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Treatment for Lipoedema Brisbane
At Knead Massage Brisbane our qualified and experienced Lymphatic Therapists can help reduce Lipoedema symptoms such as pain and feelings of tightness in the limbs, lymph node congestion and oedema while helping maintain skin integrity – using scientifically validated methods such as:
Complex Decongestive Lymphatic Drainage
Pneumatic Compression therapy
Laser to open the nodes and decrease inflammation
We understand that even obtaining a Lipoedema diagnosis is a very difficult process. We’re here to help.
Our Expert Lymphatic Decongestive Massage therapists use only the most effective techniques to reduce the pain and swelling of Lipoedema. (Our practices are in line with The American Guidelines of Lipoedema treatment and other organisations of care, who recommend the following conservative management strategies for lipoedema. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02683555211015887)
What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a progressive chronic condition where body fat distribution in the limbs is excessive while the central body is slim relative to the extremities. Adipose tissue blocks the lymph nodes:
- creating lymphatic congestion
- inflammation
- circulatory conditions
Lipoedema symptoms
One of the characteristic features of lipoedema is that the arms and legs are affected, while the hands and feet are not. Unfortunately, the condition is not responsive to dietary interventions.
The most frequent symptoms of Lipoedema are:
- Fatigue when performing simple activities or doing low to medium impact physical activities
- Presence of pain in extremities
- Circulatory conditions such as bruises without impact
- Generalized inflammation (swelling or oedema) in the lower and/or upper limbs. Predominately affecting the knees, ankles, hips and outside of the arms.
The best treatment approach should be determined according to where you sit within the standardised classifications. Surgery is often the most appropriate treatment for severe Lipoedema. Pre and Post surgery, we can help with lymphatic drainage to reduce the feeling of tightness and pain.
A 2020 review describes 3 stages of lipoedema.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7465366/
- stage I: small nodules, reversible oedema
- stage II: walnut-sized nodules, reversible or irreversible oedema
- stage III: disfiguring fat deposits (dimpled pattern), macronodular changes, with accompanying lymphedema
Other symptoms that typically occur in lipoedema include an ease of bruising due to vascular insufficiency.
One of the distinctions of lipoedema, versus a similar condition lipohypertrophy, is that lipoedema is usually painful.
What causes Lipoedema?
The exact cause of Lipoedema remains unclear.
Most cases occur in females (approximately 10% female population is affected). Symptoms first occur during hormone events such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
Approximately 60% of those diagnosed with lipoedema have a first degree relative with the condition (parent).
The current theory is that an estrogen dysfunction causes lymphatic and vascular insufficiency – meaning flow of these vessels becomes restricted and the tissue uptake of oxygen is reduced. The lack of oxygenation results in an increase in the growth of dysfunctional blood vessels which lead to hematomas and petechiae. These dysfunctional capillaries allow an excessive amount of lipo-proteins (fat cells) through their walls which accumulate in the lymphatic space (extracellular compartment). It is theorised that this accumulation of material in the extracellular space is what causes the obvious symptoms of lipoedema.
Lipoedema best practice guidelines (what you should do)
Lipoedema is such a difficult condition because currently there is no way to reverse the condition or radically improve the appearance of the tissue. Management of lipoedema is all about preserving and maintaining quality of life, pain free function, skin integrity and reducing the feeling of tightness in the limbs. You can achieve this with a combined management plan consisting of
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A specialized massage technique that complements compression therapy by manually stimulating lymph flow.
- Exercise: Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and yoga can enhance lymphatic function and overall fitness.
- Compression therapies: Compression garments are useful in reducing tissue volume and facilitating exercise.
- Nutritional Support: A balanced diet that supports lymphatic health can be beneficial. Although diet alone cannot cure lipoedema, it can help manage symptoms and support overall health.
- Psychological Support: Counseling or support groups can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of living with a chronic condition like lipoedema.
In severe Lipoedema, liposuction is the gold standard intervention to improve function, maintain skin integrity and reduce pain. Unfortunately, liposuction doesn’t improve the appearance of the affected tissue.
Lipoedema Treatment Brisbane – How can we help?
At Knead Massage Brisbane, our experienced therapists provide focused hands on care for all stages of Lipoedema management. We incorporate expert complex decongestive drainage with proven pain free technology such as Low Level Laser and Pneumatic Compression pumps to help maintain your quality of life and well being.
- Complex decongestive lymphatic drainage has been shown (in multiple studies) to reduce tissue volume by approximately 10%. This will reduce pain and loosen the feeling of tightness in the limbs. Decongestive drainage may also help prevent secondary complications such as skin lesions.
- Clear and stimulate blocked nodes and show you how to do your own lymphatic node drainage sequence.
- Provide Pneumatic compression pump therapy. This has been shown to be equally effective as complex manual lymphatic drainage in multiple studies in reducing tissue volume and pain associated with lipoedema.
- Use low level laser to inflammation and pain
- Deep tissue fascial work (within pain tolerance) has been shown to mobilise the fibrotic adhesion in the limbs and improve the lymphatic interstitial space.
What happens in a Lipoedema Treatment at Knead
In the initial treatment we will discuss your history and assess you to ensure you can receive compression pump therapy and/or low level laser. The treatment begins with node stimulation and clearance and manual lymphatic drainage to stimulate the lymphatic system.
We will then place you in the compression pump for approximately 30 minutes. Time in the pump depends on a lot of factors that will be determined in the assessment. After compression is completed your therapist will clear the nodes again, and demonstrate a self node clearance sequence.
Low Level Laser for lipoedema
Combining low level laser with hands on decongestive techniques is an effective way to reduce inflammation and pain while stimulating the energy system of the lymphatic system. Improving the mitochondrial energy output of the lymphatic cells will encourage an improved lymphatic flow and removal of waste products and fluid. The primary benefit of low level laser for lipoedema is that it changes inflammatory chemicals from chronic pain producing substances to more useful cellular recycling chemicals. Reducing congestion and pain.
There are some contraindications for low level laser and compression pump therapy so your therapist will advise what is right for your condition. Should neither of these treatment options be appropriate your therapist will perform the lymphatic drainage manually.
How many Lymphatic Drainage Treatments for Lipoedema will I need?
As lipoedema is a chronic condition there is no simple answer. Effectively managing lipoedema symptoms requires building a routine around symptom reduction. Establishing how long each treatment provides relief will enable you to plan your management strategy.
Lipoedema can be an emotionally draining condition and having the support of an understanding therapist can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Your therapist can be an important part of your lipoedema management plan.
Do you have Lymphatic Drainage Packs?
Yes we have packs for 3, 6 or 9, and purchasing a pack provides a discount.
How do I book?
You can book online or call our clinic. If you have any other health conditions that affect your heart or kidneys please call to make your booking. If you have any questions please contact us by calling 30030801 or use our contact form.
We look forward to meeting and supporting you in your lipoedema journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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