Lipoedema is a chronic condition that primarily affects women, characterised by a symmetrical build-up of painful fat and fluid retention, especially in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes arms. Managing lipoedema involves a combination of lifestyle changes (nutrition and exercise), manual therapies, and compression treatments. One increasingly popular option is pressotherapy. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses air pressure to stimulate lymphatic flow. But how effective is it for people living with lipoedema? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of pressotherapy for lipoedema, how it works, and whether it’s the right choice for managing your symptoms.

What Is Pressotherapy?

Pressotherapy is a mechanical lymphatic drainage technique that uses an air-pressure device connected to a suit, which is worn over the legs, abdomen, and/or arms. This suit inflates in waves to apply gentle pressure on the body, mimicking the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).

The treatment is pain-free, often relaxing, and typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes per session. It’s often used to:

• Stimulate lymphatic and venous return
• Reduce fluid retention
• Improve circulation
• Relieve heaviness or discomfort in limbs

How Can Pressotherapy Help with Lipoedema?

While pressotherapy does not reduce fat deposits (as lipoedema fat is resistant to diet and exercise), it may support symptom relief and quality of life in several ways:

1. Supports Lymphatic Drainage

Lipoedema is often accompanied by lymphatic dysfunction or lymphoedema, especially in the later stages. Pressotherapy enhances lymph flow, helping to remove excess fluid and toxins from the tissues.

2. Reduces Pain and Heaviness

Many lipoedema sufferers experience aching, pain, or a heavy feeling in the affected limbs. By encouraging circulation and reducing fluid build-up, pressotherapy may help relieve these symptoms.

3. Minimises Swelling

Although pressotherapy doesn’t target the fat cells directly, it can significantly reduce fluid-related swelling (also known as secondary oedema), improving mobility and comfort in daily life.

4. Improves Skin Tone and Texture

Some patients report that regular sessions help to improve skin appearance, reduce feelings of tightness, and boost overall limb shape by reducing water retention.

Is Pressotherapy Safe for People with Lipoedema?

For most people with lipoedema, pressotherapy is a safe and effective complementary treatment especially when supervised by a trained practitioner or lymphoedema therapist. However, there are some important considerations:

• Always consult a specialist first, especially if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), active cancer, heart conditions, or severe varicose veins.
• If you have hypermobility or fragile joints (which is common among those with lipoedema), the pressure settings should be carefully adjusted to avoid strain.

How Often Should You Have Pressotherapy?

The frequency of pressotherapy sessions depends on your individual needs and condition severity. Many practitioners recommend:

• 1–2 sessions per week for moderate symptoms
• A tailored maintenance plan as part of a wider lipoedema management programme

It’s best used alongside Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), compression garments, and gentle exercise, such as walking or rebounding.

Does Pressotherapy Really Work for Lipoedema?

Pressotherapy is not a cure for lipoedema, and it cannot eliminate lipoedema fat. However, for many patients, it plays a valuable role in managing symptoms like fluid retention, pain, swelling, and heaviness.

When used consistently and in conjunction with other therapies, pressotherapy can help:

• Improve comfort and mobility
• Prevent progression of swelling
• Enhance overall wellbeing

A final word…

Pressotherapy can be a powerful addition to your lipoedema care plan, helping to relieve discomfort and support lymphatic health. While it won’t reverse fat accumulation, it can help you feel lighter, move better, and live more comfortably.

As always, speak to your healthcare provider or lymphoedema therapist to find out whether pressotherapy is right for you. When used wisely and safely, it offers a gentle yet effective way to boost circulation and relieve the daily burdens of lipoedema.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://lipoedema.co.uk/

https://www.healthline.com/health/pressotherapy

LipoedemaUK

https://www.talklipoedema.org/

The post The Benefits of Pressotherapy for Lipoedema appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Compression therapy is one of the most widely recommended non-surgical treatments for lipoedema. While it is not a cure, it plays a vital role in managing symptoms, improving comfort, and supporting mobility. For those living with lipoedema, understanding how compression works  and how to use it correctly,  is essential. In this blog, we explore how compression therapy helps, the different types and levels available, where to find garments, and tips for getting the most benefit.

What Is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic condition that causes an abnormal and painful build-up of fat, typically in the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms. It mainly affects women and often appears or worsens during hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

Due to poor awareness among healthcare professionals, it is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema. Pain, tenderness, swelling, and a heavy sensation in the limbs are common symptoms.

How Compression Therapy Helps

Compression therapy helps by applying controlled, consistent pressure to the affected areas. This can:

• Improve lymphatic drainage
• Enhance blood flow
• Reduce discomfort and swelling
• Support the tissues and reduce bruising
• Prevent progression of the condition

It’s particularly effective when combined with other lipoedema treatments, such as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), anti-inflammatory nutrition, and movement therapies.

Types and Levels of Compression

Compression Levels Explained:

Compression garments come in different pressure levels, measured in mmHg (millimetres of mercury):

• Class 1 (18–21 mmHg): Mild compression. Suitable for early-stage lipoedema, light support, or for patients new to compression.
• Class 2 (23–32 mmHg): Moderate compression. Commonly used in lipoedema to manage swelling and discomfort.
• Class 3 (34–46 mmHg): Firm compression. Used in more advanced cases, often under medical supervision.
• Class 4 (Over 49 mmHg): Very strong compression, typically reserved for severe lymphatic or venous conditions and not usually necessary for lipoedema.

Always consult a specialist to ensure you are fitted with the appropriate level.

Types of Compression Garments

• Flat-knit garments: Ideal for lipoedema. They provide structured, firm support and are custom-made for uneven fat distribution.
• Circular-knit garments: Softer and more elastic, but may not offer enough resistance for lipoedema.
• Wraps and bandages: Often used during decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), especially in advanced cases or during flare-ups.
• Pneumatic compression devices: At-home tools that apply rhythmic pressure, often used alongside compression garments.

Where to Find Compression Garments

If you’re in the UK, compression garments can be accessed through:

• NHS Prescription: Your GP, lymphoedema clinic, or lipoedema specialist nurse can refer you for custom-fitted garments. You may need to advocate for yourself if the GP is unfamiliar with lipoedema.
• Private Clinics: Lipoedema specialists often work with suppliers who can measure and order flat-knit compression garments directly.
• Approved Suppliers 
  • Juzo UK (https://www.juzo.com/en-uk)
  • Haddenham Healthcare (https://www.haddenhamhealthcare.com)
  • Medi UK (https://www.mediuk.co.uk)
  • Lymphoedema Products Ltd
  • Online options like Daylong (https://www.daylong.co.uk) offer ready-to-wear garments.

Make sure to be properly measured  ideally by a trained professional  to ensure fit and effectiveness.

Tips for Getting Started with Compression

• Start with a comfortable level and gradually increase wear time
• Apply in the morning when swelling is minimal
• Use a donning aid if you struggle to put garments on
• Keep your skin well-moisturised to prevent irritation
• Replace garments every 6–12 months or when they lose elasticity and have at least 2 to exchange them when washing.

In short

Compression therapy is a powerful tool in managing lipoedema symptoms. When fitted and used correctly, it can significantly reduce pain, swelling, and heaviness, improving quality of life. Whether accessed through the NHS or privately, the right compression garment can offer long-term relief.

Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting compression, especially to determine the right type and level for your needs.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, , please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

 https://www.juzo.com/en-uk

https://www.haddenhamhealthcare.com

 https://www.mediuk.co.uk

https://www.daylong.co.uk

The post Lipoedema: How Compression Therapy helps appeared first on Perea Clinic.