June marks Lipoedema Awareness Month, an important opportunity to increase understanding of a condition that affects many women yet remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
For many people living with lipoedema, symptoms are often dismissed as “just weight gain” or blamed on lifestyle factors, despite ongoing pain, swelling, heaviness, and changes in body shape that do not improve with diet and exercise alone.
At Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions on the Central Coast, we are passionate about helping people better understand lipoedema, access supportive care, and feel validated in their experience.
What Is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition involving an abnormal build-up of adipose tissue (fat cells) beneath the skin, most commonly affecting the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the arms. It almost exclusively affects women and can often run in families.
Importantly, lipoedema fat is different from regular body fat and is not caused by obesity. It is often resistant to diet and exercise, which can leave many women feeling frustrated and misunderstood when their efforts to lose weight in affected areas are unsuccessful.
Lipoedema is also considered a connective tissue disorder. The structure supporting fat cells can become weakened and disorganised, contributing to the condition’s characteristic symptoms and tissue changes.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs of lipoedema may include:
- Disproportionate fat distribution, particularly in the lower body
- Symmetrical swelling in both legs
- A “cuff” or “bracelet” appearance around the ankles, with the feet often unaffected
- Pain, tenderness, or aching in affected areas
- A feeling of heaviness in the limbs
- Easy bruising
- A nodular or “lumpy” texture beneath the skin
- Cellulite or an “orange-peel” skin appearance
Many women also report that symptoms worsen after long periods of standing, during hormonal changes, or times of increased stress.
What Causes Lipoedema?
While the exact cause of lipoedema is not fully understood, hormonal changes are believed to play a significant role. Symptoms commonly appear or worsen during:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause and menopause
Stress may also contribute to flare-ups and symptom progression.
The Role of the Lymphatic System
Lipoedema can also affect the lymphatic system over time. Increased tissue changes may place pressure on lymphatic vessels, leading to fluid build-up and the development of lipo-lymphoedema, where both lipoedema and lymphatic insufficiency occur together.
This is why specialised lymphatic assessment and management are important components of supportive care.
How Lipoedema Is Managed
Although there is currently no cure for lipoedema, there are many supportive strategies that can help reduce symptoms, improve comfort, and support overall wellbeing.
At CRLS, management is tailored to the individual and may include:
Compression Therapy – Compression garments can help reduce fluid build-up, support tissues, and ease feelings of heaviness and discomfort. Compression pump therapy may also be used to assist circulation and fluid movement.
Manual Therapies – Specialised manual therapies can help soften tissue, improve lymphatic flow, and support comfort and mobility.
Exercise and Movement – Gentle, low-impact movement such as walking, swimming, and cycling can support circulation, lymphatic flow, and overall health without placing unnecessary stress on the joints.
Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) – PBMT using MLS® laser technology is used as a non-invasive supportive therapy to help manage symptoms associated with lipoedema.
PBMT works by using near-infrared and red light to support cellular energy production and tissue function. For many patients, it may help support:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved lymphatic flow
- Reduced pain and heaviness
- Softer fibrotic tissue
- Improved circulation and tissue health
PBMT is often used alongside other conservative management strategies to support comfort and long-term symptom management.
Why Awareness Matters
One of the biggest challenges for people living with lipoedema is the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the condition. Many women spend years seeking answers before receiving appropriate support or diagnosis.
Lipoedema Awareness Month is about changing that conversation – increasing understanding, improving early recognition, and helping people realise they are not alone.
It is important to remember that lipoedema is a recognised medical condition, and your symptoms are real.
Supporting the Central Coast Community
At Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based support for people managing lymphatic and chronic swelling conditions, including lipoedema.
Whether you are newly exploring your symptoms or looking for ongoing supportive management, working with knowledgeable healthcare professionals can help you better understand your body and develop a plan that supports your goals and wellbeing.
If you would like more information about lipoedema therapy or would like to book a consultation, please contact the CRLS team on (02) 4312 7033.
This June, during Lipoedema Awareness Month, we encourage our community to continue learning, listening, and supporting those affected by this often misunderstood condition.