Lipedema

Lipedema is a condition that causes excess fat to accumulate under the skin, either in the lower or upper part of the body.

Said so, it is a condition that affects mainly women.

It manifests itself just after hormonal changes, such as puberty, post-pregnancy or in older age, after even major surgery.

The condition does not affect the hands or feet.

Regarding the symptoms and presentation, Lipedema can be mistaken for lymphoedema.

Even though those are different conditions, lipedema can lead to lymphedema.

What is the cause of Lipedema?

Lipedema

Well, it is not known what can cause lipedema.

As mentioned above, it manifests itself often when there is hormonal change, so hormones can play a role in it.

What is known is that it runs in families, so it has a genetic component and, most of the time, affects women.

Obesity is not a cause either, even though most of the people who suffer from Lipedema suffer from obesity too.

Lipedema Symptoms are like:

  • A fat build-up in the thighs, buttocks, calves, and occasionally in the upper arms.
  • Feet or hands, unless the patient has chronic venous insufficiency or lymphoedema, do not swell.
  • Pain.
  • Walking ability can decrease as the condition worsen.
  • Condition of Anxiety and or Depression can develop as the person feel an imbalance in their body appearance.
  • Fat accumulation under the skin can block the Lymphatic System, causing Secondary or lipo-Lymphoedema if the lipedema is not looked after.

What can be done if you suffer from Lipedema?

There are several approaches to the problem, depending on the severity of the case.

The earlier the lipedema gets diagnosed, the better. For diagnosing Lipeedema, you may want to talk to your GP or visit a therapist from the Vodder Academy who has a LEVEL III certification.

Here is a link to find a practitioner to help you with that.

Regarding massage, there is not much that Remedial Massage, Myotherapy or Thai Massage can do.

Specifying diet can help too, and you may want to talk to your GP about it.

Lipedema Bandaging

Also, surgery such as liposuction would help, even though those are better at the early stage.

Specifically, manual therapy like MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) can help.

But MLD itself is not enough in most cases, especially if the Lipedema did create a Lipo-Lymphodemia.

Read more about MLD by following this Link.

Indeed, in addition to MLD compressed bandaging and compressed garments wear are essentials.

Those two practices can allow the work initiated by MLD therapy to be maintained and amplified.

 


Giovanni La Rocca

Giovanni moved to Melbourne, Australia, from Italy in 2008 and became a citizen in 2017. He started studying massage therapy in 2016, then completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy in August 2024. During those years, he also specialised in Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage for presentations like Lipedema and Lymphoedema. Nowadays, he runs his clinic in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, where he integrates movement therapy into his practice to enhance overall well-being. He also values meditation, having completed several Vipassana courses. Committed to continuous learning, he aims to share his expertise in integrated therapies to help others achieve balance and resilience.

One thought on “Lipedema

  1. Pingback: Lipedema Treatment: Understanding Options for Managing and Reducing Symptoms - Wrenable

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Away Oct. '24

Hi, and thanks for visiting the Melbourne Massage and Treatment website.

The clinic will be closed until October 13th.

I am in Auckland, NZ, for a Vodder Academy Course on Manual Lymphatic Drainage. During this course, I am learning to manage Lymphedema and Lipedema presentations.

If you have any enquiries about Melbourne Massage and Treatment Services, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via the contact page or email.

For now, have a joyful day, and see you soon.
Giovanni

This will close in 13 seconds