Rehab Science Blog + Patient Resource

Patient Guide to Self-Diagnosing Lipedema and Lipo-Lymphedema

Lipedema (sometimes called “lipoedema”, or more accurately “lipalgia”) is a chronic condition that causes an abnormal accumulation of painful adipose tissue (fat) in specific areas of the body (typically the legs). This condition is frequently accompanied by obesity and psychological vulnerability / distress, and less frequently by fluid swelling commonly…

Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis (LVA): pre- and postoperative protocols for improving patient outcomes

Have you recently undergone lymphatic venous anastomosis (LVA) surgery for lymphedema, or are considering it? As with other forms of surgery, appropriate preoperative preparation and postoperative care is necessary to achieve optimal results. LVA is a relatively new surgical approach for treating lymphedema, and so pre- and postoperative protocols are…

Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis (LVA) Surgery for Lymphedema

There is no cure for lymphedema, either surgical, pharmacological or otherwise. Instead, the symptoms of lymphedema which include chronic swelling, tissue hardening, and infection are normally managed through Combined (or ‘complex’) Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is a combination of manual lymphatic drainage massage, compressive bandages and garments, exercise, and education….

Lymphedema and COVID-19

Lymphedema and COVID-19 – Risk Lymphedema is not expected to increase your risk for COVID-19 infection – having lymphedema should neither increase your susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, nor increase the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Generally speaking, COVID-19 complications tend to arise in people whose lung function is impaired, or in…