The Supine Studio

Result Driven Pain Relief | Massage | Columbia, SC

Bailey B. R. Maddox, LMT, CLT

Lipedema and Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Lipedema Management and Liposuction Recovery

by Leave a Comment

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may also be helpful for individuals with lipedema by helping to improve the circulation of lymphatic fluid, reduce swelling and discomfort, and support overall well-being.

For Lipedema Care:

  • MLD is a gentle “massage” technique that uses specific strokes and pressure to encourage lymphatic flow. While it may look like massage, it’s not because MLD is not deep enough pressure to effect muscles. It’s important to find a qualified MLD therapist. When looking for a therapist, ask questions about the technique.
  • It can help to reduce the accumulation of lymphatic fluid and fat in the affected areas, which can lead to a reduction in swelling, pain, and discomfort.
  • In addition to MLD, individuals with lipedema may also benefit from compression therapy, which involves wearing specially designed garments to support lymphatic flow and reduce swelling.
  • Exercise and weight management can also be important components of lipedema management, as regular physical activity can help to improve lymphatic function and promote overall health. We typically recommend a minimum of 10-15 minutes of walking to help improve lymphatic flow. Often, we will recommend wearing compression during exercise to decrease the reaccumulation of lymphatic fluid. Each person if different, so before beginning any exercise routine, with or without compression, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider.

It is important to note that lipedema is a chronic condition and there is currently no cure. However, with proper management, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

After Liposuction for Lipedema:

For those living with lipedema who undergo liposuction, MLD may also be recommended as part of the recovery process after liposuction for lipedema. Liposuction can help to remove excess fat and fluid from the affected areas, but it can also cause swelling and discomfort. MLD can help to reduce swelling, promote healing, and enhance the overall results of the procedure.

  • Liposuction can be an effective treatment for lipedema, as it can remove excess fat and fluid from the affected areas.
  • However, liposuction can also cause swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
  • MLD can help to reduce these symptoms by promoting lymphatic flow and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
  • MLD can also help to prevent the formation of scar tissue and enhance the overall results of the procedure.
  • It is important to note that MLD should only be performed by a trained therapist with expertise in lipedema care, and that it is not recommended for everyone. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if MLD is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.

Our Recommendations:

  • For clients living with lipedema:
    • We recommend MLD every 2-4 weeks and daily compression to manage symptoms. There is a wide array of compression garments available. We work with our clients to find the right type of garment and fit for their individual needs.
    • We may also recommend the use of a specialized pump.
  • For clients who chose to undergo liposuction, we recommend the following protocol:
    • Before liposuction: weekly MLD of the effected area(s) for the 4-6 weeks prior.
    • Immediately before liposuction: one full body MLD 24-72 hours prior.
    • Immediately after liposuction: 2-3 MLD sessions in the first approximately 6 weeks after. This depends on your doctor’s recommendation and your healing. If you develop an infection, we postpone all manual therapy until the infection has resolved.
    • After “Swell Hell” we reduce MLD sessions to weekly and eventually taper off to as needed. During this transition, we will alternate MLD with other manual therapy techniques to reduce hard, fibrotic tissue as it develops.

If you are considering MLD for lipedema care or after liposuction for lipedema, it is important to work with a trained therapist with expertise in these areas. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if MLD is appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.

Non-Surgical Options for Lymphedema Treatment

by Leave a Comment

One of the questions we often get asked is about lymphedema treatments. There are two options in our studio: Complete Decongestive Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Option 1: Complete Decongestive Therapy as Lymphedema Treatment

Complete Decongestive Therapy is an intensive process, requiring frequent in-office appointments, daily compression, skincare, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. CDT is considered the Gold Standard of lymphedema care. The goal is to decrease the swelling to a manageable size. At each visit, we focus on intensive care to reduce swelling further and then use compression to maintain progress between visits. CDT involves office visit 3-5 times a week for several weeks with four distinct components at each visit.

Four distinct components of each visit:

  1. Skin Care: We start each appointment with skincare. Individuals with lymphedema are at increased risk of skin infections and other complications. We check for any areas of concern. Lymphedema puts strain on the skin from the inside out. Hydrated skin is able to adapt better to the pressure without becoming compromised. It’s also important to wear proactive clothing and avoid injuries. Once skin is compromised, infection is more likely. CDT and MLD stop entirely when there is an active infection.
  2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): After ensuring the skin is ready, we perform MLD. This is a specialized massage technique that aims to improve the circulation of lymphatic fluid and reduce swelling.
  3. Compression Therapy: Since the lypmhatic system is compromised, swelling can reaccumulate quickly. Compression helps to prevent this reaccumulation. Preventing reaccumulation is key so that at the next appointment, we can work to further reduce swelling. Since swelling can change dramatically using CDT, we don’t recommend wearing compression garments. We recommend compression bandages, which can easily be adjusted at every application.
  4. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help to improve lymphatic function and promote overall health. Individuals with lymphedema may work with a therapist to develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective for their individual needs and circumstances. Based on your individual ability, we will adjust your exercise plan to be easily doable for you. Examples include walking for 10-15 minutes and foot pumping while elevating legs.

What Happens after Successfully Completing CDT?

After successfully completing CDT, care can become less rigorous. Instead of multiple office visits per week, frequency goes down to once a week and then tapering off to as needed. For some individuals, they benefit in continuing just MLD office visits monthly while others need six months follow-ups.

After your Initial Session, you will need to get a list of supplies to start CDT.

Option 2: Manual Lymphatic Drainage as Lymphedema Treatment

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is the hands-on technique to stimulate the lymphatic system. Our Certified Lymphedema Therapist uses specific strokes to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and promote the flow of lymphatic fluid towards the lymph nodes. MLD can help to reduce swelling and discomfort, improve the immune system, and support overall well-being. While MLD is not a cure for lymphedema, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive lymphedema management program. For individuals whose lymphedema is more manageable, they may be able to just do MLD and compression garments.

Skincare and exercise are still important but can be self-managed.

Schedule Initial Session

Choosing Your Lymphedema Therapist:

It is important to note that MLD should only be performed by a trained therapist with expertise in lymphedema care. While MLD is generally safe, MLD for lymphedema needs to be modified. These modifications are only taught in advanced training.

MLD is not recommended for individuals with active infections, blood clots, or certain medical conditions.

Bailey B. R. Maddox is our Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Bailey performs all lymphedema care and oversees all Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Meet Bailey, CLT

Not in the Columbia, SC Area?

Not a problem! There are resources out there to find a qualified CLT in your area. One way is to use the Lymphedema Therapy Directory that CLTs and lymphedema clinics can pay to be listed on this directory.

Find a CLT in Your Area

Skip to content