Lipedema is a genetically mediated disorder of fat deposition that occurs almost exclusively in ย females. There isย a symmetrical accumulation of fat in the legs, buttocksย and hipsย that extends down to the ankles. In 70% of cases the swelling occurs in the arms and there is no foot involvement. A “cuff” can be found around the ankles and wrists. Patients often report a family history of “heavy legs”
Lipedema is often called “painful fat syndrome”.ย ย The swelling that occurs is due to an excess deposition of fatty tissue and fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue, ย leaky vessels andย fragility of the blood vessels. It is painful to the touch
Lipedema is often misdiagnosed and can be mistaken for regular obesity or lymphedema.ย The condition can progress to becomeย Lymphedema.ย Patients areย ย accused of being simply “fat,” which is not the case and is so invalidating and frustrating to the patients.
Symptoms of lipedema
As the fat increases, the lymphatic vessels are unable to move the fluids out of the body and the swelling increases.ย The symptoms include pain, bruising, swelling in the limbs and hypermobility of the joints, with reduced elasticity in the skin and knee.ย Patients often have flat feet and knee mal-alignment or instability,
Lipedema can occur in puberty or often in the 30′ sย and there is a slow progression of symptoms and weight gain, leading to immobility. Lipedema may develop or worsen during pregnancy or surgery
Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often an extremity, resulting from an accumulation of fluids, in such proportion to be palpable and visible. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vascular system is not able to fill its function of reabsorpbtion and transport of the protein and lymph load. Lymphedema occurs whenever lymphatic vessels are absent, underdeveloped or obstructed.
The condition most often causes embarrassment and causes decreased mobility, discomfort and often repeated episodes of infection, cellulitis and lymphangitis. This can lead to general depression and a general worsening of the patientโs life and health.ย Fungal infections can be very frequent and these place a greater load on the lymphatics. Severe cases are associated with thickening of the skin, hardening of the limb (fibrosis), leakage of lymph and massive swelling (elephantiasis).
How Does Lymphedema Occur?
A stagnation of protein develops in the tissue. This raises the colloid osmotic pressure and a protein rich edema arises. There are more protein rich fluids in the tissue than can be transported and the proteins attract water by osmosis. The affected area becomes swollen, enlarged and uncomfortable. This swelling decreases oxygenation of the tissues, interferes with their normal functioning and makes them heal more slowly than normal. The excess protein also serves as a stimulus from chronic infection and can result in formation of excess fibrous tissue. Lymphedema is a chronic and if left untreated, progressive condition. It can however, be brought under control by appropriate treatment and care.
Lymphedema may be due to a primary (congenital or genetic) cause or of a secondary cause (caused by a known condition), including removal of the lymph nodes or trauma.
Types of Lymphedema
Primary Lymphedema
Primary Lymphedema is that which has no known cause.
Milroyโs disease is a familial (genetically caused) lymphedema which is present at birth.
Meigeโs disease is similar, but appears no later than puberty.
Lymphedema Praecox is the most common form of primary lymphedema. This begins in adolescence. It is predominantly females who suffer from this condition. Seventy five percent of primary lymphedema is praecox.
Lymphedema Tarda is identical to Lymphedema praecox but occurs after the patient is 35 years old. Both praecox and tarda almost always involve just the legs.
The pathological mechanisms which cause primary lymphedema are an absence of lymphatics (aplasia), inadequate lymphatic drainage, too few lymphatics or too few nodes, or lymphatics which are hugely dilated.
Secondary Lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema is an acquired condition resulting from loss or obstruction or previously normal lymphatic channels. The most common cause of secondary lymphedema is due to removal of the lymph nodes, as part of surgery for malignancies. The lymph pathways can be interrupted by radiation, surgery, injury or blockage with parasites.
– Symptoms of Lymphedema
Patients experience swelling in the affected limb and may experience one or all of the following symptoms: tingling, tightness, numbness, slight pain, feeling of fullness, ย heaviness, cramps and a burning sensation in limb. There may be range of motion limitations and temperature differences between the limbs. We help to effectively reduce the symptoms of lymphedema and help you to participate in your daily activities once again.
– Stages of Lymphedema
Stage 0, also known as latent stage or subclinical stage of lymphedema
At this stage the patient is at risk of developing lymphedema, however there is no swelling present, even though the lymph system has been disturbed by sugery or radiation. ย In stage 0 patients may experience early symptoms, such as the feeling of numbness, tingling or fullness in a limb, which is often accompanied by low-grade discomfort
If we treat at this stage the symptoms can be easily controlled using off the shelfย compression garments.
