To make an appointment and to enquire about fees, please call 02 8514 0038 (leave a message) or email livingroom@lh.org.au.
Welcome
Lymphoedema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid due to malformation or trauma to the lymphatic system. It is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Lymphoedema therapy centres on empowering patients to manage their chronic condition through structured reduction and management phases. It offers a broad range of therapies including:
- Early intervention screening following cancer surgeries
- Education on prevention
- Assessment of new and chronic oedemas
- Exercise prescription
- Compression bandaging
- Compression garment prescription – custom made and ready to wear products
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Kinesiotaping
- Scar management
- Self-management techniques
Lymphoedema Screening and Group Sessions
The LivingRoom is offering free lymphoedema screening and education group sessions throughout 2025.
Lymphoedema Monthly Education Group
Join our monthly education sessions to learn about lymphoedema prevention, assessment, and treatment options. Understand your potential risk and gain the skills to recognise early signs of lymphoedema for timely intervention.
Free Lymphoedema Screening
Breast cancer patients can access free lymphoedema screenings run by The LivingRoom in Clinic B (Level 2). This is a drop-in clinic, no appointments required.
These sessions run every Thursday between 10am – 11am & 2pm – 4pm.
Meet our team
B. App. Sc. (Physio), M. App. Sc. (Cardio Pulm Physio), Post. Grad. Cert. (Continence & PF Rehab), ALA accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner
Member: ALA, APA
Wendy Holmes worked for many years in the public hospital system after graduating as a physiotherapist in 1986. She has gained a wealth of experience in treating patients with a wide range of conditions. In 1996 she completed a Masters of Applied Science degree in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. While working in respiratory medicine and intensive care medicine she developed an interest in continence issues, especially in relation to chronic cough. After working in Maternity wards at two private hospitals she decided to expand her interests to all aspects of men’s and women’s health and undertook post-graduate training at the University of Melbourne in continence and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Wendy has a keen interest in post-prostatectomy incontinence and pelvic floor issues associated with pelvic radiation treatment. The impacts of cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy on bladder, bowel and sexual function are often difficult to talk about. Wendy believes strongly that patients should not suffer in silence. She aims to support her patients with compassion, education and practical advice to reduce symptoms and promote quality of life.
Jessica is a physiotherapist who specialises in treating lymphoedema. She graduated from the University of Sydney in 2008 and began her career as a rotating physiotherapist, seeing patients from wards including intensive care, cardiothoracics, orthopaedics, respiratory, neurology and rehabilitation. Jessica’s focus is now on educating patients on lymphoedema and identifying those who are at risk so that they can be treated early on in their cancer journey. She aims to provide a positive and supportive environment where patients can seek advice and learn techniques to self-manage their lymphoedema. This can involve making patients more comfortable, restoring function and enabling them to get back to doing the things they love.
B.App.Sc(OT)NLPR, DRM, OMT
Sandy has been a clinician, educator and researcher within the Supportive Care team at Chris Obrien Lifehouse since 2015. She has a passion for early intervention and has been instrumental in establishing the lymphoedema early intervention program (LEAP) to educate and support patients through their diagnosis.
Sandy’s combined and diverse years of experience afford her a wide perspective on the many challenges a cancer diagnosis can have on a person. This has led to speaking at industry events, podcasts and education seminars, and exploring lymphoedema research to inform best practice and information.
Sandy has a lifetime interest in fitness and nutrition, and particularly enjoys encouraging patients to act and make changes to their overall wellbeing.
MPhysio, MProfKin, HBKin, LymphAccLvl1
Alyssa is a lymphoedema physiotherapist with a background in physiotherapy and exercise physiology, specialising in cancer rehabilitation. With years of experience, Alyssa has developed a comprehensive approach to managing cancer-related lymphoedema and supporting recovery for patients throughout their cancer treatment.
Alyssa’s cancer rehabilitation practice spans a range of cancer types, including breast, head and neck, gynaecological, prostate, melanoma and sarcoma. Through personalised care plans, Alyssa addresses the specific needs of each patient, focusing on minimising the side effects of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Rehabilitation goals often include reducing swelling, restoring range of motion, alleviating pain, and strengthening the body through treatment.
To make an appointment and to find out the full range of our fees, please call 02 8514 0038 (leave a message) or email livingroom@lh.org.au.
We are here to help you so if you are having financial hardship please contact us. Our main priority is to care and support you, that is what we do.
Patients who are referred by their GP under a management or care plan may be entitled to claim a rebate either from Medicare or their private health insurance, depending on level of cover.
We look forward to hearing from you.