Fellow Certified Lymphedema Therapist Molly Nettles shares information about dry brushing in this presentation for the Fat Disorders Research Society. Dry brushing can give you smoother, softer skin and improve lymphatic flow if done correctly. This would be a wonderful part of self-care for a lady with impaired lymphatics and lipedema / lipoedema / lipoedeem.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends dry brushing to promote lymph flow and drainage
The New York Times reports Dr. Tina S. Alster, a clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical Center finds that dry brushing helps the lymphatic system "work better."
A study published in 2008 and conducted in Germany sought to gain a better idea of exactly what 'pain' with lipedema feels like. In 'Pain with lipoedema
Attempt to approximate' researchers W. Schmeller, I. Meier-Vollrath
Capio from the Hanse-Klinik, Department of Liposuction and Operational-Aesthetic
Dermatology, Lübeck, Germany asked 50 patients with stage 2 lipoedema to complete a questionnaire.
The results? Pain was described as "pressing and dull," as well as "severe, tearing, nagging, unnerving, fierce,
unbearable, exhausting, and sharp." A very interesting finding was that when allowed to use their own descriptions of pain, "the
complaints were often described as being very pronounced." This may mean that we as health professionals are not getting the best idea of how pain is affecting our clients with lipedema if we rely on pre-selected words to describe pain. We may do a better job at getting an accurate picture of the pain of lipedema if we let out clients describe the pain in their own words and phrases.
The study document also has a list of words and terms that the lipedema clients used to describe their pain to help us get a better idea of what the experience may be for our clients.
Meditation can help us reduce stress, but many women have difficulty sitting in the 'traditional' cross legged meditation position. Ladies with larger legs, like those with lymphatic disorders, lymphedema and adipose tissue disorders like lipedema / lipoedeem / lipoedema may find the following tips helpful:
Can supplements help treat lipedema? Dr. Karen Herbst has compiled a list of herbs, vitamins, nutrients and supplements that may help ladies with lipedema / lipoedema / lipoedeem symptoms. Dr. Herbst also indicated that these supplements may be helpful for Dercum's disease as well. According to the college of Medicine Tucson's 'Treatment, Research and Education of Adipose Tissue' program (TREAT), these supplements work to help reduce lipedema symptoms in four ways:
Personal Trainers: Analyzing the medication information from a personal training client with lipedema can be complex! Click on the link above to find out why a person with lipedema / lipoedema / lipoedeem may be taking supplements.
This short, low impact workout uses resistance bands to build muscle. Joint movement is a great way to move lymphatic fluid, which is why this workout is recommended for lymphedema / lymphoedema and lipedema / lipoedema / lipoedeem clients. As with all workouts - this one will not reduce lipedema adipose tissue, it is designed to help the lymphatic system and encourage strength.
