare professionals should reflect on their own biases and work towards becoming allies for patients in larger bodies. By providing evidence-informed, compassionate care, clinicians can help patients achieve their health goals and improve their quality of life.
Catch up
🎧 Listen to all episodes of Lymphoedema Insights for Health Professionals available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
