When a patient comes into Roman’s Wellness Center noticing swelling, heaviness, or “fat that won’t budge” in their legs or arms, one of the first challenges is: is it lipedema, lymphedema, or both? 

Although they share some superficial similarities, they are distinct conditions — and especially in an integrative health setting, distinguishing them is key to offering the right kind of help.

Here’s what we want you to know:

What is lymphedema?

• Cause & nature: Lymphedema is swelling caused by a problem in the lymphatic system — when lymph fluid can’t drain properly, it accumulates in tissues.
  
• Onset: It may arise after surgery, radiation, trauma, infection, or in some cases as a congenital or primary lymphatic abnormality.
  
• Patterns & signs:
  
  • Often asymmetric (one limb more affected)
    
  • Swelling may include or extend into the hands or feet
    
  • The swelling may be “pitting” (pressing leaves an indentation) in earlier stages
    
  • Over time, tissues can harden or fibrose, and skin changes or risk of infection may increase
    

What is lipedema?

• Cause & nature: Lipedema is a disorder of abnormal fat (adipose) deposition, especially in the lower body (and sometimes arms). It is not primarily fluid accumulation, though fluid may become involved secondarily.
  
• Onset: It almost exclusively affects women, often starting or worsening during hormonal transitions (puberty, pregnancy, menopause).
  
• Patterns & signs:
  
  • Symmetrical distribution (both legs, for example), rarely one side heavier than the other.
    
  • Feet and hands typically spared — swelling usually stops at the ankles or wrists.
    
  • Fat is often painful, tender, or nodular under the skin; easy bruising is common.
    
  • The fat in lipedema is often resistant to diet, exercise, or weight loss measures.
    

When they overlap: lipo-lymphedema

Because lipedema fat deposits can, over time, impair lymph flow, a secondary lymphedema may develop. When both happen simultaneously, it is sometimes called lipo-lymphedema. 

When this overlap occurs, symptoms may worsen, and treatment becomes more complex — but not impossible.

Why does the distinction matter?

1. Treatment strategy differs
   Treating fluid buildup (lymphedema) is not the same as targeting abnormal fat (lipedema). Misdiagnosis or oversimplified treatment may lead to stagnation or worsening.
   
2. Expectations and goals
   In lymphedema, one aims to reduce fluid, prevent progression, maintain skin health, and protect function. In lipedema, goals include reducing pain, slowing fat accumulation, improving mobility, and supporting lymphatic health.
   
3. Integrative (complementary) care has a role
   At Roman’s Wellness Center, we work in concert with your medical provider (vascular, lymphatic specialists, surgeons, etc.) to support your body, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
   

What the science says: conventional + integrative treatments

Some promising research for natural and alternative treatments that complement conventional interventions:

• A clinical trial explored acupuncture + moxibustion to help lymphedema symptoms, especially in cancer survivors — though more rigorous studies are needed.
  
• Acupuncture has shown potential to reduce limb circumference and improve symptoms in breast cancer–related lymphedema in small studies.
  
• Non-surgical treatments in lipedema (manual therapy, compression, exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, Ballancer Pro, homeopathics, HOCATT, Pure Light Slim) can help manage symptoms and slow progression. 

In sum: integrative therapies are not “magic cures,” but they can bolster outcomes, reduce discomfort, and support overall well-being when used judiciously alongside medical care.

What Roman’s Wellness Center offers for lipedema/lymphedema support

At Roman’s, we aim to partner with you (and your medical providers) to build a care plan that addresses root support, symptom relief, and functional vitality. Here are the kinds of services and approaches we may offer:

1. Comprehensive evaluation & individualized plan

• History & symptom mapping: Understanding onset, progression, risk factors (e.g. surgeries, hormonal changes).
  
• Assessment: Observing swelling patterns, skin, pain, mobility, and functional impact.

2. Acupuncture & energy-based modalities

We may use acupuncture (and occasionally moxibustion, with care) to:

• Stimulate local circulation and encourage lymphatic flow
  
• Modulate inflammation
  
• Alleviate pain, tightness, and discomfort
  
• Promote relaxation and reduce stress (stress can worsen inflammation)

3. Manual / soft-tissue techniques & drainage support

While Roman’s does not replace a certified lymphedema therapist, our practitioners may offer:

• Gentle myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and scar release techniques to reduce restriction around lymph pathways
  
• Gentle lymph drainage–supportive techniques (within scope), always guided by safety and working in tandem with your certified lymphedema therapists
  
• Education and coaching in self-drainage techniques (breathing, light motion, skin stretch) to support home care

4. Proven treatments for relief & drainage support

Chronic conditions like lipedema or lymphedema can improve with complementary treatments. At Roman’s, we:

• Offer the Ballancer Pro, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of lymphedema
  
• Use effective treatments like the Pure Light Slim and HOCATT to support healing
  
• Provide homeopathic treatments to support relief from stagnation of fluids and lymph

5. Movement, breath, and body awareness

We deeply value therapeutic movement as medicine. For clients with lipedema or lymphedema, we emphasize:

• Low-impact modalities: aquatic work, walking, yoga, gentle resistance, core stabilization
  
• Breathing practices (diaphragmatic, thoracic pump) to encourage lymphatic return
  
• Body awareness, posture, and movement re-education to reduce strain and optimize mechanics
  
• Tailored home exercise programs that respect your stage, pain level, and tolerance

6. Nutrition, inflammation, and lifestyle support

Because systemic inflammation, metabolic health, and hormonal balance can influence symptoms, we work with you on:

• Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns (whole foods, low glycemic, micronutrient–rich foods)
  
• Addressing gut health, digestion, hydration, and metabolic support
  
• Sleep, stress modulation, and circadian health
  
• Thoughtful use of botanical or herbal adjuncts (where safe and evidence-informed)

7. Pre- & post-operative/procedural support

If you pursue surgical interventions (such as lymphatic reconstruction or liposuction), Roman’s can:

• Help prepare your body (optimize circulation, reduce inflammation, balance energy)
  
• Provide recovery support post-procedure (manual techniques, acupuncture, nutritional support, gentle movement)
  
• Carefully monitor for complications, edema flare, or tissue response

8. Monitoring, progression, and adaptation

Chronic conditions like lipedema or lymphedema evolve over time. At Roman’s, we:

• Routinely reassess your symptoms, measurements, mobility, and quality of life
  
• Adapt your care plan (increase or vary modalities)
  
• Work with your medical team to integrate new treatments or therapies

A hopeful word: what is possible

Living with lipedema or lymphedema is a journey. It can feel frustrating, isolating, or discouraging. But there is reason for hope:

• Many people experience symptom reduction, improved mobility, reduced pain, and better quality of life when combining conventional and integrative approaches.
  
• Early intervention and consistency matter. The sooner you begin supportive care (before worsening fibrosis or complications), the more leverage you have.
  
• You don’t have to do this alone. At Roman’s, our goal is to walk with you — supporting, adjusting, encouraging — to help you live more fully, move better, and feel more at ease in your body.
  

If you’re reading this and wondering, “Could I have lipedema? Or lymphedema? What is lymphedema vs. lipedema? What can I do today?” — reach out. Book a consultation. Let’s explore your history, your body’s story, and build a care path that meets you where you are.

You are more than your swelling. You are worthy of compassionate, skilled support — and at Roman’s Wellness Center, we’re honored to be part of your journey by listening and providing lipedema and lymphedema treatments to support your healing. Contact us today to schedule online or by calling 304.322.0093.