Allure Clinic Porto

Allure Clinic - Vascular Surgery, Endocrinology, Nutrition, Aesthetic and Dermatological Treatments Clinic

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Physiotherapy and Lipedema

In the treatment of Lipedema, physiotherapy acts in two distinct moments: in conservative treatment and in surgical treatment.
The therapeutic objectives of conservative treatment (or preparatory to surgery) should be directed towards:

  • pain reduction;
  • improving skin mobility;
  • the management of changes associated with cellulite (FEG) and obesity;
  • the prevention of secondary articulation problems;
  • minimizing the impact on the ability to carry out activities;
  • improving the appearance of the limbs;
  • the promotion of self-care.

Lipedema: how to treat

In this way, physiotherapy uses some specific techniques for the conservative treatment of Lipedema.

Treatment consists of a set of therapies indicated for the management of residual edema. It includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression and containment therapy using clothing, compression stockings, bandages, or pressure therapy, postural care and specific exercises, as well as skin care.

To minimize the feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs, we can use the Kinesio Taping to perform lymphatic drainage, which aids in treatment.

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Before and After Cases - Lipedema

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The benefits of physiotherapy in the treatment of Lipedema

Patients often report the benefits of relaxation and confirm an improvement in their quality of life.

Thus, conservative treatment can be interpreted as: lifestyle changes, physiotherapy treatment (TFC and DLM), pressotherapy, electrotherapy and skin care.

Subsequently, the patient is referred for surgical treatment with greater safety and excellent postoperative results.

THE Lipedema It is a physical state that alters and conditions the entire quality of life of patients.

Therefore, physiotherapy is evolving in the conservative and post-operative treatment of this disease and, with the intervention of all professionals in the multidisciplinary team, it can treat and alleviate the discomfort caused by Lipedema .

 

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Specialist
in Physiotherapy and Lipedema

Dr. Marianna Lou

  • Specialist in Oncological and Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy
  • Graduated in Physiotherapy from Gama Filho University, Rio de Janeiro
  • Master and PhD in Bioethics and Public Health
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Dr. Marianna Lou Dr. Marianna Lou
Dr. Marianna Lou

Specialist
in Physiotherapy and Lipedema

Dr. Beatriz Barbosa

  • Specialist in Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy
  • Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from CESPU (Famalicão)
  • She has experience working with patients in the postoperative period of plastic surgery, in the treatment of venous and lymphatic disorders, including the conservative management of lipedema and lymphedema.
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Dr. Beatriz Barbosa

Specialist
in Physiotherapy and Lipedema

Dr Tatiana Carrasco

  • Specialist in Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy
  • Degree in Physiotherapy from Estácio de Sá University (Brazil)
  • She has a degree in Physiotherapy in Women's Health, with a focus on Urogynaecological Physiotherapy.
  • MBA in Management of Clinics and Practices
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Dr Tatiana Carrasco

Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Therapy and Lipedema

1

What is the price of physiotherapy treatment for lipedema?

The price of this treatment depends on the evaluation of each case. Therefore, to receive a reference price, please request this information through our contact form.

2

What is conservative treatment?

This is a treatment protocol aimed at reducing skin inflammation and pain in the affected limbs. In these cases, manual lymphatic drainage, pressure therapy, electrotherapy, and the technique kinesio taping. In this way, the appearance of cellulite, sagging and edema present in patients with lipedema can be treated.

3

What devices can be used in conservative treatment?

At Allure Clinic, we use devices tailored to the stage of lipedema. The most effective are combinations of manual therapy, pressure therapy, and Accent Prime, which utilize powerful radiofrequency and ultrasound technologies to eliminate unwanted fat and cellulite, restoring skin firmness.

4

When does physiotherapy begin in the treatment of lipedema?

It begins immediately after diagnosis and with the development of a plan, in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team, focused on treating lipedema. This can be divided into two phases:

THE 1st phase This is a conservative treatment in which, together with a nutritionist, endocrinologist, dermatologist, and vascular surgeon, the lipedema situation is analyzed in a detailed and personalized manner. In this phase, physiotherapy focuses on balancing the most obvious symptoms, such as pain in the affected limbs, poor circulation, and edema, as well as improving aesthetic appearance, in preparation for the second phase.

THE 2nd phase refers to the pre- and post-operative period in preparation for liposuction surgery specifically for lipedema. The physiotherapist plays a key role in ensuring the post-operative period is safe and produces excellent results.

5

Is lipedema the same disease as lymphedema?

No. Lymphedema is an alteration of the lymphatic system, usually unilateral to the affected limb, with edema in the extremities. It can be congenital, if the patient is born with alterations in the lymphatic system, or acquired, due to the removal of the lymphatic system, as in the case of breast cancer. 

Lipedema is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the adipose system (fat cells), always bilateral and without edema in the extremities. The most common symptoms are pain, swelling, bruising, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. 

6

Is lymphatic drainage painful?

Manual lymphatic drainage is a painless technique that does not cause any discomfort to the patient but brings immediate benefits, such as reduced pain and a feeling of relief from heaviness in the legs.

7

Do lymphatic drainage and shaping massages remove fat from your legs?

Lymphatic drainage is important for eliminating metabolic waste (toxins) that remain between cells, hindering the regeneration metabolism between the cells of the lymphatic and blood systems.
In cases of cellulite and localized fat, shaping massage increases fat cell metabolism, thus reducing their volume. However, in cases of lipedema, this doesn't happen because there's an inflammatory process in the fat cells that reduces their regeneration capacity. Lymphatic drainage is the best option, as it reduces this inflammatory process and allows tissue recovery.

8

Does taping help treat Lipedema?

Taping can be applied in a variety of ways. However, for lipedema, we use lymphatic taping. The benefits include:

  • increased lymphatic drainage; 
  • improving local metabolism;
  • reduction of bruises (purple);
  • relief from heaviness in the legs.
9

How many sessions should I do per week?

At the beginning of treatment, it is recommended to use it 2 to 3 times a week to reduce inflammation. Afterward, maintenance should be done once a week, and you may notice an improvement in the "orange peel" appearance (cellulite) and a reduction in leg heaviness at the end of the day.

10

Can I take enzymes for Lipedema fat?

Lipolytic enzymes increase fat cell metabolism, reducing the volume of the area where they were applied. However, there are few studies on lipedema, and the risk of complications such as necrosis (cell death) in the area where the enzymes were applied is very high. The best way to treat lipedema is through conservative treatment, with non-invasive protocols that promote well-being and progressive reduction in leg circumference.