Lipedema
what is lipedema?
Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder that mostly occurs in women. It is a chronic condition characterized by disproportionate areas of adipose or fat tissue. The progression of this disease demonstrates an accumulation of adipose tissue, often starting in the legs, hips and buttocks and may also affect the arms and abdomen. Though the cause of Lipedema is not fully understood, it is believed that there is an association to genetics and hormonal changes.
Symptoms of Lipedema
Symptoms of lipedema are not only characterized by the disproportionate build-up of adipose tissue, but may also include both physical and psycho-emotional factors.
Common physical symptoms include:
Limited mobility
Tenderness and pain to the touch
Easy bruising
Limb heaviness
Swelling
Overall fatigue
It is not uncommon for mental and emotional health to be affected as well, including:
Depression
Low self-esteem
Disordered eating
Body dysmorphia
A Commonly Misunderstood Condition
Lipedema has long been misunderstood, and many individuals have been wrongly diagnosed with obesity.
There are also several conditions commonly associated with lipedema, including:
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Lymphedema
Dysautonomia
Hypermobility
The presence and severity of these conditions vary from person to person.
A Note from Victoria
“Taking care of your lymphatic system is a pathway to taking care of your lipedema… they hold each other’s hands.”
The Importance of a Knowledgeable Care Team
Stay Strong Therapies emphasizes the importance of working with clinicians who are experienced in both lipedema and the lymphatic system.
There are both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical approaches to managing lipedema, and this is a deeply personal decision for each individual.
Victoria recommends building a personalized care team of trusted professionals who understand the complexity of the condition.
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Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment Options
There are several conservative approaches that can help manage lipedema symptoms and support long-term wellness:
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
Proper compression therapy
Personalized exercise programs
Pneumatic compression pump use
Nutrition focused on reducing insulin spikes
Targeted supplementation
Because Chronic Venous Insufficiency can be associated with lipedema, it is important to work with a vein specialist who is also experienced in lipedema care.
Surgical Considerations
There are surgical procedures available that aim to remove diseased adipose tissue associated with lipedema.
If choosing a surgical route, Victoria recommends working with a surgeon who respects and prioritizes the lymphatic system during the procedure.
Because lipedema is a progressive condition, it is highly recommended to have a conservative lipedema lifestyle already in place prior to surgery.
Post-Surgical Support & Ongoing Care
Victoria works closely with clients to develop a post-operative plan following surgery, which may include:
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
Compression therapy
Ongoing lymphatic support
This approach helps optimize healing, support the lymphatic system, and maintain surgical outcomes.
what to expect
Stay Strong Therapies can assist with a multi-faceted approach, tailored to fit the individual needs of each client. Services include gold-standard treatment of manual lymphatic drainage, lymphatic home exercise program, education, compression therapy and referrals to help create your “personalized team.”
The therapeutic treatment approach varies on stage of severity, whether the individual needs conservative management, post-surgical care following lipedema reduction surgery, or seeking maintenance care.
it begins with a consult
Once your initial consultation is scheduled, Victoria will send you the paperwork to fill out and bring along to your first visit. The initial consultation is 90 minutes in length. This visit consists of a review and discussion of your medical history, education on the Lymphatic System and how it applies to your Lipedema. An initial Lymphatic Home Exercise Program will be provided to you, discussion and development of a recommended plan of care. If time allows, Victoria will also incorporate a manual lymphatic drainage session.
Often following the initial consultation, a minimum of 2 times/week sessions for a few weeks are recommended. Victoria has found that the consistent visits following the initial consultation allow the individual to progress in understanding the condition, advance the lymphatic home exercise program, and allows opportunities for the lymphatic system to be stimulated during Manual Lymphatic Drainage. The individual will gain understanding in how to stimulate her lymphatic system outside of the clinic setting.
additional considerations
It is important to understand that with Lipedema, some may experience additional conditions such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Lymphedema, and Hypermobility. Victoria assesses each person by developing an understanding of the individual’s medical history, patterns with swelling, functional challenges and develops a solution-oriented plan of care.