Nicola Louise Osteopathy

23/01/2026

Long periods of sitting — such as air travel — can affect circulation in some people.

Swelling after travel should be medically assessed if it appears suddenly, affects one leg more than the other, is painful, warm, or tender, and is accompanied by feeling unwell or breathless.

As an osteopath, my role is to recognise when swelling may fall outside my scope and guide people toward appropriate medical care.

Hands-on treatment should always come after medical input when red flags are present.

21/01/2026

Not all swelling should be treated straight away.

Some types of swelling — such as pitting oedema — can be linked to circulatory or systemic causes that require medical assessment.

As a healthcare professional, my role is to recognise when swelling may fall outside my scope of practice.

My responsibility is to identify when further medical input is needed before any hands-on treatment is considered.

Safe care always starts with knowing when not to treat.

19/01/2026

Swelling is one of the most common reasons people come to see me.

Lymphoedema is one cause — but it isn’t the only one.

The body can swell for many reasons: mechanical, inflammatory, or circulatory.

And understanding why it’s there, changes how we approach it.

18/01/2026

17/01/2026

In my recent lymphedema posts, I’ve talked about the staggering 450,000 people affected in the UK and the complex science of 'systems under pressure.' But at the heart of those statistics are real people looking for real answers.

For me, a successful session isn't just about reducing swelling; it’s about education.

As an Osteopath and MLD specialist, I believe that when you understand the 'why'—the science behind how your lymphatics move (or don’t move)—you gain the confidence to manage your condition for the long term.

Whether it’s an arm, a leg, or a post-surgical concern, my goal is to provide you with a wealth of knowledge that makes you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.

Knowledge is management. Expertise is relief.

15/01/2026

If you’re experiencing these 3 symptoms, "waiting and seeing" isn't the answer:

1️⃣ Cording & "Tethering" – A pulling sensation in your armpit or chest. This is often scar tissue or "cording" (AWS) restricting your deeper mechanics.

2️⃣ Reduced Range of Motion – Struggling to reach overhead, dress, or move freely. It’s usually more than muscle stiffness; it's a structural block.

3️⃣ Persistent Heaviness – A dull, full, or "lead-like" feeling in the arm or hand. This is a clear sign your lymphatic system is under pressure.

P.S - bodies are unique—you might be experiencing other symptoms. If your 'normal' feels different, it’s worth a conversation.

15/01/2026

Getting the information out there on Lipoedema

13/01/2026

Men have breast tissue, too. And when that tissue is treated for cancer, the lymphatic system doesn’t care about gender—it only cares about the path it’s lost.

Most people associate breast cancer surgery and subsequent Lymphoedema solely with women. But men make up roughly 1% of breast cancer diagnoses, and they face the exact same risks of post-surgical swelling, cording, and restricted mobility.

Awareness is the first step toward recovery. If you know a man who has undergone chest surgery and is struggling with "heavy" limbs or restricted movement, let them know help is available.

I am here for EVERY body.

11/01/2026

Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema (BCRL) occurs when the lymphatic system is compromised—usually by surgery or radiotherapy.

As a specialist, my role is to help 'reroute' this fluid and provide you with the clinical tools to manage it.

If you notice a difference in your hand or arm size post-treatment, don't wait. Early intervention leads to the best outcomes.

09/01/2026

Looking at this image, you see a size difference. But as a clinical practitioner, I see a system under pressure.

I see skin at risk of infection, and a limb that feels like it’s made of lead. But beyond the clinical, I see the person behind the swelling.

I see the daily struggle of finding clothes that fit, the anxiety of a simple scratch turning into a hospital stay, and the sheer physical toll of carrying that extra weight every single day. Lymphedema is a life-changing diagnosis, and you deserve more than just 'getting by'—you need the right specialist to help you manage it and reclaim your quality of life

08/01/2026

450,000.
These aren't just numbers; they are lives.

Information is the first step toward better management. If you are one of the 450,000, know that you don't have to navigate this alone.