I am a specialist lymphoedema and lipoedema practitioner with more than 20 years’ clinical experience, specialising in complex lymphatic conditions, post-surgical recovery and oncology-related care.

My professional journey began in 2004 after qualifying with a City & Guilds Diploma in Holistic Body Therapies, with Distinction in every module. This initial training gave me a whole-body therapeutic foundation in remedial and Swedish massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian head massage, as well as qualifications in counselling skills.

I then combined clinical practice with eight years of formal academic study. After further study at Greenwich University, I completed an FdSc in Complementary Approaches to Healthcare with Distinction at Thames Valley University, studying anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, therapeutic communication, counselling concepts and critical appraisal in addition to clinical therapies.

I was subsequently awarded a University of Westminster Scholarship to undertake a BSc (Hons) in Health Sciences: Remedial Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy, graduating with First Class Honours. My degree included differential diagnosis, anatomy and pathophysiology, neuromuscular and remedial therapy, myofascial release, scar and burn work, sports massage and the assessment of patterns of dysfunction.

I went on to complete an MSc in Complementary Medicine with Distinction at the University of Westminster, developing my clinical reasoning, research and critical appraisal skills further. Both my undergraduate and postgraduate research explored lymphoedema management and its delivery within UK healthcare.

Clinical Experience

I have been in private clinical practice continuously since 2004, while also working within charities, the NHS and specialist healthcare settings. Throughout my career I have worked with medical professionals within numerous healthcare environments, as well as receiving referrals from surgeons, consultants, GPs, insurers and other healthcare practitioners.

My early clinical experience included working for the Whole Person Therapy Trust, an HIV/AIDS charity, and volunteering at the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, where my work included Manual Lymphatic Drainage for lymphoedema and myofascial release for post-surgical scarring, tethering and axillary web syndrome.

From 2008 to 2011, I worked as a complementary therapist in Cancer Services at University College London Hospitals (UCLH). I supported patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and haematology treatment, including people receiving curative, palliative and end-of-life care, working as part of the multidisciplinary team.

I later worked at Horder Healthcare in Tunbridge Wells, treating orthopaedic post-surgical patients and people with chronic pain using Manual Lymphatic Drainage, myofascial release, remedial massage and medical acupuncture.

For many years, I have also worked with consultant plastic surgeons Mr Marc Pacifico and Miss Nora Nugent at Purity Bridge in Tunbridge Wells, providing specialist clinical therapies to support patients through post-surgical recovery. This has given me extensive experience in managing post-operative oedema, fibrosis, scar and tissue restriction and other problems that can arise following plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

My practice today brings together this experience in oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, lymphatic disorders, scar and fascial restriction and post-operative recovery. I continue to work with and receive referrals from doctors, consultants, surgeons and other healthcare professionals.

Specialist Lymphatic and Clinical Training

Over the course of my career, I have undertaken extensive postgraduate education in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and lymphoedema management, training in all four methods recognised for accreditation by MLDUK, including Vodder, Földi and Casley-Smith techniques, together with fluoroscopy-guided Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

My specialist education includes lymphoedema assessment and mapping, multilayer lymphoedema bandaging, advanced management of complex lymphoedema, advanced lipoedema assessment and management, and the management of chronic wounds in lymphoedema.

My clinical training also includes myofascial release, scar therapy, medical acupuncture and medical kinesiology taping, building on my original whole-body, remedial and neuromuscular training.

This is particularly important in post-surgical care, where oedema may be only one part of the clinical picture. Fibrosis, scar tethering, pain, altered movement and changes within the fascia and surrounding tissues may also affect recovery. Having different clinical approaches available allows me to adapt treatment to the individual rather than applying a single technique or protocol.

Teaching, Research and Professional Presentations

Sharing knowledge with patients and other healthcare professionals has become an important part of my career.

I have written for clinical publications, contributed book chapters and presented lectures, posters and practical workshops at national and international meetings. My work has explored lymphoedema, lipoedema, post-surgical recovery, chronic oedema, lymphascial kinesiology taping and complex clinical presentations.

I have presented at conferences and professional meetings including Wound Care Today, MLDUK, the British Lymphology Society, the International Lymphoedema Framework and the London Breast Meeting, as well as international meetings in Berlin, Rome and Niagara Falls.

My academic work has included a case series examining breast-cancer-related lymphoedema associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy, work exploring lipoedema and multisystem dysregulation, and the use of lymphascial kinesiology taping following liposuction.

I am also co-author with consultant plastic and microsurgeon Mr Ruben Yap Kannan of a case report published in ‘Microsurgery’ on the surgical management of post-traumatic peri-orbital lymphoedema.

These opportunities allow me to exchange knowledge with surgeons, clinicians and researchers and contribute to the developing understanding of lymphatic health, lipoedema and their wider connections to health and disease.

Professional Roles

Since 2023, I have served as Clinical Therapy Advisor to Lipoedema UK, where I participate in regular webinars giving people living with lipoedema the opportunity to ask questions directly about their condition and its management. I also contribute to education, research and awareness surrounding a condition that remains under-recognised, frequently misdiagnosed and often misunderstood.

I am also a member of the Expert Panel for Lymphoedema United, contributing my clinical experience to its work raising awareness and supporting people affected by lymphoedema.

Earlier in my career, I served on the Scientific Committee of the British Lymphology Society and subsequently became a Trustee.

My Philosophy of Care

My philosophy of care is to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives: relieving pain, restoring function and helping clients live with greater comfort and confidence.

I believe the best treatment outcomes are achieved when clinical expertise is delivered with empathy. Every person I meet brings a unique story, and my role is not only to apply technical skill, but also to listen, support and empower.

More than 20 years of clinical practice has reinforced the importance of treating each person as an individual. The same diagnosis can present very differently from one person to another, particularly in complex lymphatic conditions and following surgery or cancer treatment. Careful assessment and listening are therefore fundamental to the way I work.

Whether I am fitting compression garments, facilitating recovery after surgery, maintaining clients through gruelling cancer treatments or managing long-term lymphoedema or lipoedema, my aim is always to combine science, skill and sensitivity in equal measure.

Professional CV

For full details of my qualifications, clinical experience, specialist training, publications, presentations and professional memberships: