What do “leaky legs,” wound exudate, and chronic oedema have in common—and why do so many people continue to struggle with them despite ongoing treatment? 

In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights for Health Professionals, Maree O’Connor is joined by Stacey Bradshaw, Occupational Therapist, wound care clinician, lymphoedema practitioner, and educator, to unpack the practical realities of managing lymphorrhoea. 

Drawing on nearly two decades of clinical experience, Stacey explains why lymphorrhoea occurs, the impact it can have on skin integrity, wound healing, mobility, and quality of life, and why effective compression therapy remains the cornerstone of management. Together they explore common misconceptions, frequent treatment pitfalls, and the reasons some people experience ongoing leakage despite receiving care. 

The conversation also highlights how clinicians can confidently identify lymphorrhoea, when specialist referral is warranted, and the role accredited lymphoedema practitioners play in selecting compression solutions that are both effective and sustainable. 

If you work with people living with lymphoedema, chronic oedema, venous disease, wound complications, or age-related swelling, this episode offers practical insights that can immediately inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. 

For more episode notes, go to https://lymphoedemaeducation.com.au/2026/08/ lymphorrhoea/  

About our guest speaker - Stacey Bradshaw 

Stacey Bradshaw is an Occupational Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in lymphoedema management, chronic oedema, and wound care. She is the Owner and Lead Educator of the Australian Institute of Lymphoedema and a former Vice President of the Australasian Lymphology Association. 

Throughout her career, Stacey has led complex outpatient lymphoedema services, developed multidisciplinary approaches to lower limb oedema and wound management, and provided education and mentoring to health professionals across Australia. She holds a Master of Wound Care from Monash University and represents Wounds Australia on the European Wound Management Association’s International Expert Working Group for Compression Therapy. 

Stacey is recognised for her practical, evidence-informed approach to compression therapy, oedema management, and wound care, making her a sought-after clinician, educator, and speaker in the field. 

Sponsor

This episode of Lymphoedema Insights is proudly supported by Essity.

Through JOBST and Cutimed, Essity Health & Medical supports the management of lymphorrhea by combining compression and advanced wound care solutions. Compression garments such as JOBST FarrowWrap and Elvarex Soft help control oedema, while Cutimed Sorbion superabsorbent dressings manage heavy fluid leakage, and Cutimed Sorbact safely reduces bacterial load.

Together, these solutions form part of Essity’s comprehensive lymphoedema portfolio.

To explore the full range and clinical resources, visit medical.essity.com

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES) 

LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills. 

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/ 

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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  

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES) 

LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills. 

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/ 

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025 

Head and neck lymphoedema remains one of the most challenging and often under-recognised consequences of head and neck cancer treatment. In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights for Health Professionals, Maree O’Connor is joined by Dr Amanda Pigott, Advanced Occupational Therapist and Clinical Specialist in Cancer-Related Lymphoedema, to explore the evolving role of the lymphoedema practitioner in this complex area of care. Together they discuss practical approaches to multidisciplinary collaboration, strategies for building referral pathways, supporting patient self-management, and maintaining evidence-informed practice. Drawing on extensive clinical experience, Amanda shares valuable insights into the functional, psychosocial and long-term impacts of head and neck lymphoedema, providing clinicians with practical ideas to strengthen assessment, advocacy and patient-centred care across a range of practice settings.

 

About our guest speaker – Dr Amanda Pigott
Amanda is an Advanced Occupational Therapist and Clinical Specialist in lymphoedema at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where she works within the cancer-related lymphoedema service. She has more than 25 years' experience as an occupational therapist, with extensive expertise in oedema and lymphoedema management across cancer, acute care and rehabilitation settings.

Amanda has led multidisciplinary lymphoedema services, trained allied health professionals across Australia, and continues to contribute to advancing practice through education, research and clinical leadership. She is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Queensland and remains actively involved in the Australasian Lymphology Association through its research and conference committees.