If we can consult with you soon after surgery,ย we can educate you and reduce the risk of lymphedema
Stage I, also known as pitting or reversible stage
The affected arms or legs become visibly swollen, as a protein-rich fluid starts to accumulate in the tissues.
Upon elevation, the swelling reduces.
There is a pitting edema and the limb may appear normal the next morning.
Stage II, also known as spontaneously-irreversible stage
There is an increase in the swelling and a change in the tissues
The skin becomes harder (fibrotic) and there are skin changes.
Upon elevation, the limb does not reduce.
Pressure against the limb produces only a slight indentation or in indentation at all.
Stage two lymphedema can be reversed with intense therapy.
Stage III, also known as lymphostatic elephantiasis
In this stage, there is a buildup of fluid in the tissues and the swelling increases.
Pressure on the skin does not produce any pitting and there are skin changes, as skin begins to breakdown.
Normal elasticity is lost and the skin hangs in folds.
The person is very likely to become infected as the swelling becomes a perfect culture for bacteria to breed. There is a risk of infection and subsequent recurrent infections (cellulitis)
Untreated lymphedema can lead into a decrease or loss of functioning of the affected extremity, skin breakdown and sometimes irreversible complications.
Treatment option lymphedema
Complex decongestive therapy ย ย – link to treatment options
Nutritional counseling
Aromatherapy
Fat Disorders – Rare Adipose Disorders – Lipedema and Dercums
DD is a disorder of subcutaneous adipose (fatty) tissue, also known as painful fat syndrome. It involves the excess deposit and expansion of fat cells. Lipomas are common and angiolipomas (very vascular lipomas) are found in 30% of people with Dercumโs Disease. DD is often misdiagnosed as ordinary obesity. โข DD occurs in more women than men, at a 5:1 ratio, and in 40% of cases it is thought it is thought to be inherited (genetic). Age of onset is usually between 30 and 50 years of age. Currently, there are no imaging or diagnostic tests available to determine the presence of DD.
Types of Dercums
TYPE 1: Painful nodular fat around the joints.
TYPE 2: Painful nodular fat anywhere from head to toe (whole body). Often accompanied
by generalized obesity.
TYPE 3: Larger lipomas that may have a capsule and attached connective tissue; often
in the absence of obesity. Most men have Type 3
What are the symptoms of Dercums
Severe fatigue that impairs a personโs daily activities of living and can be worsened by activities and exercise
Weight gain may occur at onset; difficult to lose with lifestyle changes
Increased vasculature near lipomas; telangiectasias(small dilated blood vessel near the surface of the skin); cherry angiomas (round broken capillary on the skin); easy bruising; heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding;
Lymphatic involvement: Swellings in fat; may change in size and are nonpitting, (do not indent when pressed)
Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Gastrointestinal: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
(heartburn); irritable bowel symptoms,
constipation and/or diarrhea, bloating, abdominal
pain, and feeling full.
Joint and muscle pain and/or stiffness.
Rapid heartbeat; (tachycardia), palpitations (feeling your heart beat).
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where blood pools in the veins of the lower legs. The first signs of chronic venous insufficiency are ankle and leg swelling. Swelling occurs because the blood that has pooled in the veins causes abnormally high pressure in the veins. As the pressure and swelling increases, the skin of the legs may actually leak tiny drops of plasma, which is the pale yellow fluid part of blood. Eventually, the capillaries burst under the high pressure, releasing red blood cells and giving that area of the skin a reddish-brown discoloration. This condition often leads to lymphedema (phlebo- lymphedema)
ย
Treatment options Chronic Venous insufficiency
– Complex decongestive therapy
– Manual lymph drainage
– Compression bandaging
-Nutrition, diet management
– Exercise – movement
– -Self care
Goal of treatmentย
To reduce swelling and edema, improve skin condition and wounds, increase mobility and decrease pain, tightness andย discomfort.
Post-surgery lymphatic drainage is the fastest and safest way to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain after any operation. Surgery can damage delicate lymph vessels, causing fluid and waste to accumulate in tissues. This leads to puffiness, hard lumps, and slow healing. Professional Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) utilizes ultra-light, rhythmic strokes to redirect lymphatic fluid away from damaged areas and out of the body.
Struggling with swelling, fatigue, or post-surgery recovery?
Book your personalized lymphatic drainage session today and experience natural, therapeutic healing that restores balance and promotes long-term wellness.
Patients who start MLD within days of clearance see swelling drop dramatically; bruises fade in days instead of weeks, and discomfort eases naturally. Itโs completely non-invasive, requires no drugs, and speeds recovery so you look and feel normal much sooner.
Why Post-Surgical Healing Requires Special Care and Support
Surgery is controlled trauma in which tissues are cut, blood vessels leak, and lymph pathways are severed. Your body floods the area with fluid to protect and repair, but the damaged lymphatic system canโt drain it fast enough. The result is massive swelling, bruising, pressure on nerves (pain), and risk of fibrosis or seromas.
Post-surgery lymphatic drainage provides the overwhelmed system with immediate relief by manually moving fluid out of the affected area. Manual lymphatic drainage benefits include preventing complications and facilitating early tissue repair. Without this support, healing can take weeks, and results are often less effective and uneven.
Understanding the Basics of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized, feather-light technique developed specifically to stimulate lymph flow. Unlike regular massage, MLD employs precise, rhythmic, wave-like strokes with minimal pressure; no oil is used, and there is no deep tissue work or pain. The therapist follows precise anatomical pathways to direct fluid toward healthy nodes and away from the body. Sessions last 45โ90 minutes and feel deeply relaxing.
Why Manual Lymphatic Drainage Is Essential for Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery, your lymphatic vessels are cut or crushed. As such, fluid- and protein-rich waste accumulates quickly. This is what causes the tight, heavy swelling everyone hates. Post-surgery lymphatic drainage bypasses the damaged routes and redirects fluid to working pathways. Within hours, the swelling drops, pressure on nerves eases, and pain decreases. One of the biggest manual lymphatic drainage benefits is preventing fibrosis; those hard, lumpy scars that form when protein sits too long.
The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage also include a lower risk of seromas, infection, irregular healing, and a much faster return to normal appearance and comfort. Starting early (often 24โ72 hours post-clearance) is the key to the smoothest, quickest recovery possible.
The Key Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Post-Surgical Recovery
Reduces Post-Operative Swelling and Edema
Surgery floods tissues with liters of fluid that the damaged lymph system canโt remove. Post-surgery lymphatic drainage, when performed manually, clears excess fluid, shrinking swollen areas by inches in just a few sessions. Patients after lipo, tummy tucks, or joint replacement see ankles, faces, or abdomens return to normal shape in days instead of weeks.
Manual lymphatic drainage benefits include eliminating the tight, heavy feeling that makes movement painful. Other benefits of lymphatic drainage massage are visible almost immediately, such as clothes fitting again, shoes going on easily, and finally recognizing yourself in the mirror without the puffy mask.
Minimizes Bruising and Inflammation
Blood and fluid trapped under the skin create dark, painful bruises that can last weeks. Post-surgery lymphatic drainage gently clears away the debris. Hence, the bruises fade from purple to yellow in a matter of days, rather than weeks. The inflammation calms because waste is removed, rather than accumulating and irritating the tissue.
Manual lymphatic drainage benefits mean that many patients require significantly less pain medication and feel more comfortable much sooner. The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage are dramatic after cosmetic procedures, where every day of faster bruise clearance shows in photos.
Prevents Fluid Build-Up and Promotes Faster Healing
Seromas, hematomas, and hard fibrosis occur when fluid and protein get trapped. Post-surgery lymphatic drainage keeps pathways open, preventing fluid from pooling. This reduces the risk of complications and facilitates faster healing through the production of collagen and tissue remodeling.
Manual lymphatic drainage benefits include smoother, softer scars and better final contours. The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage are proven after liposuction, BBLs, breast surgery, and orthopedic procedures, where keeping fluid moving is the difference between beautiful results and lumps or irregularities.
Eases Pain and Discomfort Naturally
Most post-op pain comes from swelling pressing on nerves. When post-surgery lymphatic drainage removes that pressure, discomfort drops fastโoften after the very first session. Patients sleep better, move more easily, and reduce their use of pain pills dramatically. Manual lymphatic drainage benefits include a completely natural, drug-free way to feel human again. These benefits of lymphatic drainage massage mean that you spend less time hurting and more time healing. Many people say the gentle sessions are the best part of their recovery week.
Enhances Mobility and Restores Comfort during Recovery
Swollen, stiff tissue makes every movement painful and hinders progress in physical therapy. MLD restores normal fluid balance, allowing joints to bend freely, muscles to relax, and enabling you to walk, lift your arms, or turn without wincing. Post-surgery lymphatic drainage gets you back to daily activities and exercise weeks sooner. They also include less downtime and a faster return to work or sport. The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage turn a painful, restricted recovery into one where you feel progress every single day.
Conclusion
Post-surgery lymphatic drainage at Lymphatic Therapy Services is the gold standard for faster, smoother, and more comfortable healing after any procedure. It reduces swelling, clears bruising, prevents complications, alleviates pain, and helps you get moving again with results you can see and feel.
Please don’t settle for a long, uncomfortable recovery; give your body the proven support it needs to heal beautifully. Contact us today, get cleared by your surgeon, and book your first MLD session to start looking and feeling like yourself again.
When Can I Start Lymphatic Drainage after My Surgery?
Most surgeons recommend gentle post-surgery lymphatic drainage 24โ72 hours after the drains are removed or the stitches are secure. Starting this early delivers the biggest manual lymphatic drainage benefits and the fastest drop in swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the smoothest recovery possible.
Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Safe After All Types of Surgeries?
Yes, when performed by a certified therapist who works in coordination with your surgeon. The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage are safe and effective after cosmetic, orthopedic, cancer-related, and general surgeries, provided the incisions are closed, and medical clearance has been given.
How Many MLD Sessions Will I Need for Optimal Recovery?
The typical protocol is 6โ15 sessions: 2โ3 per week at first, then tapering to weekly. Larger areas or more invasive surgeries may need additional sessions. Post-surgery lymphatic drainage using this schedule yields maximum manual lymphatic drainage benefits and the best results.
Does MLD Help Reduce Swelling and Bruising After Cosmetic or Plastic Surgery?
Absolutely. Itโs considered essential after lipo, tummy tucks, BBLs, facelifts, and breast surgeries. The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage include significantly reduced swelling, faster bruise clearance, smoother contours, and a substantially lower risk of hard lumps or irregular healing.
Lyme disease affects many people every year, and it throws people off with all the confusion and hold-ups in getting help. It usually comes from ticks that carry harmful bacteria. At first, you might feel tired or have sore joints, but if you don’t address it quickly, it can persist as a chronic problem. Many people deal with prolonged foggy thinking and swelling.
Understanding the signs, triggers, and treatment options allows you to advocate for the proper care. Treatments range from basic antibiotics to detoxifiers that help cleanse your system and boost your defences. Understanding more about Lyme disease helps reduce incorrect diagnoses and yields better results for everyone affected.
Struggling with swelling, fatigue, or post-surgery recovery?
Book your personalized lymphatic drainage session today and experience natural, therapeutic healing that restores balance and promotes long-term wellness.
Lyme disease is an infection transmitted by infected ticks through bugs. These bugs bite and dump bacteria into your bloodstream. It’s known as the most significant vector-borne disease because it affects a large number of people and spreads easily when individuals are outside.
Many mix-ups can unnecessarily extend the treatment time. People brush off the first signs, figuring it’s something else. Inadequate knowledge leaves people frustrated and searching for genuine answers. Spreading the word about dangers and signals helps knock down those walls.
Lyme Disease Causes and Triggers
Tick Bites and Bacterial Infection
Lyme disease begins with a tick bite that carries theย Borrelia bacteria. They grab on when you’re out walking trails or in the grass, cling onto your skin, and deliver the bacteria into the bloodstream fast. From there, it spreads to different areas of your body, such as the joints, the heart, and nerves. Yanking the tick out soon reduces the odds of infection, but if you miss it, the tick digs in deeper.
Underlying Immune and Environmental Factors
If your immune system’s not up to par, Lyme disease causes are brutal. Weak spots allow the bacteria to persist and exacerbate the trouble. Factors like cell glitches, mold, and other infections pile on. Places with lots of damp or dirty air exacerbate chronic conditions. All that drags out recovery and worsens the symptoms.
Common Lyme Disease Symptoms
Early Symptoms to Watch For
Lyme disease often presents with symptoms similar to those of the flu in its early stages. You get joint aches, wiped-out energy, and pounding headaches. Shivers and hot spells tag along, too. The classic bull’s-eye mark, erythema migrans, appears in many patients. It grows out from where the bite was. Catching it early makes a big difference in handling it.
Chronic Lyme Disease Symptoms
When Lyme disease symptoms drag on, they mess with your cognitive functions. You begin to forget things and experience cloudy thoughts. Focusing gets tough, throwing off your routine. Swelling all over leads to muscle aches and general soreness. Nights turn restless, worry and down moods creep in, making you feel alone and overlooked.
Why Lyme Disease is Often Misunderstood or Misdiagnosed
For a very long time, the long-term effects of Lyme disease were not clearly evident on tests, so they were often easy to dismiss. Most patients are often told that their Lyme disease symptoms were in their heads, not real, and were manifesting in their bodies. That pushed back aid and piled on the stress. Doctors who are familiar with Lyme disease do more thorough checks, delve into your story, and conduct specific tests.
Detoxification: A Core Component of Lyme Disease Treatment
Understanding the Herxheimer Reaction
As bacteria are removed during Lyme disease treatment, they spit out toxins. The toxins trigger the Herxheimer reaction, making you feel even more run-down. Detox therapy helps flush out toxins more quickly, lightens the load, and keeps healing on track. Keeping swelling in check during treatment can be overwhelming due to Herxheimer reactions. Easy methods make it all go smoother.
How the Lymphatic System Supports Detox
Your lymph system hauls away waste in long-term sicknesses. When it clogs, toxins build up, and infections flare up. For Lyme disease, maintaining a healthy lymphatic system helps alleviate pain and boost your energy. Basic routines help hold up this key part.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) for Lyme Disease
How MLD Helps Reduce Symptoms
Manual lymphatic drainage gently shifts fluids to eliminate toxins, enhances blood flow, and reduces puffiness in individuals with Lyme disease. During Lyme disease treatment, MLD helps mitigate Herxheimer reactions. As a result, you end up feeling less bogged down by the buildup.
Therapeutic Benefits of MLD
MLD is beneficial in fighting viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the therapy builds up your defenses against infections. As such, you think clearly with less haze. Furthermore, detox gets a boost, allowing for better rest and increased energy. Thus, MLD enhances your overall well-being and provides steady support for recovery.
Conclusion
Dealing with Lyme disease means navigating its complexities, from the initial tick bites to the long-term effects on the body and brain. Spotting signs early on steers you toward smart calls and effective treatments. Lyme disease management methods, such as detox routines and manual lymphatic drainage, remove toxins and support your defences. Embracing whole-body methods, such as boosting immunity and seeking professional help, enhances daily life and sustains recovery.
Seeking treatment from our certified experts at Lymphatic Therapy Services in San Diego helps Lyme Disease patients tackle the hurdles. If you’re looking for targeted solutions to Lyme disease that address the core issues, we’ve got you covered. Book an appointment today for personalized treatment solutions and expert health advice.
FAQโs
What Are The Most Common Early Symptoms Of Lyme Disease?
Early Lyme disease symptoms often resemble those of the flu, including persistent fatigue, joint pain, and headaches. A red ring rash, known as erythema migrans, often appears where the tick bit and spreads out as the bacteria move. Additional symptoms include fever, shaking and trembling, and puffy glands.
How Do I Know If My Symptoms Are Caused By Lyme Disease Or Another Condition?
Determine if it’s Lyme disease by checking for tick bites in high-risk areas, as that’s how the bacteria are typically transmitted. Match up ongoing aches, joint pains, and brain glitches with usual symptoms. Blood tests can detect Borrelia, but early ones may miss because defences build up slowly. Our Lyme disease professionals can conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, document your symptoms, and rule out look-alike conditions using targeted tests.
Can Lyme Disease Become Chronic If Left Untreated?
Yes, untreated Lyme disease turns chronic. Borrelia hides and spreads throughout your body, keeping the swelling active. That sparks health symptoms, such as forgetfulness and cloudy thinking, swollen joints, and muscle aches. Addressing these symptoms early can help prevent the disease from progressing.
What Role Does Detoxification Play In Lyme Disease Treatment?
Detoxification in Lyme disease treatment at the Lymphatic Therapy Center clears out toxins from dead bacteria, which triggers Herxheimer flares, ramping up pain. Supportive organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes, help reduce swelling and accelerate recovery.
Developed in Europe in the 1930โs by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder, Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a safe, effective, yet gentle approach to cleansing the bodyโs tissues. MLD drains excess fluid from the tissues and also has a detoxifying effect. It can benefit a healthy person as well as be applied to more than 60 different conditions.
Scientific studies, as well as vast clinical experience, have supported the effectiveness of MLD.
The therapeutic benefits of MLD, evidenced by more than 35 years of research, are well documented. It is widely prescribed by physicians in the United States and Canada also recognize the benefits of MLD for their patients.
