The following treatments may be recommended to manage Lipoedema and prevent lymphoedema and varicose veins developing. It is vital that you seek a proper assessment from a suitably qualified healthcare professional.

Other Treatments

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

MLD is a specific type of gentle massage that is used to stimulate lymphatic flow thus helping reduce oedema (fluid build up). It is also useful to reduce pain and discomfort. It is most effective when combined with other treatments such as compression bandaging and/or compression garments. It is performed by specially trained therapists and it is essential that qualifications are checked before embarking on a course of treatment. Many women say it helps to reduce Lipoedema pain.  It is best used in conjunction with compression hosiery. Further details and a list of registered MLD practitioners can be found at:  www.mlduk.org.uk.

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy (IPC)

IPC provides a mechanical massage using air driven pumps and comfortable, inflatable garments that are used over affected areas/swollen limbs. They compliment other conservative treatments such as compression and MLD and are not used in isolation. Patients may purchase their own device to use at home under careful supervision – but caution is required before they are issued and careful assessment should be carried out before they are initiated to prevent further problems. Not all Lipoedema patients can tolerate them, especially if pain/tenderness is a particular problem, but pressures in the new multi-chamber systems can be sufficiently lowered to ensure comfort and improvement in symptoms.