Join Amanda live. Dr Amanda Pigott will also be joining the Q&A panel for our upcoming webinar, Spotlight on Internal Head and Neck Lymphoedema: Assessment and Management, on Tuesday 21 July 2026. It's a great opportunity to ask questions, hear from an expert panel and deepen your understanding of this important area of practice. Register here: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/all-courses/internal-head-and-neck-lymphoedema/

Sponsor
This episode of Lymphoedema Insights for Health Professionals is proudly supported by Essity. Their JOBST JoViPak Chin Strap is designed to manage swelling of the neck, mandible, and face, while comfortably accommodating the ears. When paired with the JoViPak Neck Pad, clinicians can achieve more effective compression for bilateral oedema, including challenging areas around and behind the ears. 

Adjustable, comfortable, and suitable for overnight use, these solutions support patient compliance while helping to reduce swelling and address fibrotic tissue. These products form part of Essity’s broader JOBST portfolio, providing clinicians with comprehensive options for lymphoedema management across a range of presentations. 

To explore the full range and access clinical resources, visit jobst.com.au. 

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025  

In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights, Maree speaks with Helen Eason, a physiotherapist specialising in lymphoedema and lipoedema management. Together, they explore the role of compression therapy in lipoedema care, highlighting the need for individualised assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. 

The conversation unpacks when compression may be appropriate, when it may be deferred, and how factors such as inflammation, pain, and metabolic health influence decision-making. Helen also discusses the impact of misinformation, particularly from social media, and shares practical ways clinicians can support patient understanding and engagement. 

About our guest speaker – Helen Eason 

Helen Eason is a highly experienced physiotherapist specialising in oncology rehabilitation and lymphoedema and lipoedema management. 

With over 25 years of experience, Helen is an Australian Physiotherapy Association–titled physiotherapist, an Australasian Lymphology Association–accredited lymphoedema therapist, and a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney researching lipoedema assessment. She was also among the first clinicians in Australia trained in Fluoroscopy Guided Manual Lymphatic Drainage (FG-MLD). 

As Founder and Director of Helen Eason Physiotherapy, Helen is passionate about improving access to best-practice care, supporting patients to restore function, confidence, and quality of life. She is also a respected educator and speaker at national and international conferences. 

Sponsor

This podcast is proudly supported by Haddenham Healthcare. Lipoedema presents unique challenges for compression management, including pain sensitivity, disproportionate limb shape, and long-term wear tolerance. Haddenham supports clinicians with a range of compression solutions designed for lipoedema management, including adjustable wraps, custom-made garments, and night-time compression options that support comfort, function, and adherence.  

You can find more information at www.hadhealth.com.au 

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025  

In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights, Maree speaks with neuroscientist Dr Izelle Labuschagne to explore how the brain shapes patient engagement and clinical outcomes. Drawing on her background in psychology and clinical neuroscience, Izelle explains how stress, emotional load, attention, and mental health can influence how patients process information, make decisions, and respond to treatment. 

Together, they unpack why engagement is about far more than motivation or compliance. The conversation offers practical insights to help clinicians recognise when neurological and emotional factors may be affecting a patient’s ability to absorb information or follow through with care. 

If you’ve ever wondered why some patients struggle to engage despite your best efforts, this episode provides a fascinating neuroscience perspective and practical strategies to support more meaningful and effective clinical interactions. 

About our guest speaker: Dr Izelle Labuschagne – Neuroscientist | Research Mentor | Founder, Complete Thesis Support  

Dr Izelle Labuschagne completed her PhD in clinical neuroscience at Monash University in 2011 and holds accredited training in psychology from Monash University and Swinburne University of Technology. Her work is grounded in neuroscience, with a particular focus on social cognition and emotion, and how mental health, stress, and ageing influence brain–behaviour relationships. Through Complete Thesis Support, she now works closely with PhD candidates, research students, and early-career researchers, supporting them to navigate the demands of research with clarity, confidence, and sustainability. 

Izelle has extensive experience leading human neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology research, including randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials involving antidepressants, serotonergic agents, and neuropeptides such as oxytocin. She has worked across academic and industry-sponsored research, with strong expertise in ethics, regulatory processes, and Good Clinical Practice. Today, she integrates this scientific rigour into her mentoring and entrepreneurial work, supporting researchers in navigating complex systems, producing high-quality research, and building sustainable academic or industry careers.

