The Lipedema Foundation created this graphic to show ways we can manage Lipedema.
Now, let’s discuss some of the strategies that have been helpful in managing my Lipedema. For reference, I am Stage 2, but I have Lipedema in my full legs, hips, buttocks, stomach, arms, and while it’s not officially diagnosed in my breasts, by my PCP agrees that it’s likely there too based on my symptoms.
When I first learned about Lipedema, I started all of the conservative therapies. I found them to be helpful, but not nearly as helpful as the Carnivore diet, along with these therapies.
What therapies can help Lipedema?
I’ve linked to some products that I find helpful. I am an Amazon Affiliate, and I may earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t increase the price, and it helps me pay for my hosting fees. I would never recommend anything I don’t love.
Compression
Compression garments play a crucial role in managing swelling and pain associated with Lipedema. There are different types of medical compression. It’s important to find the right compression for your body.
In my situation, wearing compression in different areas can cause fluid to accumulate in other areas. For example, If I’m only wearing calf compression, this leads to fluid buildup around the knees. While compression on the legs may result in fluid pooling around my hips. Similarly, wearing compression up to the hips can cause fluid to pool in the abdomen, and so on. Wherever my fluid pools, my Lipedema seems to have progressed. Although compression provides relief, it’s equally important to address the dietary factors that contribute to swelling.
Compression garments can be uncomfortable and can feel suffocating. However, going without compression can lead to increased pain and swelling. Personally, I experience a feeling of heaviness and difficulty climbing stairs when I don’t wear compression on my legs. Wearing compression helps alleviate some of these difficulties and reduces pain.
Due to the irregular distribution of fat caused by Lipedema, some women will need to be measured for custom fit compression. Custom fit compression and any of the really good medical compression is expensive, but sometimes insurance may help with these expenses.
I’ve been buying CzSalus and it has worked well for me. I wear these when I travel, or if I’m experiencing increased swelling. They energize my legs, but they can be difficult to get on.
Putting on medical compression takes time, and sometimes I don’t have the time, but I need some compression. For those days I love Blanqi Hipster Compression Leggings. Blanqi leggings are expensive, but they are very high quality and last a long time. Blanqi is offering $20 off for new customers with my referral code. Once you are set-up as their customer, look for these leggings: Blanqi Hipster Compression Leggings. They are amazing and even have pockets!
Compression is also beneficial for those of us with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) because it improves our proprioception.
If I’m not wearing medical compression, I will wear Shapermint undies to help prevent fluid pooling in my tummy. It also helps to smooth my lumpy tummy, giving me more confidence. Then I wear Shefit bras to prevent swelling in my breasts and found them beneficial for my posture. They are high quality sports bras and they have wide bands. They close in front with a hook and zip up. The shoulder bands and the band under the breast is adjustable. You can make them tighter or loosen them, as needed.
Lymphatic Pumps
In addition to compression, lymphatic pumps are another useful tool for reducing pain and swelling caused by Lipedema. After my hip replacement, I noticed significant swelling around the hip area. Given that a hip replacement can damage the lymphatic system, I was concerned about Lipedema progression and developing lymphedema. I shared my concerns with my doctor, and she agreed that a lymphatic pump could be beneficial in helping reduce the swelling. However, when I tried to order the pump, my insurance denied the request, stating that I needed to go on a diet first. While I acknowledge that diet plays a role in swelling, it was important for me to address the lymphatic fluid buildup resulting from the hip replacement surgery.
Earlier this year, I consulted a new vein doctor due to pain in my left calf and Veinous Insufficiency. The pain would usually subside when I wore compression garments, but it would return as soon as I removed them, sometimes even causing discomfort while lying down and in the shower. The doctor agreed that a lymphatic pump would be helpful for managing my Lipedema and possibly helping the pain. He contacted Tactile Medical, a company specializing in lymphatic pumps. Tactile Medical measured me for a pump and allowed me to try the Flexitouch. To my delight, after just 15 minutes on the pump, the pain in my leg disappeared and hasn’t returned.
