Presotherapy for lymphedema and lipedema

Lymphedema and lipedema are two fairly common problems that both men and women can suffer from, although they are usually the most genetically predisposed. But let's not confuse lymphedema and lipedema. They sound similar but they are different problems. We are going to explain what each one is and how we can treat them with a series of good tips.

And of course, we also answer a question that if you have any of these problems, you are probably asking yourself: Are lymphedema and presotherapy compatible? And lipedema and presotherapy? Seems that if! So if you are affected by lymphedema or lipedema or even both, keep reading because you will be able to improve your situation a lot. But first, a little lesson on the lymphatic system.

How does the Lymphatic System work?

The lymphatic system is linked to the circulatory and immune systems. It is made up of a complex network of ganglia and vessels designed to filter and purify toxins, metabolic waste, fats and fluids accumulated between the tissues, keeping the body clean and detoxified. Through the lymphatic ducts, it circulates the lymph, fluid that runs through the entire system transporting immune cells and proteins as well as fats or disposable products to the ganglia. The lymphatic vessels, in turn, maintain a balance in the body fluids, transporting the already filtered lymph to the bloodstream. Knowing how the lymphatic system works is crucial to understanding lymphedema.

What is lymphedema? And the lipedema? Why are they produced?

We should not confuse lymphedema and lipedema. Although both problems could manifest at the same time, they are differentiated. Let's get started!

Lymphedema is a lymphatic dysfunction; that is, a malfunction of the lymphatic system. The tissues are flooded, causing swelling and pain. It mainly affects the arms and legs, often in only one of the two extremities. Summarizing the most important thing about lymphedema:

• Lymphedema is a disorder of the Lymphatic System.
• There are two types: Primary or Hereditary Lymphedema: Some people are born with an incomplete lymphatic system, with fewer nodes or with a larger diameter in their vessels. That is why we see children and young people with lymphedema.
• Secondary lymphedema: Cancer therapies may involve removal of lymph nodes or dissection of their vessels. Other reasons may be: radiotherapy, burns, major wounds or blows, surgical complications, infections, chronic venous insufficiency, obesity or filariasis, a parasite that invades the lymphatic system.
• Lymphedema can be treated with compression garments
• Surgery may be applied in severe cases, including lymph node transplantation.
• Lymphatic blockage causes inflammation and tissue damage.
• It can affect both arms and legs, and commonly affects only one arm or one leg.
• Rarely, distal lymphedema, involving the forearm or one hand, also occurs.
• Obesity worsens lymphedema considerably, and morbid obesity may also be the cause.

Now let's see what is lipedema:

• Lipedema is a disorder that causes dystrophy due to localized fat deposits in the legs – thighs and ankles – or arms.
• Generally, girls and adult women suffer from it.
• It can be congenital, affecting several members of the family.
• Liposuction is the most effective but not definitive solution.
• It usually affects both arms or legs.
• The fatty deposits are often painful to the touch. Over time they harden, remaining encysted between the tissues.
• It can cause skeletal/bone problems over time.
• It may or may not be associated with some degree of obesity. Thin women or those with an athletic constitution can see their figure aesthetically impaired as well as their physical condition due to this localized accumulation of fat.
• In either case, obesity worsens lipedema.
• It may be due to hormonal disorders, Type II Diabetes or polycystic ovaries.
• It can appear at puberty, with pregnancy or at menopause.
• It may be associated with lymphedema, especially in the legs.

Can lymphedema and lipedema be cured?

Lymphedema is usually chronic and unfortunately, it is not cured. And the same happens with lipedema. But if you suffer from any of these problems, don't throw in the towel. You can keep them under control. In less serious cases, due to bad habits and whenever we are talking about lymphedema in the first phase, you could reverse the process through massages with compression bandages, physical exercise and, above all, a lot of perseverance. When it is already incurable, chronic and advanced, you must be even more constant in the treatment so that it does not go further.