 

Sponsor

This episode is proudly sponsored by Medi Australia, a global leader in compression therapy and a trusted partner to lymphoedema clinicians

Medi understands that effective lymphoedema care relies on evidence-based compression, patient comfort, and long-term adherence. Their German-engineered flat-knit and circular-knit garments provide effective compression, durability, and wearability, supporting outcomes across early intervention through to chronic, complex presentations.

Medi backs clinicians with education, product support, and responsive customer service, helping improve patient solutions. Through clinical rigour and innovation, Medi continues to improve quality of life for people living with lymphoedema.

For more information, go to mediaustralia.com.au 

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025 

In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights, Maree speaks with Megan Bayliss, a mental health accredited social work supervisor with more than 30 years of experience supporting practitioners, communities, and organisations. Together, they explore why patient engagement can be so challenging in lymphoedema care—and what therapists can do to support it more effectively. 

The conversation moves beyond motivation and compliance to consider the real-world factors that influence engagement, including trust, context, readiness for change, and the pressures patients may be carrying long before they walk into the clinic. Megan shares practical insights to help clinicians navigate complex situations, ask better questions, and identify achievable supports without overwhelming patients. 

This episode offers thoughtful strategies and fresh perspectives on maintaining meaningful patient engagement in long-term lymphoedema management. 

About our guest speaker: Megan Bayliss 

Megan Bayliss is a Mental Health–accredited Social Work supervisor, researcher, and PhD candidate specialising in psychoeducation, bibliotherapy, and lived experience scholarship. She brings over 30 years’ experience as a clinical therapist, working across sexual assault services, relational practice, workforce supervision, and community-based social services in rural, remote, and international settings. 

A recipient of the prestigious CDUDES scholarship, Megan’s doctoral research explores how readers use popular psychology literature to navigate life-changing experiences, drawing on digital methodologies including online book clubs. She has held senior practice, leadership, and program development roles across health, community, and First Nations contexts, and is committed to knowledge translation that supports wellbeing, reflective practice, and community resilience. 

Sponsor: 

This episode of Lymphoedema Insights is proudly supported by OPC Health, a trusted distributor of compression and consumable products for more than 40 years. OPC Health offers a comprehensive range including Juzo, Mobiderm, Jobst, LymphaTouch, and leading bandaging, scar management and wound care products. With a global supplier network, they deliver innovative, evidence-based solutions to support clinicians and improve patient outcomes Australia wide. Their strong commitment to education ensures healthcare professionals have the knowledge and resources needed to provide high quality care. 

Learn more at https://fdl8.short.gy/OPCHealthCompression 

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025 

In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights, Maree speaks with Mary Toomey, whose unique perspective as both an experienced physiotherapist and someone living with stroke and lymphoedema brings depth and authenticity to the conversation. Together, they explore the realities of long-term management, the intersection of neurological change and lymphoedema, and the practical and relational factors that influence engagement over time. Whether you are early in your career or have decades of experience, this episode offers thoughtful reflections on listening, shared decision-making, and the subtle elements of care that shape outcomes in chronic oedema management. 

About our guest speaker: Mary Toomey 

Mary Toomey is a former physiotherapist and high-performance health leader with more than three decades’ experience across hospital care, private practice, and elite sport. After graduating in 1979, she worked extensively in high-performance environments, holding senior roles with organisations including the Melbourne Storm, Netball Australia, and the Queensland Academy of Sport, where she led multidisciplinary health and wellbeing teams supporting elite athletes.  

Following a major stroke in 2016, Mary transitioned academically into sociology and is currently undertaking a PhD exploring racism as a social determinant of health for First Nations athletes. Drawing on her clinical, managerial, and lived experience perspectives, her work focuses on the structural and social drivers of health, wellbeing, and equity, with a particular interest in how systems shape outcomes across sport and health settings. 

