Lipoedema and lymphoedema are often confused, but they are different conditions with different causes and management needs.
For people living with swelling, heaviness or discomfort, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may be recommended as one part of a broader management plan.
At The Good Joint in Mermaid Beach, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is available with experienced practitioners as part of our multidisciplinary allied health offering.
What Is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid within the body's tissues when the lymphatic system isn't able to adequately drain fluid from an area.
It can affect different parts of the body and may occur for a variety of reasons, including following surgery or treatment that affects the lymphatic system.
Symptoms can vary between individuals but may include swelling, feelings of heaviness or tightness and changes in the affected area.
Because there are different causes of swelling, unexplained or new swelling should be appropriately assessed by a healthcare professional.
What Is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving an abnormal distribution of fatty tissue, most commonly affecting the legs and sometimes the arms.
It primarily affects women and can be associated with tenderness, pain, heaviness and easy bruising.
Lipoedema isn't simply weight gain, and management can involve a combination of approaches depending on the individual and their symptoms.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD, is a gentle massage technique designed to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic system.
Unlike a traditional remedial or deep-tissue massage, MLD uses light, specific and rhythmic movements.
Depending on the individual, Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be incorporated into a broader management plan for lymphatic swelling or used when recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
MLD for Lipoedema & Lymphoedema
Management of lipoedema and lymphoedema is individual and may involve more than one strategy.
Depending on the condition and individual circumstances, this can include movement, exercise, compression, skin care, medical management and other therapies.
MLD may form one component of this approach for some people, particularly when swelling or lymphatic function is being managed.
It is important that treatment is appropriate for your individual health circumstances, particularly following surgery or cancer treatment or when there has been a sudden or unexplained change in swelling.
How are lipoedema and lymphoedema different?
Because both conditions can involve swelling and heaviness, they are easy to mix up. Some general differences that health professionals look at include:
- Cause. Lymphoedema relates to fluid that the lymphatic system is not draining well. Lipoedema relates to how fatty tissue is distributed in the body.
- Pattern. Lipoedema usually affects both legs fairly evenly, and often spares the feet. Lymphoedema can affect one side more than the other and may involve the hands or feet.
- Feel. Lipoedema is often tender or painful to touch and may bruise easily. Lymphoedema is more often described as tight, full or heavy.
- Overlap. Some people have features of both, and lipoedema can sometimes occur alongside lymphatic changes over time.
These are general patterns only. A diagnosis needs an assessment by your GP or another appropriately qualified health professional, who may refer you on for further investigation.
What can you expect at an MLD appointment?
Your first visit usually starts with questions about your health history, any surgery or medical treatment, current medications and the swelling or discomfort you have noticed. Your practitioner will also check whether MLD is suitable for you at this time.
The treatment itself is gentle. Rather than deep pressure, the practitioner uses slow, light, rhythmic movements over the skin, often starting near the neck or trunk before working towards the affected area. Many people find it relaxing. You may be given simple advice about movement, breathing or skin care to continue at home.
When is MLD not suitable?
MLD is not appropriate for everyone, and in some situations it may need to wait until you have been cleared by your doctor. Your practitioner will screen for these before treatment. Examples can include an active infection, a suspected blood clot, some heart or kidney conditions and some situations during or after cancer treatment. Let your practitioner know about any new diagnosis or change in your health.
When should swelling be checked urgently?
Not all swelling is lymphatic. Please see your GP promptly, or seek urgent care, if you notice:
- Sudden swelling, pain or tenderness in one calf or leg, which can be a sign of a blood clot
- Redness, heat, spreading rash or fever with swelling, which may suggest an infection such as cellulitis
- Swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain. Call 000 straight away if this happens.
- Swelling that appears quickly in both legs along with breathlessness or rapid weight gain
- Any new lump, or swelling that keeps getting worse without a clear reason
Everyday tips for living with swelling
Day to day habits can play a part in how comfortable you feel. Always follow the advice of your own health team, but many people find these ideas useful:
- Keep moving regularly. Walking, swimming and water exercise are often well tolerated.
- Look after your skin by keeping it clean and moisturised, and check for cuts, scratches or signs of infection.
- Wear compression garments as recommended and fitted by a qualified professional.
- Change position often if you sit or stand for long periods.
If pain is part of your experience, our page on chronic pain management explains how the wider team may help.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
No referral is needed for most appointments at The Good Joint. If you have had recent surgery, cancer treatment or a new diagnosis, it is a good idea to talk with your treating doctor before booking. Our new client information page explains what to bring to your first visit.
Can MLD get rid of lipoedema?
No. MLD does not remove the fatty tissue involved in lipoedema. For some people it may form one part of a management plan aimed at comfort and swelling, alongside other strategies recommended by their health team.
Can I claim MLD on private health insurance?
Whether you can claim depends on who provides the treatment, your fund and your level of extras cover. The clinic offers on-the-spot claiming through HICAPS, but it is worth checking with your insurer beforehand. You can see everything the clinic offers on our services page.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast
If you're looking for Manual Lymphatic Drainage on the Gold Coast, MLD is available at The Good Joint in Mermaid Beach.
Our multidisciplinary clinic brings a range of allied health services together under one roof, allowing our practitioners to collaborate where appropriate.
Whether you're managing an existing lymphatic condition, have been recommended MLD by another healthcare professional or simply want to find out whether Manual Lymphatic Drainage may be appropriate for you, our team can help point you in the right direction.
Book Manual Lymphatic Drainage online with The Good Joint or contact our Mermaid Beach clinic to learn more.
Read more about what Manual Lymphatic Drainage involves, explore remedial massage and post-surgery rehab, or book online in Mermaid Beach.
