Hello, I’m Sr. Roelene Faihst, a Registered Nurse and Midwife, B.Tech Somatologist, and certified Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Therapist.

My career has always been driven by a passion for healthcare, wellness and helping people feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.

My journey began at the Isa Carstens Health and Skincare Academy in Stellenbosch, where I completed my National Diploma in Somatology from 2013 to 2015. I then continued my studies at the Central University of Technology (CUT), completing my B.Tech Degree in Somatology in 2016.

My interest in lymphatic health grew into a true passion. I completed advanced Manual Lymph Drainage training with Carolyn Hoffman in Cape Town and began working with clients while continuing my academic career.

In 2017, I had the privilege of lecturing at CUT Bloemfontein, where I taught practical modules to first-year bridging students, as well as lymphatic drainage theory and practical modules to second-year students. During this time, I also started offering lymphatic treatments from home, initially focusing on non-medical lymphatic drainage.

From 2018 to 2021, I completed my nursing degree full-time, graduating with Honours. By this stage, I had already completed more than 4,000 hours of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) as part of my clinical training.

In 2022, I completed my community service as a Registered Nurse and Midwife at a Platinum-status Primary Healthcare Clinic in the Western Cape. I subsequently gained further clinical experience working in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit.

However, my passion for lymphatic care never left me. I saw an increasing need for specialised lymphatic support, particularly among cancer survivors and patients living with chronic oedema, and I made the decision to leave hospital-based nursing and establish my own lymphatic practice.

In 2023, I achieved another important milestone by becoming a Certified Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Therapist through the Lymphoedema Training Academy (LTA) UK. I continue to develop my knowledge and skills by recertifying every 2 years in this specialised field so that I can provide the newest evidence-informed, individualised care to every patient.

My connection to lipoedema is also deeply personal. I live with lipoedema myself.
This means that I understand not only the clinical and scientific aspects of the condition, but also the day-to-day challenges that can come with living in a body affected by pain, heaviness, swelling and changes that are often misunderstood by others.

Whether you are living with lymphoedema, lipoedema, cancer-related lymphatic changes or chronic oedema, my aim is to help you understand your condition and develop a management approach that supports your quality of life.

My goal is to teach you as a patient how to manage yourself at home too.
Your lymphatic journey is personal — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

I look forward to supporting you on your journey towards feeling lighter, more comfortable and more confident in your body.

Warm regards,
Sr. Roelene Faihst
Registered Nurse & Midwife | B.Tech Somatologist | Certified Lymphoedema & Lipoedema Therapist

Lymph Draining Plus
Be light in life.