Treatment of Lipoedema
Treatment is designed primarily to address the secondary lymphedema part of the lipedema patient’s condition. This treatment includes a course of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and bandaging by a lymphedema therapist, followed by the wearing of custom-fitted compression garments designed specially to be therapeutic for lymphedema- usually stockings and sometimes biker’s shorts.
THERAPY FOR LIPODEMA
COMPRESSION
he most important factor is the compression therapy, but in most cases compression therapy in the first instinct will not be tolerated without manual lymph drainage (MLD).
After a course of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression stockings must be worn daily.
Effects of MLD in Lipodema
- Increases lymph formation
- Increases lymph pump
- Reduces hypersensitivity
- Reduces heaviness, oedema and painful, restless legs
MLD Sequence in Lipodema
- short neck treatment
- intensive abdominal treatment
- treatment of the legs and the buttocks
- 45-60 minutes
EXERCISE
" Set yourself an exercise plan and make time for exercise, it is important to you and your health! If needs be get a Personal Trainer to get you on the straight and narrow and follow it through, it's worth it!"
Exercise programme:
- Aerobic training (active, dynamic exercises)
- Exercise at 70% of MHR (Maximum Heart Rate which will aid weight loss)
- 60 to 150minutes per session
- 2-3 times a week
- allow several month for the development of a good general condition
DIET
Whilst no diet will cure Lipodema, it does not give us an excuse to ignore our weight and of course additional obesity must be treated – and weight must be controlled in every case. Obesity increases the risk of developing additional lymphedema - Lipo-lymphedema and other health issues ie Diabetes etc !! Alcohol has a negative effect on the Lymphatic system.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT:
Diuretics – do not help this condition
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house." The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them." "For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
To all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to "smell the flowers"!!!!