While I was excited to receive the Flexitouch pump, my insurance denied the request and approved a basic pump from Tactile instead. Although the basic pump helps keep fluid out of my legs, it squeezes my legs and arms for an extended period, causing pain and cramping on my replacement side. Consequently, I am unable to use the machine for long periods due to the discomfort it causes. Furthermore, the basic pump does not cover my hips, abdomen, breasts, and armpits, leading to fluid accumulation in these areas. When the fluid accumulates around my left hip, the replacement side, it becomes painful. The Flexitouch pump, on the other hand, provides coverage for these areas, facilitating the effective removal of fluid. With the help of my vein doctor and Tactile Medical, we are working towards submitting another request for the Flexitouch pump.
Lymphapress is another great lymphatic pump company, but my insurance did not cover their pump.
Vibration Plates
Vibration plates are another helpful tool for moving lymphatic fluid, similar to exercise. They offer various health benefits and can assist in combating the progression of Lipedema. I personally recommend the Lifepro brand, as they provide high-quality vibration plates at reasonable prices.
Prior to my hip replacement I was unable to walk. The vibration plate helped get my blood and lymphatic fluid pumping, while sitting on it. A vibration machine stimulates your muscles in a pattern of rapid contraction and release. These micro-engagements improve tone and strength, encourage blood flow, and increase your overall range of motion.
Here are some quick links to Lifepro Vibration Plates – I personally love my Lifepro Rumblex. Their percussion massager is great too. Using massage guns on our Lipedema area can help with fibrosis and tight muscles. Lifepro is a brand I highly recommend.
Swimming & Water Aerobics
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for managing Lipedema as it alleviates pressure on the joints, and the water acts as a natural compression. I particularly enjoy water aerobics and eagerly await the reopening of our local pool so I can incorporate it into my routine again. In the future, I hope to have a swim spa, allowing me to adjust the temperature to my preference and use it whenever I have free time.
Here’s a great book on Amazon from Legs Like Mine: Aqua Therapy for Lipedema & Lymphedema
If you like water aerobics or walking in the pool, but your feet hurt, try these shoes: Ryka Hydro Sport Cross Training Shoes. They are nice and light, but very supportive.
Rebounding
Rebounding is a great exercise for managing Lipedema because it gets the lymphatic fluid pumping. Rebounders are the mini trampolines. When I first considered getting a rebounder, I was worried it would feel harsh, stiff, and squeaky. I found a brand I really like called Leaps & Rebounds. It’s has great bounce to it and they have the option to add a bar, which I know a lot of Lipedema women love. I have one without the bar. I had to stop using it due to my hip dysplasia, but I hope to use it again soon. You don’t want to jump on it, just lightly bounce. If you do not have any mobility issues, there are some fun workouts on Youtube. I recommend getting the 48 inch if you want to do more than just bounce and do the workouts. The extra space allows you to do a variety of jumps.
Bellicon is another popular brand that has great bounce, however, they are a lot more expensive.
If you have kids, it’s a great way to keep them entertained too.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an effective way to stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid. However, it requires finding and paying for an MLD therapist. Although I tried MLD for a while, it was challenging to go consistently due to my parental responsibilities and other appointments. This is why I am interested in having a lymphatic Flexitouch pump at home.
You can also learn to do some MLD on yourself. Here are some videos from Klose Lymphedema Certification.
Myofascial Release
It has been reported that many women with Lipedema are hypermobile and have EDS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This causes our joints to be hypermobile due to weak connective tissue, putting us at risk for injuries and chronic pain. It’s also been reported than many women with Lipedema also deal with Fibromyalgia like pain, and fasciitis pain.
Finding a good therapist has played an essential role in managing a lot of my pain. I have an Osteopathic Manual Therapist, as well as a Rossiter Stretching Therapist. I’ve also been in Physical Therapy for multiple years, but I still walked with a limp, 2 years after my hip replacement surgery. Physical therapy is often covered by insurance, but the only work one area of your body. The problem with only focusing on one area of pain, is the problem may actually be in another part of the body. So the PT may just be treating the symptoms instead of the cause. For example, pain in your feet, can actually be caused by your hips. Our bodies are connected, so we need to treat the entire body.