Regarding lipedema, the most effective method to get rid of it is undoubtedly liposuction, but do not forget that if you do not maintain healthy habits after the intervention, the fat returns and settles triumphantly again in the same place. Can lymphatic drainage from pressotherapy help you keep lymphedema or lipedema under control and limit its severity? Yes. In fact, lymphedema and pressotherapy can be compatible in the same way that pressotherapy and lipedema can be. And of course you can reduce its impact if you add to the treatment with pressotherapy a lifestyle that is as healthy as possible.

Tips to treat and improve lymphedema and lipedema

Now that we have explained the differences between lymphedema and lipedema, we give you a series of tips that can be applied to both problems, keeping them at bay and preventing them from escalating.

H2O. Drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water daily. That much of it comes from fruits and vegetables. Opt for fruits with little fructose: strawberry, banana, melon, orange or tangerine, grapes, kiwi, avocado... And never think that if you drink less, you will retain less. Quite the opposite. If you hydrate it little, the body stores all the water it can, so even if you have retention problems, never leave your body without its daily hydration.

Diuretics. If you suffer from a lot of fluid retention, there are diuretic pills -medication prescribed by a doctor- that help to eliminate a good part of the fluid on time. There are also preparations based on natural ingredients such as artichoke that you can take from time to time. There are also herbs with high diuretic power. Consult a homeopath, do research online, or visit an herbalist. Natural diuretics are also excellent cleansers.

Apple vinager. Another great cleanser for the lymphatic system. Its potassium content dissolves mucus and toxins. It also detoxifies the liver.

What are you eating? Both lymphedema and lipedema require very balanced and specific nutrition if you really want to keep them at bay and reduce their symptoms. Remember: "You are what you eat" and if you have such a problem, your diet should be even more scrupulous.

SHALL. The less, the better. You retain fluid and increase blood pressure which worsens both conditions. Get used to eating without salt. Well looked at, it is the healthiest.

YEAH a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, legumes, cereals -preferably whole-grain-, nuts -better raw and without salt-, kefir, yogurt, almond or soy milk, tempeh, tofu, green smoothies... You can also enrich your diet with herbs, seeds or spices.

Moderation. With meats, poultry, eggs or fish. Opt for the least fatty and do not abuse prepared fruit juices, carbonated drinks or alcohol.

Avoid as much as possible: gluten, pastries and added sugars, fried foods, energy and sugary drinks, dairy products. Sometimes it's okay, but without abusing. We know what it costs; We are surrounded on all sides by harmful and mega-processed foods... but there is an alternative gastronomy that has always been the healthiest: home cooking with the most natural products possible.

adapt the diet if you have vegetarian or vegan preferences or if you are gluten intolerant, have food allergies or have diabetes. In any case, it is worth consulting a qualified doctor or nutritionist specialized in the treatment of lymphedema or lipedema.

Supplements. Algae such as spirulina, nori, wakame, chlorella... They cleanse the body while providing minerals, vitamins and other highly beneficial compounds for the body.

Physical exercise. Surrender to sedentary lifestyle? Never. Physical exercise keeps your lymphatic system in good condition and burns your fat. Do some cardio to keep your cardiovascular system active and anaerobic exercises that enhance the movement of lymph in your muscle tissues. In general, you will do well with sports that do not place a great impact on the extremities. And beware; if your lymphedema or lipedema is very pronounced, exercise moderately. Consult your doctor or a physical therapist to see which sports activities work best for you. It would also be advisable to use compression garments for the affected extremities in the practice of certain sports.

Inform your practitioner. Avoid punctures -due to medication/vaccines or blood tests/transfusion- in the area with lymphedema and avoid pressure sleeves used to take blood pressure. Ah, tattoos where there is lymphedema are not recommended either.

When traveling by plane. Ask your doctor or orthopedic stores for special garments for lymphedema. They are used before, during and even hours after the flight to prevent swelling from increasing, acting as a retainer.

Take a deep breath. Yes, what those who practice yoga or meditation do. Sit on the ground in front of a sunset with your legs crossed and arms outstretched, close your eyes and breathe in and out deeply. It's not nonsense. Stimulates the lymphatic system.

