what is lipedema?

Symptoms of Lipedema are not only characterized by the disproportionate build-up of adipose tissue but may also include physical and psycho-emotional factors.  Mobility can be limited, areas of tenderness and pain to the touch, bruising easily, limb heaviness, swelling & overall fatigue. It is not uncommon for mental health to be affected as well, including depression, low self-esteem, disordered eating & dysmorphia.

Lipedema has been a misunderstood disease and those with it have been wrongly diagnosed with Obesity and/or Lymphedema. However, other conditions associated with Lipedema, include Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Lymphedema, and Hypermobility. The severity of these conditions is unique to everyone.

Quote from Victoria: “Taking Care of Your Lymphatic System is a Pathway to Taking Care of Your Lipedema……They Hold Each Other’s Hands”

Stay Strong Therapies stresses the importance of working with clinicians that are well versed and experienced with Lipedema and the Lymphatic System. There are both conservative/non-surgical and surgical methods to treat Lipedema. This is a personal decision for the individual. Victoria recommends that her patients develop their own “personalized team” of experienced clinicians to work with. (***See/Click Link to Partners & Resources***)

Conservative actions that one can take to help symptoms of Lipedema include manual lymphatic drainage, proper compression therapy solutions, exercise, pneumatic pump use, nutrition focusing on reduced insulin spikes (RAD/Rare Adipose Disorder Diet or a Modified Mediterranean way of eating) & varying supplement use. Because Chronic Venous Insufficiency can be associated with Lipedema, it is important to go to a vein specialist that is also a Lipedema expert. There are also surgical procedures that can be done to remove the diseased adipose tissue.

If an individual chooses a surgical route, Victoria recommends working with a surgeon that respects and honors the lymphatic system while removing the diseased fat tissue. Because Lipedema is a progressive disease process, it is highly recommended to have a “Conservative Lipedema Lifestyle” already in place.  Victoria helps in putting a post-operative plan in place following surgery. Manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy are important components following Lipedema Reduction Surgery.

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.

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, and 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, and allows the individual to gain understanding in how to stimulate her lymphatic      system outside of the clinic setting

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.