Lipedema presents as abnormal, symmetrical accumulations of painful nodules of fat on the legs, anywhere from buttocks to ankles and especially on the inside of the thighs, although there are several places where it develops, and these are termed the types of lipedema. This excess fat causes affected patients to develop a characteristic gait. To […]

Treatment for lipedema is much like that of lymphedema; it is multifaceted and consists of several therapies, the basis of which is complete decongestive therapy. The goals for lipedema therapy are: Improving lymphatic flow by manually draining the lymphatic system, with the assistance of a certified lymphedema therapist or reflexology therapist, with the assistance of […]

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 […]

Great advice gleaned 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 Body Cream. Gabapentin […]

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 […]

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 […]

These books have come highly recommended over the years by lipedema and lymphedema patients, as they deal with the myriad of comorbidities and other issues which patients face, such as Dercum’s Disease and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Ahead Of The Curve By Jenny Rushmore Ahead of the Curve is the first sewing book to empower curvy and […]

Great advice gleaned 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 legs on wall. […]

Common foot disorders include heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, athlete’s foot, Morton’s neuroma, and hammertoe, often caused by improper footwear, aging, or activity strain. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and skin changes, requiring proper shoes, orthotics, or care from a podiatrist. Seek medical attention if you experience chronic pain or a […]

Great advice gleaned 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 seconds minimum. Any […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 — […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Whole body vibration 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. Studies on the effects of occupational hazards (sources of vibration), such as jackhammers, delivery vehicles (including tractors, forklifts, and earthmoving equipment), and other machinery suggest […]