Raise your limbs and walk! Whether it's arms or legs, keep your members elevated for half an hour a day. This helps to reactivate venous return. Before bed can go well. You can also raise the bottom of the mattress to achieve the same effect. In the morning you should notice less swelling. During the day, walk as much as you can. A sedentary lifestyle is a great enemy of the lymphatic system.

Avoid very hot showers. They are not good for lymphedema or lipedema. The sauna in these cases is not a good idea.

Clean skin and nails! In this way you avoid infections. Remember that the lymphatic system is very close to your dermis.

NO to tight clothing. Even if you like it a lot, it is not the most suitable for lymphedema, as it compresses and worsens the affected area.

Lymphatic massage. Since we are talking about chronic problems, frequent sessions with a pressotherapy machine can be a good solution. Consult your doctor if this treatment is indicated for you. Although lymphedema and pressure therapy go well at first , the prisoner can have her contraindications.

Is Presotherapy good for lymphedema? What about for lipedema?

As we have already mentioned, pressotherapy can be used to treat lymphedema or lipedema, greatly attenuating the symptoms. In fact, compression and decompression massage have already given scientifically proven results in patients with lymphedema or lipedema. Now we assume that you are thinking of pressotherapy devices for lymphedema or lipedema, right? You don't need a specific machine to treat these problems, but you do need a machine that is good and gives you results. Because a quality pressotherapy team will serve you both to treat lymphedema and lipedema, in addition to providing many other benefits:

• Reduce muscle tension
• Reduce stress
• Relieve muscle/joint pain
• Stimulate the Immune System
• Activate lymphatic/venous circulation
• Stimulate blood exchange
• Drain waste and toxins
• Oxygenate the tissues
• Reduce inflammation and swelling
• Relieve tired legs syndrome
• Reduce a few cms of contour
• Accelerate muscle recovery after sport

Can you do presotherapy every day with lymphedema or lipedema?

Having read that list of benefits, surely you are wondering if you can do pressotherapy every day with lymphedema or lipedema. Well then; If we are talking about a home computer, normally there should not be any problem. Half an hour or three quarters of a session with moderate pressure should not cause any harm to health, and you can even select the maximum pressure without problem. But be careful, the pressure must be graduated according to your particular case.

It is best to start with less pressure and keep testing. The massage must be pleasant at all times and never painful. You should also consider that, suffering from lymphedema or lipedema, perhaps you should be somewhat more constant so that the effects of pressotherapy are notable. Furthermore, chronic problems such as these present a persistent symptom picture; that is to say, that daily you feel more or less discomfort.

For this reason, the frequent use of pressotherapy can be a great relief if you suffer from lymphedema or lipedema. But be careful, don't obsess either. Perhaps using pressotherapy three or four times a week, you already notice a significant improvement. In any case, always consult a doctor so that he is the one who advises the frequency and intensity that are most indicated in your case.

Take care of your lymphedema or lipedema at home with Presotherapy SIZEN

Ruling out serious pathologies, pressotherapy SIZEN could be your great ally. And this is something that we know well, because in addition to athletes and those who want to use this treatment for aesthetic purposes, there are also a good number of people who use our pressotherapy for lymphedema in the legs or lymphedema in the arms, as well as to reduce contours. in areas affected by lipedema.

And it is that the therapeutic application in lymphatic and circulatory conditions is another of the strengths of domestic pressure therapy SIZEN, designed to cover both sports, aesthetic and therapeutic treatment. stop by the shop and complete your team according to your needs. plus machine SIZEN 6+ and pressotherapy boots for legs, you have a whole range of complementary garments with which you can extend your treatment: sleeves for arms, ideal if you suffer from lymphedema in these extremities, shorts for buttocks and hips or abdominal belt.

And do not forget that the frequency of treatment that something chronic requires is much more feasible if you have your own equipment at home. Now that you know that pressotherapy works, don't be dizzy looking for pressotherapy devices for lymphedema or lipedema because you will be able to take care of both with Pressotherapy SIZEN without leaving home.

Because people with lymphedema or lipedema deserve to live a good life too!