Polly Jiacovelli LMT, CLT-LANA

LIPEDEMA

Lipedema is a condition where changes in cellular function of adipose cells lead to fatty tissue edema, thickened collagen fibers, venous stasis and lymphostasis.

Lipedema occurs more frequently in women and appears at certain locations such as the thigh, buttocks, lower abdomen and sometimes the arms. Hands and feet are unaffected and remain slim.

Lipedemea occurs in phases and is painful in the advanced stages. It frequently exists in combination with venous edema and/or lymphedema.

Treatment for lipedema can be the same as for lymphedema – MLD/CDT with compression bandaging and compression stockings.