What is a Lymphedema Specialist and how does it relate to Lipedema?

“Lympha what?”

“I have Lipedema, why would I see a lymphedema specialist?”

These are common questions I receive frequently, including from my family!!

Here is all of the information and more on what it means when you hear me say,
“I am a lymphedema specialist!”

A lymphedema specialist can be an occupational therapist, physical therapist, massage therapist, nurse, athletic trainer, nurse practitioner, medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, and chiropractors. There are multiple lymphedema certifications courses available. I chose a 135-hour course through Klose Training that was very comprehensive. I actually went through it and passed it twice, but that is a story for another post!

After completing a lymphedema certification course a person should be highly competent with understanding the lymphatic system, manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, compression garments and how to fit patients, exercises that can help the lymphatic system, and skin care. During my certification course we also learned about lipedema and how to treat it conservatively.

We know that the accumulation of lipedema tissue can impair/damage the lymphatic system. Lipedema tissue can also lead to a combination of a person having lipedema and lymphedema. Which leads to why a lymphedema specialist should be very knowledgeable in treating lipedema!

The treatment for lipedema is very similar to lymphedema treatment. At this time, there is not a certification for treating Lipedema. In my opinion, you can not effectively treat lipedema without a lymphedema certification because the two separate diagnoses overlap so much!

If you are looking for a therapist to help treat lipedema and/or lymphedema it is important the therapist has CLT (certified lymphedema therapist) after their name. A great place to look for someone with these credentials is to go to www.clt-lana.org or www.lipedema.org and you can look for a therapist in your state. A LANA certified therapist took an extra step and passed an extensive exam on the lymphatic system (including lipedema!). This higher credential is not necessary though.

I am licensed to treat patients in Missouri and Kansas, however I offer virtual coaching and can help educate and teach you virtually on how to manage these diagnoses. Please refer to my website, www.ThreeBluebirdsKC.com, if you would like to schedule a virtual or in-person session with me!