LIPOEDEMA

MLD & LIPOEDEMA

In lipoedema there is not always a significant accumulation of fluid, but many women report that MLD helps to reduce pain and heaviness, and this therapy is often also recommended pre- and post-liposuction surgery. Deep Oscillation Therapy may also be used.

Self-help MLD is a simplified version of MLD and can be undertaken at home. Your MLD therapist can demonstrate and teach you how to carry out self-treatment.

LIPOEDEMA
Lipoedema is a condition that causes an accummulation of excess fatty tissue in the lower body. Usually from hips down to the ankles but does not involve the feet or the waist. Lipoedema is mostly hormonal and is mostly present in women.

LIPO-LYMPHOEDEMA
If lipoedema progresses to a certain stage, the pressure of increasesd fat cells can clog and block lymphatic flow and vessels, which can cause lymphoedema and a further backup of swelling. It is estimated that reducing weight to a healthy level can reduce lymphoedema and lipoedema by more than 40%. It is also very important to exercise daily, starting with gentle movement that can be gradually increased.

HORMONAL LINK
There is no cure for lipoedema, and although it was first recognised in the 1940s, little research has since been done into the disease. The full causes are unclear, but there is a hormonal link to lipoedema, particularly oestrogen, causing symptoms to start around puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

EXERCISE
Exercise, together with a healthy anti-inflammatory diet, can help to avoid progression or worsening of the condition.

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
Chronic inflammatory diseases such as lipoedema can also be helped with intermittent fasting (8hours/16hours). It will lead to reduced fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity, so weight and inflammation will both be reduced. The main points are to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet, no processed foods, exercise, hydration, sleep, and keeping your BMI to less than 30. 
Once weightloss has been achieved it will be easier to treat lipoedema with compression, MLD for pain relief, and possibly surgery.

Almost exclusively affects women
Women of all ages, ethnicity may be affected

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Pain, heaviness and discomfort in both legs
Easily bruised
Fatigue, joint pain, swelling, reduced mobility, flat feet & gait problems
Feelings of low esteem, shame and embarrassment
Anxiety, depression and hopelessness
Eating disorders, malnutrition and low energy

CHARACTERISTICS

Onset during puberty, during pregnancy or menopause
Symmetrical, involving both legs
Uneven, abnormal build-up of fatty tissue under the skin
Legs, hips and buttocks are involved
Feet & upper body are generally not affected
Waist is generally not affected unless there is excess weight present

Restricted mobility and joint pain in latter stages
Skin changes, low self-esteem

More information can be found on Lipoedema.co.uk and The Lipoedema Support Network Ireland