Effect of Physical Therapy on Circumference Measurement and Extremity Volume in Patients Suffering from Lipedema with Secondary Lymphedema
Esmer M, Schingale FJ. Effect of Physical Therapy on Circumference Measurement and Extremity Volume in Patients Suffering from Lipedema with Secondary Lymphedema. Lymphat Res Biol. 2024 Feb;22(1):8-11. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2023.0013. Epub 2023 Oct 3. PMID: 37787957. This study performed with Lympha Press® Optimal Plus found that combined physical therapy—complex decongestive therapy plus advanced pneumatic compression—reduced leg size and volume in patients with lipedema and secondary lymphedema.
This study looked at 15 people with lipedema with secondary lymphedema, sometimes called lipo-lymphedema or lympho-lipedema. Lipedema is a chronic condition involving abnormal fat buildup, usually in the legs, and in some people it can progress to lymphedema when the lymphatic system becomes overloaded. All patients in this study received a combination of treatments: manual lymph drainage, skin care, multilayer compression bandaging, walking/exercise, and advanced pneumatic compression therapy at 30–60 mmHg. Treatment was given for an average of about 28 days. After treatment, the researchers found that leg measurements decreased at several points in both legs, especially around the ankle, calf, and thigh. Total leg volume also decreased significantly in both the left and right legs. The combined therapy thus reduced swelling and leg size in these patients who had lipedema complicated by lymphedema. Quote from study: “CDT applied together with pneumatic compression is effective in reducing the lower extremity volume in patients suffering from lipedema with secondary lymphedema. This combined therapy may be beneficial in preventing the development of other complications related to lipedema. In future studies, it will be beneficial to focus on treatment approaches that will prevent the development of secondary lymphedema in patients with lipedema.”
