Who it's for
Individuals diagnosed with lipedema who experience pain, tenderness, heaviness, swelling or mobility limitations and seek a conservative therapeutic program for symptom management.
How it works
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is used as part of conservative lipedema management, aiming to alleviate symptoms, support physical function and improve quality of life. Treatment begins with an individual assessment of the patient’s condition, including adipose tissue distribution, tenderness and pain, the presence of edema, mobility and tolerance to compression. Depending on individual needs, the therapeutic program may include: * Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): a gentle manual technique used as part of a combined program to support lymphatic transport and manage associated edema. * Compression Therapy: the use of compression bandaging or appropriately fitted compression garments, according to the patient’s clinical presentation and tolerance. * Therapeutic Exercises: tailored physical activity to support circulation, muscle strength, mobility and physical function. * Adapted Manual Techniques: selected interventions based on tissue sensitivity and individual tolerance. * Education and Self-Management: guidance on compression, physical activity and ongoing home care. The components of therapy are selected individually, as patients do not all present with the same symptoms or require the same interventions. The goal of CDT in lipedema is symptom management, not the elimination of pathological adipose tissue. Conservative therapy may contribute to reducing pain and heaviness, managing associated edema and improving physical function. The treatment program is tailored and reassessed according to the patient’s response to therapy.
Key Benefits
- Management of pain and tissue tenderness.
- Relief of limb heaviness.
- Management of associated edema.
- Support for mobility and physical function.
- Education for long-term self-management.
