Lipedema Therapy - What is it and how to treat
Lipedema is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed — sometimes for years. If you’ve been told to “just lose weight” and it hasn’t changed the pain or swelling in your legs or arms, you’re not alone, and there is treatment that actually addresses what’s happening.
Lipedema is a chronic condition causing abnormal fat accumulation, most often in the legs and arms, that does not respond to diet or exercise. It's often misdiagnosed as ordinary weight gain or cellulite, and it primarily affects women. At Dynamic Rebalance in downtown Chicago, our Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) provide conservative, non-surgical lipedema management using Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder Technique), compression guidance, and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) — helping reduce pain, swelling, and slow progression of the condition.
We use Endermologie, a non-invasive modality to correct dense, painful to touch, skin and tissue, enabling your own body to heal and improve the overall appearance of cellulite, which is prevalent with Lipedema. Endermolgoie greatly reduces the pain associated with Lipedema, making legs and arms feel lighter and healthier. We work alongside physicians and surgeons as part of a comprehensive lipedema care plan.
Understanding Lipedema
Lipedema is a fat-tissue disorder, distinct from lymphedema, which is a fluid-retention condition. Many clients have both conditions together (lipo-lymphedema), since untreated lipedema can eventually impair lymphatic function. Common signs include:
Disproportionate fat accumulation in the legs, hips, or arms, sparing the hands and feet
Tenderness, heaviness, and easy bruising in affected areas
Little or no response to diet, exercise, or weight loss
Swelling that worsens throughout the day
A family history of similarly-shaped legs or arms
There is no cure for lipedema, but consistent conservative therapy can meaningfully reduce pain, slow tissue changes, and improve mobility and quality of life — whether used on its own or alongside surgical treatment.
Our Approach
Every lipedema client begins with a full assessment of affected areas, staging, and mobility, so we can build a treatment plan around your specific presentation. Ongoing care typically combines:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder Technique) — gentle, rhythmic strokes that stimulate lymph flow and reduce fluid-related swelling
- Compression guidance — garment recommendations and wear schedules to support tissue and reduce daily swelling
- Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) — the internationally recognized standard of care, combining MLD, compression, exercise guidance, and skin care
- Fibrosis and scar tissue work — for clients with longstanding lipedema or after lipedema surgery
- Endermologie® — breaks down hardened, fibrotic fat tissue and improves blood and lymph flow, helping reduce pain and sensitivity in affected areas. Many clients notice a meaningful improvement in skin texture and appearance, along with limbs that feel less heavy, more energized, and stronger.
- Whole Body Vibration Therapy — the vibration plate stimulates deep lymph collectors, supporting drainage before and after manual techniques.
Recommended For
- Clients recently diagnosed with lipedema
- Clients with lipo-lymphedema (combined lipedema and lymphedema)
- Pre- and post-operative care for lipedema (WAL/tumescent) surgery patients
- Chronic leg or arm heaviness, pain, or easy bruising not explained by weight
- Clients whose swelling or pain isn't responding to diet and exercise
Ongoing Care Series
Lipedema management is most effective as consistent, ongoing care rather than a one-time treatment. We offer 6- and 10-session packages, We accept HSA or FSA.
Focused Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Vibration Therapy, Red Light Therapy, Compression Therapy, and Edermologie
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lipedema the same as being overweight?
No. Lipedema is a distinct fat-tissue disorder that does not respond to diet or exercise the way typical body fat does. It's often misdiagnosed, which is why an accurate assessment matters
Can massage cure lipedema?
There is no cure for lipedema. Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy can meaningfully reduce pain, swelling, and slow tissue changes, and are considered standard conservative care alongside medical management.
Do I need a doctor's diagnosis before starting treatment?
A formal diagnosis isn't required to begin conservative care, but we recommend a medical evaluation, especially if you're considering surgical options or have significant swelling.
How is lipedema different from lymphedema?
Lipedema is a fat-tissue disorder; lymphedema is a fluid-retention condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage. The two can occur together, and both are treated with similar manual therapy techniques.
Do you work with lipedema surgeons?
Yes. We provide pre- and post-operative lymphatic care for clients undergoing lipedema-specific liposuction (WAL/tumescent techniques), working alongside your surgeon's recovery protocol.
Session Options
60 Minutes – $140
Package of 6 $780
Package of 10 $1,300
90 Minutes – $210
Package of 6 $1,200
Package of 10 $2,000
Lymphatic Massage Vodder Technique
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Fibrosis Therapy
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Compression Therapy
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Red Light Therapy
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Vibration Therapy
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Endermologie
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Vodder Technique
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Lymphatic Massage Vodder Technique ✳︎ Fibrosis Therapy ✳︎ Compression Therapy ✳︎ Red Light Therapy ✳︎ Vibration Therapy ✳︎ Endermologie ✳︎ Vodder Technique ✳︎