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Lipoedema

Lipoedema is a chronic medical condition characterized by enlarged limbs, and can affect arms or legs or both.

Main Lipoedema characteristic include bilaterally and symmetrically, enlarged body shape in the limbs or other body parts. About one out of 10 women worldwide is affected by this condition.

At Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Fitzroy North, Giovanni is here to help you managing your Lipoedema with MLD or compression therapy, and by sharing educational material regarding this condition.

What are the characteristics of Lipoedema?

Lipoedema 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, lipoedema 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 Lipoedema, book a 15-minute free phone consultation.

Book Now your free 15 mins Lipoedema Consultation

How can MLD help with a Lipoedema presentation?

Benefits of MLD:

  • Helps manage limb pain by inducing deep relaxation.
  • Stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce swelling from inflammation.

Factors That Influence MLD Effectiveness:

  • Stress management – Reducing stress enhances MLD benefits.
  • Diet – A healthy diet supports lymphatic function.
  • Movement – Regular physical activity improves circulation.
  • Compression therapy – Wearing prescribed garments helps maintain results.

Holistic Approach:

  • MLD works best when combined with other supportive therapies for optimal symptom relief.

Click here to read a case study published on PubMed regarding the benefits of MLD in combination with other therapies.

The face of a person receiving Lymphatic Drainage

Comprehensive Treatment Plans for Lipoedema Management

Overall to manage Lipoedema presentations, the best tools that we know so far include:

  • An anti-inflammatory diet is rich in Omega-3 and low in Omega-6, with plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, fish, and meat. For more details about this type of diet, and before making any dietary changes, always consult your GP.
  • Exercise and movement are the easiest ways to boost your lymphatic system daily and can help manage Lipoedema by reducing inflammation and keeping fluid moving in the body.
  • Compression garments are stockings worn over the affected limbs. These stockings are custom-made based on measurements taken at a specialised clinic, where you can ask Giovanni for details. Compression on the affected limb helps keep fluid moving.
  • Self-care includes looking after your skin, keeping it moisturised, and ensuring any cuts are cleaned and disinfected. This reduces the risk of infections that could lead to complications in the lymphatic system. This is especially important for those with Lipo-Lymphoedema.
A photo of Giovanni a Lymphoedema therapist

Giovanni's Qualification for Lipoedema Management.

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 Lipoedema 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)

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Feedback From Patients

Here is some feedback from patients who received MLD for their Lipoedema presentation

Wonderful MLD, I was post-flight and suffered from Lipoedema . It helped reduce swelling and ease jetlag.
Giovanni is extremely knowledgeable and highly professional. I would highly recommend him! He took the time to listen to my concerns and provided a truly relaxing massage. His expertise and attention to detail made the experience exceptional.
I feel very lucky to have met Giovanni! He is incredibly knowledgeable and has taken so much care and interest in my health and recovery. I highly recommend him for MLD and to anyone with Lipoedema who is looking for extra support, from someone who truly cares! Thank you Giovanni!

What should I expect for my Lipoedema Treatment?

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 Lipoedema 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.

Lipoedema Stages

Thanks to science and modern research, we know Lipoedema 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 Lipoedema under different stages, and here is a breakdown:

stage one

In stage one, the skin remains smooth with an increase of enlarged subcutaneous fat tissue.

stage two

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.

stage three

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

Stage four is also what we call lipo lymphoedema — this is a condition where both Lipoedema 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.

