Below is a food diary for help in documenting foods consumed and related symptoms. Prompts for common symptoms are included on the form. Download by clicking on the photo. Below is a food and activities diary, for help in documenting foods consumed, reactions and related symptoms, along with suggestions for how to use it. Download […] Read More

Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel and foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is seen in both men and women and is one of the most common orthopedic foot complaints. What is plantar fascia? Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and […] Read More

The recent upsurge in products being sold for lipedema is quite staggering. There now seems to be many supplements and devices all promising the same thing — to reduce pain, swelling, and fat build-up. Services are being lauded on every corner of social media, promising solutions for lipedema. This entire trend is worrisome, as there […] Read More

The suggestions below are generally safe for most clients. Some clients may have issues with detoxification and may need to proceed more slowly. Please contact your medical practitioner with any questions or if you have had lymph node removal or a history radiation therapy. Something as easy as laughing, simple movements, and deep breathing can […] Read More

Great advice gleaned over the years from numerous lipedema patients. Alba Very Emollient Body Lotion. Aloe vera. Antihistamines. Aveeno. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) antihistamine tablets or cream. Bio-Oil. Cacao butter. CeraVe. Cold packs. Coconut oil after showering. Control blood sugar levels. Dermoplast. Dermasil. Diprobase cream. Directing a fan over the itchy area. Dry brushing. Eucerin Eczema Relief […] Read More

Please use caution with these supplements, as they can affect clotting. Many over-the-counter supplements have blood-thinning properties and can reduce the blood’s ability to form clots. Many lymphedema and lipedema patients use supplements for symptom control, and it is important to know which supplements can increase bleeding tendencies, especially when combining them or taking them […] Read More

There are several essential oils which have been found to aid in the treatment of lymphatic diseases. About Essential Oils Hazardous Essential Oils Oils which are potentially hazardous include the following: Bitter Almond, Boldo Leaf, Calamus, Camphor (yellow), Horseradish, Jaborandi Leaf, Mugwort, Mustard, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sassafras, Savin (Juniperus sabina), Southernwood, Tansy, Thuja, Western Red Cedar […] Read More

The following calculators and research are provided as a resource to clients and fellow therapists. Please click on the titles to link to any of the articles or research below. Volume Calculators Breast Cancer – Arm Volume Calculator | Cleveland Clinic Extremity Volume | University Hospital Essen Limb Volume Calculator | Lymphoedema Network Northern Ireland […] Read More

Great advice gleaned over the years from numerous lipedema patients. Assess for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Avoid gluten. Arnica. Bengay. Biofreeze. Bioflect. Boiron leg pain relief care pack. Bracing or kinesiotaping. Boswelia. Bromelian. CBD oil. CBG tincture in MCT oil. Chiropractic adjustments. Cool baths or showers. D-RIbose powder. Diosmin. DMSO. Doterra Deep Blue Rub. Elevate […] Read More

Great advice gleaned over the years from numerous lipedema patients. A&D ointment. Antifungal cream or powder. Any powder that ends in “-zole.” Baby powder. Cloth/paper strips meant to keep skin folds dry, dry skin well. Cotton or cotton/polyester underwear (not polyester only). Eat real yogurt. Feminine wash. Folded paper towels or soft washcloths. Fresh Breasts. […] Read More

The gold standard for treating both lymphedema and lipedema is a combination of modalities called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is endorsed by the International Society for Lymphology, the National Lymphedema Network, the International Lymphedema Framework, and by the committee that advises Medicare and Medicaid on evidenced-based treatment of specific diseases. CDT is comprised of […] Read More

A research study was undertaken in 2020 to compare the effects of grape seed oil and sweet almond oil on leg edema. “Leg edema is a prevalent problem in pregnancy causing activity restrictions for pregnant women. This study was performed to compare the effect of foot massage using grape seed oil and sweet almond oil […] Read More

What can be done to improve lymphatic function? 1 — Decongestive therapy is THE standard of care for lipedema, which includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), wrapping, compression, movement, dietary recommendations, and skin care. Decongestive therapy improves skin elasticity, restores the venoarteriolar reflex, increases lymphatic drainage and transport within vessels, and reduces capillary fragility. 2 — […] Read More

Conservative therapy for lipedema involves manual lymphatic drainage, but this modality is not always effective, depending upon on the severity and history of the disease. — In view of the reports on the positive effect of vibrotherapy in reducing edema, scientists from RECON (Research and Consulting; Germany) decided to investigate the effect of MLD treatment […] Read More

“There are no medications and supplements specifically for lipedema. Instead, recommendations regarding use of medications and supplements for the treatment of lipedema should focus on reducing tissue inflammation, fibrosis, swelling, pain, and pharmacologic weight loss management for those who are overweight or have obesity. Supplements used for lipedema are, in part, based on literature for […] Read More

Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) is a new, award-winning protocol which was researched and developed by reflexology practitioner, researcher, educator and author Sally Kay during her work with cancer patients. This reflexology technique stimulates the lymphatic reflexology points on the feet and/or hands in a unique sequence which aids the function of the lymphatic system. Sally […] Read More

Great advice gleaned over the years from numerous lipedema patients. Asda liquid talc. Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray. B Free anti-chafing shorts. Baby powder. Bandelettes thigh bands. Bert’s Bees liquid talc. Big Bloomers anti-chafing knickers. Body butter lotion. Body Glide products. Boody Australia men’s bamboo extra long briefs. Bullet and Bone […] Read More

While often used interchangeably, “mast cell syndrome” generally refers to “mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS),” which describes the inappropriate activation of mast cells without abnormal proliferation, whereas “mast cell activation disease (MCAD)” encompasses a broader category including MCAS and conditions like mastocytosis, where there is an actual overproduction of mast cells leading to tissue infiltration […] Read More

Great advice gleaned over the years from numerous lipedema patients. A banana before working out or in the middle of the night, along with lots of water. Advice from a yoga instructor: in the first 10-20 seconds of a “stretch,” the body sees this as movement; if the goal is truly to stretch, hold 30 […] Read More

Whole body vibration (WBV) is a form of passive exercise, forcing the body’s muscles to contract and relax, by the use of machines or platforms to transmit energy to the body. WBV is not safe for everyone. Absolute contraindications include pregnancy, pacemakers or implanted devices, acute thrombosis (blood clots), recent surgery or fresh wounds, and […] Read More