SALLY Terry was only 28 in 1990 when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer and had to undergo radical surgery and chemotherapy.

Around a year-and a-half later, she developed an unsightly swelling in one leg. "I couldn't get any answers as to why the leg was getting bigger," she recalled.

"I was 29, tall and leggy. I used to have a nice pair of legs, but I suddenly found I couldn't wear skirts. I was getting really frustrated. I knew something wasn't right, but I couldn't get any answers from the medical profession."

Sally had lymphoedema, a build-up of proteins and tissue fluids that can happen when lymph nodes are removed during cancer surgery.

Eventually she heard about a massage therapy called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) from a Scandinavian friend. She discovered there was a practitioner in North Dorset and decided to try it.

"The size of my leg dropped quite dramatically. That one leg was the size of two legs," she said.

As lymphoedema cannot be cured, Sally still has to go for occasional treatment and she wears elastic hose most of the time to keep the swelling down.

Because she found MLD so helpful, she decided to learn the techniques herself. "What made me want to train was the frustration of having to travel a 70-mile round trip. By the time I got back, it had negated the value of the treatment.

"I started to learn a little bit about how to do it on myself. Then I thought there are other people out there who need help."

Now fully qualified and practising MLD in Ringwood and Poole, Sally believes the therapy should be available on the National Health Service. "There are some people walking around with massive problems. The medical profession needs to start to realise there is help available," she said.

"I have belief in this therapy because I have experienced it myself. MLD in this country will be the biggest thing in the next few years."

First developed in Austria by Dr Emile Vodder in the 1930s, MLD is already widely used in Europe, the USA and Australia, and is recognised in this country by private health providers BUPA and PPP.

The lymphatic system is closely associated with the blood circulation system, helping to remove waste such as carbon dioxide and cell debris, and filtering it through the lymph nodes before the remaining fluid drains into bloodstream.

Sometimes the system is weak from the start, causing primary lymphoedema. In other cases, the lymphatic system is damaged by surgery, radiotherapy, infection, severe injury, burns or other trauma, causing secondary lymphoedema.

In the western world, the commonest cause of secondary lymphoedema is the removal of lymph nodes to stop the spread of cancer. "There's always a risk, but if it doesn't come within two years, there's a 70 per cent chance you won't get it," explained Sally.

"There are 6-800 lymph nodes in the body. A third are in the neck area, some are under the arms, some in the groin and some in the lumbar area."

If the nodes are removed from the armpit, as is often the case in breast cancer, lymphoedema can occur in the arm. If they are removed from the groin, drainage from the leg and genitals can be impaired.

The disease can also lead to inflammation and cellulitis, as well as affecting quality of life. Although awareness is increasing, some doctors still prescribe diuretics to increase urine output, which can worsen skin thickening in the long term.

In Europe, MLD is used before and after surgery to prevent secondary lymphoedema. Through gentle touch, the therapist stimulates the pulsation of the walls of the lymph vessel, speeding up drainage. "We try to encourage the opening up of new pathways if the nodes aren't working properly or have been removed," said Sally.

Although MLD is mainly used for lymphoedema, it can accelerate healing; boost the immune system; and treat a variety of medical conditions, from acne and

arthritis to MS, migraines and varicose veins.

On the beauty front, it is also said to get rid of cellulite, fine lines and puffiness around the eyes, and to brighten the skin and eyes.

The Lymphoedema Support Network (020 7351 4480) says anyone seeking MLD should check the therapist is fully qualified in Asdonk, Casley-Smith, Fldi, LeDuc or Vodder methods. For further details of accredited therapists log on to www.mlduk.org.uk

Sally Terry can be contacted on 01425 474081. Other practitioners include Sally Griffiths at New Milton, 01425 623884; Mulu Thompson at Dorchester, 01305 261110; Veronica Bell at Dorchester and Wimborne, 07900 650961; and Ann Schreiber, who practises in Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Stalbridge, 01963 363447 or 01305 262626.