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025

Are you a health professional looking to stay ahead in lymphoedema management? In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights for Health Professionals, Maree O’Connor is joined by Teresa Bauer, an experienced cancer and lymphoedema physiotherapist with nearly three decades of clinical expertise. Together, they share practical tips, evidence-based strategies, and real-world insights to help you stay informed, inspired, and connected to the lymphoedema community. 

This episode explores how to integrate holistic approaches such as nutrition, sleep, and exercise to support patient empowerment and improve long-term outcomes. You’ll also gain practical advice on making the most of webinars, conferences, and professional development opportunities while balancing the demands of a busy clinical workload. Tune in for thoughtful discussion and actionable insights to elevate your lymphoedema practice. 

About our guest speaker: Theresa Bauer
Theresa is a highly experienced titled Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist with 28 years’ experience across public and private healthcare, specialising in comprehensive lymphoedema management. She combines evidence-based practice with a holistic, patient-centred approach that empowers individuals to actively engage in their care and wellbeing.

Year of Engagement Spotlight
This episode brings the 2026 Year of Engagement to life through real-world clinical practice. Theresa Bauer shares how intentional reflection, evidence-informed learning, collaboration, and small practical actions help clinicians stay engaged in lymphoedema management, even within the demands of a busy workload.

A practical reminder that engagement is not about doing more, but about making thoughtful choices that support both patient care and professional growth.

Sponsorship: 

This episode of Lymphoedema Insights is proudly supported by Medi-Rent, suppliers of high-quality intermittent pneumatic compression devices for lymphoedema care. With a commitment to clinical education and patient outcomes, Medi-Rent partners with healthcare providers across Australia to deliver evidence-based solutions that support lymphoedema management.
You can find more information at https://medirent.com.au/

Note: Sponsorship does not imply endorsement, and all educational content is developed independently to ensure it remains evidence-based and unbiased.

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025

Kick off 2026 with Engagement at the heart of your practice. In this episode, Maree O’Connor explores how actively connecting with knowledge, colleagues, and clients can turn learning into action. Discover simple ways to grow your skills, reflect on your practice, and make a meaningful impact for people living with lymphoedema and chronic oedema. This year, let engagement, curiosity, connection, and collaboration guide the change you can see.

You can take engagement further with our LES 2026 Actions for Engagement calendar. Each month offers small daily actions for big professional impact, with practical prompts to support reflection, connection, and thoughtful action in practice. Print it and keep it nearby, circle prompts that feel most relevant to you, explore examples of how prompts can be applied in practice, and check back each month to download the latest calendar and discover new ways to engage in your work.

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025

In this episode of Lymphoedema Insights, host Maree O’Connor is joined by Kate Jones, physiotherapist and lymphedema practitioner managing two private practices in Gippsland, Victoria. Kate shares her experiences setting up a lymphedema service as a newly trained clinician, highlighting the importance of accurate assessments, evidence-informed care, and building strong community and professional networks. Together, they explore strategies for mentoring, collaboration, and continuous learning, as well as practical tips on prioritizing equipment, managing complex cases, and providing accessible, high-quality care—particularly in regional areas. This conversation offers valuable insights for clinicians embarking on their lymphedema journey and anyone interested in strengthening their practice.

 

About our guest speaker – Kate Jones
Kate Jones is a physiotherapist and lymphedema practitioner based in Gippsland, Victoria, where she manages two multidisciplinary private practices. She completed her initial lymphedema training in 2022 and advanced lymphedema training in 2023 /2025. Kate is passionate about empowering clients through evidence-informed care and has successfully integrated lymphedema services into her practice. Kate is dedicated to supporting her community, particularly in regional areas, by providing accessible and high-quality lymphedema care.

Stay connected with Lymphoedema Education Solutions (LES)
LES offers a diverse range of professional learning opportunities – including online self-paced courses, face-to-face workshops, and accredited training modules – to help you build confidence in your lymphoedema management skills.

🌐 Visit the LES website to explore upcoming course dates and learn more: https://lymphoedemaedu.com/

👉 Subscribe to the LES monthly newsletter for updates, resources, and course announcements: https://lymphoedemaeducation.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=21477ad0021cc388b9c1d508b&id=65df668025