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Success Stories

"Giovanni is very knowledgable and skilled and helped me understand the lymphatic system a lot more. I went in for the MLD massage and felt great during and afterwards. I will definitely return and recommend to others."
Lipedema affecting legs but no arms
"I saw Giovanni for Manual Lymph Drainage after batting a (recurrent) sinus infection. After a round of antibiotics and other medications I was still feeling congested and suffering sinus pain."
Lipedema Bandaging
"Immediately following my treatment my head was feeling much clearer, and one day after the congestion and sinus pain is almost non-existent."
MLD on a hand
"I highly recommend Giovanni for MLD Manual Lymphatic Drainage, after my first visit I saw and felt an immediate difference. He is very knowledgeable, providing me with excellent education on my symptoms and treatment. I have never had a massage in my life, and he made me feel very comfortable, I am so grateful to have found him. I would recommend anyone who suffers from swelling from air travel (like I do) or swelling from post-surgery. If you need MLD, don't hesitate to make a consultation, you won't regret it, you will be in safe hands."
Lipedema Affecting arms and hips
"Giovanni is very knowledgable and skilled and helped me understand the lymphatic system a lot more. I went in for the MLD massage and felt great during and afterwards. I will definitely return and recommend to others."
Lipedema affecting legs but no arms
"I saw Giovanni for Manual Lymph Drainage after batting a (recurrent) sinus infection. After a round of antibiotics and other medications I was still feeling congested and suffering sinus pain."
MLD on a hand
"Immediately following my treatment my head was feeling much clearer, and one day after the congestion and sinus pain is almost non-existent."
A-therapist-applying-bandages-to-a-lymphoedema-arm
"I highly recommend Giovanni for MLD Manual Lymphatic Drainage, after my first visit I saw and felt an immediate difference. He is very knowledgeable, providing me with excellent education on my symptoms and treatment. I have never had a massage in my life, and he made me feel very comfortable, I am so grateful to have found him. I would recommend anyone who suffers from swelling from air travel (like I do) or swelling from post-surgery. If you need MLD, don't hesitate to make a consultation, you won't regret it, you will be in safe hands."
Lipedema Affecting arms and hips
Start your recovery journey by booking a 15-minute Online Treatment Plan free consultation!

Tips for Lipoedema Management

Here is a list of tips that can help you in managing Lipoedema:

  • Compression Garments - Class 2 compression maximum (never higher if no lymphedema is present)
  • Movement - any form of movement can help in maintaining low inflammation levels, better circulation, and reduce any form of excess body weight.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet - eating food that reduces the chance of inflammation, can help in reducing the risk of making the presentation worse.
Lipedema

Lipoedema Questionnaire

This questionnaire is purely for a personal symptoms checklist and is not designed to provide you with a Lipoedema Diagnosis.

Myths and Facts about Lipoedema

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.

Myth: Lipoedema Causes Weight Gain

  • There is no evidence that lipoedema directly leads to weight gain, though excess weight can worsen symptoms.
  • In individuals with a genetic predisposition, weight gain may trigger the onset of lipoedema.

Myth: Weight Loss Has No Impact on Lipoedema

  • There is no scientific or empirical proof that weight loss improves lipoedema.
  • Sustained weight loss can lead to symptom improvement, and in some cases, lipoedema may go into remission.

Myth: Lipoedema is a Progressive Condition

  • No scientific evidence supports the idea that lipoedema is inherently progressive.
  • It is weight gain and obesity that tend to progress over time.
  • Lipoedema symptoms may worsen as a result of continuous weight gain.
  • Patients can be reassured that lipoedema can remain stable if their weight is maintained.

Myth: Lipoedema Leads to Mental Health Disorders

  • Around 80% of women with lipoedema experience psychological symptoms before the onset of pain related to the condition.
  • Mental health challenges may play a role in the development of lipoedema.

Myth: Liposuction is a Reliable and Long-Lasting Solution for Lipoedema

  • The available data on liposuction for lipoedema is both limited in quantity and quality.
  • If liposuction is considered, careful patient selection is essential, and it should ideally be part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Download Now an Informational Sheet About Lipoedema Presentation

MLD for Lipoedema

Along with a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session for Lipoedema, I always ask to my patient to which area they want to focus. Legs or Arms?

Lymphatic Treatment for Legs

Treatment Sequence:
  • Start at the cervical area (where the lymphatic system meets the bloodstream).
  • Move to the abdominal area to clear pathways before addressing the legs.
  • Work on the upper and lower legs last, directing lymphatic fluid upward.
Pressure Application:
  • Stronger pressure may be applied to the abdominal area to stimulate deep lymphatic flow.
  • Treatment should always be pain-free.
  • If discomfort occurs, pressure is adjusted to a tolerable level.
Duration: Up to 60 minutes
Lipoedema presentation on legs
A-therapist-applying-combine-decongestive-therapy-via-bandages-to-a-lymphoedema-arm

Lymphatic Treatment for Arms

Treatment Sequence:
  • Start at the cervical area (where the lymphatic system meets the bloodstream).
  • Move from the shoulder down to the wrist, guiding lymphatic fluid upwards.
  • No abdominal work is needed.
Pressure Application:
  • Treatment should always be pain-free.
  • If discomfort occurs, pressure is adjusted to a tolerable level.
Duration: Up to 45 minutes

MLD Rebates and Private Health Insurance

MLD treatment per lipoedema 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.

MLD pricing for Lipoedema

  • 60-minute MLD treatment is $125
  • 45-minute MLD treatment is $115
Giovanni giving MLD on patient's calf
Book Now your Lipoedema Treatment

Client Preparation & Aftercare for MLD in Lipoedema

Along with a Manual Lymphatic Drainage session for Lipoedema, I always ask to my patient to which area they want to focus. Legs or Arms?

