In honor of Lipedema Awareness Month, we rounded up a variety of educational materials to help explain the disease and how to manage its symptoms.
What exactly is lipedema?
Juzo Clinical Manager and lymphedema therapist John Jordi tackles the common question of what is lipedema and how the disease is different from lymphedema. Watch the short video. If you have questions for John, submit the online form. Not only will he get back to you via email, we may make a video of his response.
What exercise programs can help manage lipedema symptoms?
Paula Donahue, PT, DPT, MBA, CLT-LANA, breaks down the latest research on lipedema and exercise. The key? Start slowly, find what brings you joy and remember - something is always better than nothing. Whether it's 5 to 10 minutes daily or trying water exercise for the first time, the goal is consistency over perfection. Read Paula’s full guide to lipedema-friendly exercise.
Does Juzo offer compression garments specifically for lipedema?
Yes! Juzo designed our Sensation garment specifically for lipedema management to help lessen pain, improve mobility and provide maximum comfort. Paula Donahue understands the benefits compression offers her patients managing lipedema, and advised us during the development of these garments, which feature “micromassage” fabric.
She explains, ”If you need light compression for comfort or reduction of heaviness in the legs and ankles by the end of the day, it may be worth it to give micromassage a try. When compression garments are working sufficiently, you should not notice increased swelling or heaviness after wearing it all day. Using this as a rule of thumb, people can self-assess how their compression is doing for the management of their symptoms.”
Read more about the Sensation and compression benefits.
Are there organizations that offer support and resources to lipedema patients?
The Lipedema Foundation is a private, non-profit organization whose main focus is funding research to define, diagnose and develop treatments for lipedema. They are the largest funder of Lipedema-focused research worldwide. Learn more about their work to build research infrastructure and increase awareness about lipedema, particularly among healthcare professionals in a recent Steps to Better Health article. Be sure to connect with them on social media, as well.
In honor of Pattie Cornute …
Earlier this year, we lost Juzo Champion and Lipedema Warrior Pattie Cornute (@lipedemafitness). Pattie was an incredible advocate for lipedema awareness and reached thousands through her Lipedema Fitness support network. Reflecting on Lipedema Awareness Month, we continue to feel such gratitude for Pattie’s tireless efforts to inform and support others. For those not familiar with Pattie’s story, read her Steps to Better Health blog post from a few years ago for a little inspiration. Pattie’s legacy lives on the lipedema community … she touched and changed countless lives for the better, and we miss her.
We address more frequently asked questions about lipedema causes and management on juzousa.com.
Follow us on Instagram, @JuzoCompression, and Facebook to learn more about Juzo products, programs and ways we support the lipedema community.