My Rossiter Stretching Therapist has worked both fascia and muscles and got me walking straight, without a limp. After every session, my chest would break out in a rash, and I could feel tiny granules coming through the skin. Our sessions would trigger my body purged the oxalate that was trapped in the tissues.
My Osteopathic Manual Therapists has played a critical role in overcoming long covid, lymphatic swelling, digestive problems, chronic headaches, as well as issues with my muscles and fascia. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without my therapist. If I’ve been exposed to pesticides, herbicides, or eaten nightshade alkaloids, or too many oxalates, I know she can get me completely out of pain. The problem is, both my therapists are normally booked out at least 1 month. Seeing them to relieve my pain flare is not always an option. This is why avoiding triggers is so crucial.
Lipedema Reduction Surgery
Finally, one of the options for managing Lipedema is to undergo liposuction with a surgeon who specializes in Lipedema reduction surgery. Unfortunately, many insurance companies categorize liposuction as cosmetic and overlook the fact that Lipedema is a painful condition that hinders our ability to enjoy life.
This perception is frustrating and can be traumatizing for individuals living with Lipedema. Moreover, the added weight resulting from Lipedema can exacerbate joint problems, particularly for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Consequently, many women with Lipedema end up requiring knee replacements. It is my belief that if insurance companies approved Lipedema liposuction, they could potentially save money in the long run by avoiding the need for costly knee replacements, which in many cases, can cost more than Lipedema reduction surgery.
However, even if someone can afford the surgery or obtain insurance coverage, it is crucial not to rush into surgery without first identifying all of the inflammation triggers. Without addressing these triggers, the Lipedema could spread. Liposuction doesn’t get rid of Lipedema, it’s like a reset button.
Managing My Pain
I have not had surgery, but in my case, my previous “healthy” diet, which consisted of what I was told were healing plant foods, was actually contributing to pain, inflammation and Lipedema progression. While it may have been an improvement compared to my diet in my 20s, it became clear that plant foods were not suitable for me. It took me several years to figure this out. I’ve been able to manage most of my pain through diet, however, if I get sick, or if something flares me, I am in serious pain.
These things that have flared my Lipedema pain (occurs within the hour of exposure):
- Touching a hose that had been sprayed with lawn chemicals.
- Wiping up dead ants that I thought had been smashed by my kids, but had been sprayed with pesticide.
- Driving past the farm fields that were being sprayed.
- Walking past workers using weed whackers, on weeds killed by herbicide the week before.
- Making a treat for my kids using a strawberry extract (The manufacturer would not disclose the natural flavors, just that it wasn’t nightshade, and it’s not organic).
- Walking outside on a windy day, when my neighbors lawn was being sprayed with chemicals.
- Making a treat for my kids and using a stevia caramel flavoring.
- Taking a new brand of magnesium
- In the past, eating nightshades or drinking regular coffee did it too, but these things don’t anymore as long as I stay away from them.
I’ve wondered, if I were to have surgery to remove Lipedema, would the extreme pain flares continue, stop completely, or be mild?
Lipedema Management
As you can see, managing Lipedema is expensive and can feel like a full time job. It is worth noting that Lipedema management involves a combination of dietary changes, avoiding toxins, compression garments, lymphatic pumps, vibration plates, swimming, manual lymphatic drainage, and, in some cases, liposuction. While liposuction can be an effective solution for many, it is important to approach it with caution and only after addressing all inflammation triggers. It is my hope that insurance companies recognize the importance of approving Lipedema extraction, as a medical necessity for individuals with Lipedema, considering the significant impact it can have on their quality of life and overall health.
Back: My Lipedema Story
References:
The Usefulness of the Application of Compression Therapy among Lipedema Patients-Pilot
