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Lipedema is a medical condition that results in severe swelling, bilaterally and symmetrically, in arms, legs, or other body parts. About one out of 10 women worldwide is affected by this condition.
Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in the body, particularly in the legs, which often leads to a distinctive shape that differs from typical obesity.
The distinctive characteristics are a disproportionate swelling distribution, where the end part of the limbs and feet are relatively unaffected, and a tendency for the affected areas to be tender or painful to the touch. Other symptoms involve swelling, bruising, and a feeling of heaviness in the limbs. Unlike Lymphedema, lipedema does not typically involve lymph node dysfunction but can coexist with it, making accurate diagnosis and management essential. Along it’s progress, it can lead to mobility issues and emotional distress, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support.
To know more about how Giovanni can assist you with your Lipedema, book a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Click here to read a case study published on PubMed regarding the benefits of MLD in combination with other therapies.
Overall to manage Lipedema presentations, the best tools that we know so far include:
Giovanni is a Clinical Myotherapist (BCHs in Health Science Clinical Myotherapy – Aug 2024) who obtained his first qualification in MLD in Nov. 2021 and specialised in Lymphoedema therapy in Oct. 2024 with the Vodder Academy.
Along with those certifications, Giovanni learned a lot about Lipedema and is now helping many patients by offering MLD treatment and sharing tips and information about what so far we know for this type of presentation, including referral to GPs and garment clinics where needed.
Giovanni is subscribed to ALA (Australasian Lymphology Association) and ILA (International Lipoedema Association)
Here is some feedback from patients who received MLD for their Lipedema presentation
As per all the services offered at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Giovanni would take care of your needs with professionalism and diligence.
Based on the level of you presentation, or the stage of Lipedema that you are in too, Giovanni may be able to assist with MLD right on the spot, or it may need to apply temporary compression, or it may need you to refer to a nurse for wound care.
Any of those steps would be explained and Giovanni would ensure to offer the best of care at any visit.
Thanks to science and modern research, we know lipedema is not a degenerative condition, but instead, is a condition that yes, can not be completely inverted or cured, but it can be managed.
That said, we still tend to identify Lipedema under different stages, and here is a breakdown:
In stage one, the skin remains smooth with an increase of enlarged subcutaneous fat tissue.
In stage two, the skin starts presenting an uneven surface with indentations in the fat tissue and larger mounds of fat tissue (lipomas), which we can see and feel.
In stage three, we start to see a large extrusion of fat tissue that leads to deformations, particularly on the thighs and around the knees.
Stage four is also what we call lipo lymphoedema — this is a condition where both Lipedema and Lymphoedema coexist due to fat accumulation suppressing the lymphatic system, leading to the development of Lymphoedema..
To best manage any of these stages, various interventions are important, but an anti-inflammatory diet and movement may be the most crucial.
Here is a list of tips that can help you in managing Lipedema:
From a series of 5 documents written by Dr. Tobias Bertsch, who is a Senior Consultant for Internal Medicine at the Foeldi Clinic in Germany, the European Centre of Lymphology here is a series of Myths and Facts about Lipoedema.
Along with a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session for Lipedema, I always ask to my patient to which area they want to focus. Legs or Arms?
MLD treatment per lipedema is covered by private health insurance, under the extra cover for Remedial Massage or Myotherapy. The percentage of the rebate is determined by the contract you stipulated with the insurance.
Giovanni does also offer service as unregistered NDSI provider, so if you are on an NDSI plan, you would be able to claim the Giovanni’s services.
Along with a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session for Lipedema, I always ask to my patient to which area they want to focus. Legs or Arms?