Before the Session:

  • Hydrate Well – Drink you regular amount of water to support lymphatic flow.
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing – Loose, breathable clothes are ideal. Avoid tight waistbands or restrictive garments. - During treatment you will be down to bra and underwear, but only the area worked would be exposed.
  • Avoid Heavy Meals – If you are going to eat before your treatment, eat a light meal. At the latest 1–2 hours before your session.
  • Limit Caffeine & Alcohol – These can dehydrate the body and impact lymphatic function.
  • Shower & Avoid Lotions/Oils – For optimal treatment, keep the skin clean and dry.
  • Use the Restroom Beforehand – Sessions last up to 60 minutes (legs) or 45 minutes (arms). Toilets are available on site.

Aftercare Recommendations:

  • Stay Hydrated – Continue drinking water to help flush out toxins.
  • Gentle Movement – Light walking and mobility exercises can support lymphatic circulation.
  • Wear Compression Garments – If prescribed, wear them as recommended to maintain benefits.
  • Avoid Heavy Meals & Alcohol – Stick to light, healthy foods post-session.
  • Listen to Your Body – Some fatigue or increased urination is normal; rest as needed.
  • Follow Up Regularly – Consistency improves the management of lipoedema symptoms.

How to get to Fitzroy North Clinic

  • 1/175 Holden St, Fitzroy North, 3068, VIC Tram 11 – Stop 24
  • Tram 96 – Stop 19 (11 mins walk)
  • Bus 250 – St George Road/Holden St,
  • Bus 251 – St George Road/Holden St,
  • Train Station: Rushall Station (9 mins walk)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

FAQ about Lipoedema Management, Fitzroy North

Lipoedema is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 10 women on a global scale and causes an abnormal accumulation of fat tissue, usually affecting the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the arms. Along with Lipoedema symptoms, we find:

  • symmetrical swelling,
  • pain or tenderness,
  • easy bruising,
  • heaviness in the limbs,
  • difficulty losing fat in the affected areas despite diet and exercise.

Unlike general weight gain, the hands and feet are often unaffected.

Yes. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can help manage lipoedema symptoms by:

  • stimulating lymphatic flow,
  • reducing inflammation-related swelling,
  • improving circulation
  • promoting deep relaxation.

Many people with lipoedema also report reduced heaviness and discomfort after regular MLD sessions. That said, MLD on its own is not enough to manage a Lipoedema presentation.

MLD is a gentle rhythmic pain-free techniques, that aim to stimulate your lymphatic system, by stretching and letting your skin recoil.

Treatment would always start around the neck and collar bone area, before focusing on the affected limbs. For most cases, a Lipoedema session would last 60 minutes, which is the time needed to work on your neck and legs area.

No. Lipoedema and lymphoedema are different conditions, although they can coexist.

Lipoedema primarily involves abnormal fat accumulation.
Lymphoedema involves fluid retention caused by lymphatic system dysfunction.

In advanced stages, lipoedema may develop into lipo-lymphoedema, where both conditions are present. This can happen when Lipoedema is not managed and the fat cells ends up soppressing the Lymphatic System, which would eventually fail.

The most effective lipoedema management approach is usually holistic and may include:

The combinations of those approaches can help reduce inflammation, discomfort, and swelling related to Lipoedema.

Yes, you'd better do. In fact, compression garments are commonly recommended for lipoedema management because they help support lymphatic circulation and reduce fluid buildup. The type of compression that I would recommend is circular knit Class 2 (off-the-shelf) unless lymphoedema is also present, and then we may have to look at compression of a higher grade. Garments should always be professionally fitted to ensure comfort and effectiveness, so avoid to buy garments online, unless you know what you are looking for.

Most recent research suggests that lipoedema is not necessarily a progressive disease on its own. What that means is that if managed on time, the progression of Lipoedema can be slowed down or even stopped. Therefore, early intervention, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular supportive treatments like MLD can help keep symptoms stable and manageable.


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Melbourne Massage and Treatment - - - Close for Holiday till the 25th/9/2023 - - -
To all the new and returning clients, thanks for being here . I am currently in holiday, and I will be back to give treatment on the week of the 25th/Sept/2023. If you are in severe pain, and feel unwell, please reach out for your GP. If you have any inquire, contact me by clicking here. Booking are open for the month of September and onward. Click here to book your next appointment.