Lymphedema and Lipedema Treatment

Lymphedema and Lipedema

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid. There are two types of lymphedema:  primary and secondary.

Causes of primary lymphedema:

• Milroy’s disease
• Meige disease
• Late-onset lymphedema

Causes of secondary lymphedema:

• Surgery
• Radiation treatment for cancer
• Cancer
• Infection
• Injury

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a condition that causes excess fat to accumulate in the lower part of the body. Lipedema most often involves the buttocks, thighs and calves. The upper arms can also be affected. 

Treatment Phases

Phase I of treatment:

• Meticulous skin and nail care
• Manual lymph drainage
• Compression bandaging
• Remedial exercise
• Self-care training

Phase II of treatment:

• Wearing a compression garment in the daytime
• Bandaging at nighttime
• Meticulous skin and nail care
• Remedial exercise
• Manual lymph drainage

What is manual lymph drainage?
It’s a gentle technique which improves the activity of the lymphatic vascular system. It re-routes the lymph flow around blocked areas into more centrally located, healthy vessels which drain into the venous system.

For more information about diagnosis and our Lymphedema Treatment Program, please call 859.235.3553.