Lipedema Resources

My Story

There was a time when I knew something felt different… I could feel nodules in my ankles and wrists, texture like rice or crushed walnuts or rubbery, like boba, large, heavy legs that felt like sandbags… but I didn’t have an explanation or the language for it.

As a massage therapist, I have spent years working with the body—feeling patterns, textures, and sensitivities in my clients’ limbs that were not typical. But it felt familiar… like what I was experiencing in my own body. I could feel that something was there, nodules and fibrotic tissue… but I couldn’t find an explanation.

At the same time, I was on my own journey, searching for answers.

I now know I have Stage 3 Lipedema, though I didn’t discover what Lipedema was until just a few years ago. Like so many women, I spent years feeling confused, frustrated, and disconnected from my body — trying to make sense of changes that didn’t respond the way I expected.

Learning about Lipedema brought both relief and grief.

Relief in finally having answers… and grief for how long it went unrecognized.

This page is a collection of what has supported me along the way — things I personally use and find helpful in caring for my body, supporting my lymphatic system, managing Lipedema symptoms and reconnecting with myself.

Everything shared here is based on my personal experience and what has supported me.

I am not a physician, and this is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or therapies.

Take what resonates… and leave what doesn’t.

Educational Resources

If you’re just beginning your journey or looking to learn more, these are wonderful places to start:

The Lipedema Foundation

https://www.lipedema.org

A.L.T. (Advanced Lipedema Treatment)

Karen Herbst Ph.D, MD

https://www.advancedlipedematreatment.com/karen-herbst-phd-md

Lymphatic Support & Body Care

The number one thing I do every day is focus on Opening the Big 6 and caring for my Lymphatic System

Products I find helpful to manage Lipedema for myself:

(includes links to Amazon and other sellers for product descriptions)

Compression leggings (Athletic not medical grade)

Fanka - https://amzn.to/4sNMQ9Q

Fanka Recovery Ease Compression Leggings - https://amzn.to/4e7Ppjo

Fanka Body Sculpt Leggings -

https://amzn.to/3Qt3Uo4

Bioflect - https://www.therapygarments.com/lymphedema-lipedema-micromassage-compression-leggings.html?srsltid=AfmBOoowvmc4q-iO2oOJxCWwpA7cDnYKKGkI7FVLd74PwkYzZikHez8O

Vibration Plate

https://amzn.to/4u2qFxM

Red Light Therapy Panel

(I use it with a yoga strap for “legs up the wall” and while doing self-lymphatic drainage)

https://amzn.to/4dXJpd0

FaradBeauty Heated Lymph Brush

https://faradbeauty.com/?ref=TK10

Discount code for 10% off: TK10

I love this brush. It has vibration, microcurrent, heat and red light and when my legs are in a flare up and feeling extra tight, painful and heavy, this brush, combined with the Lymphatic Massage Oil and the Red Light Panel bring soo much relief.

Article: Can the FaradBeauty Heated Lymphatic Brush Help with Lipedema?

https://faradbeauty.com/blogs/faradbeauty-lymph-brush/can-the-faradbeauty-lymphatic-heated-brush-help-with-lipedema-understanding-its-role

Nexon Botanicals Lymphatic Massage Oil with Arnica and Lavender

(I use this with the FaradBeauty Heated Lymph Brush during a Lipedema flare)

https://amzn.to/4cnaeGh

M3 Naturals Lymphatic Massage Oil

https://amzn.to/41NJ5Gq

Massage Gun - on Level 1 with the T attachment for fascia release prior to dry brushing (please see the Windsor Method linked below)

Dry Brush - natural bristles

https://amzn.to/4cmL1eX

Dry Brush - natural bristles with massage nodes

https://amzn.to/4sQNDa1

LIFE-FLO Unscented Magnesium Lotion

https://amzn.to/3Sk2OMz

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion

https://amzn.to/3TLAJOG

Supplements

There are soo many recommended supplements so I encourage you to start with a couple, see how you respond, but remember that it takes time. I have tried many, but here are the supplements I currently take and have found most effective for me:

Pycnogenol

https://amzn.to/4cZn8u8

Diosmin & Hesperidan

https://amzn.to/4vFjnlb

BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough

https://amzn.to/4ttLVwr

NAC

https://amzn.to/490ZaMC

Milk Thistle

https://amzn.to/4czsOty

Nature’s Sunshine Lymphatic Drainage drops

https://amzn.to/41NHd0k

Reconnecting with the Body

• Somatic Dance

  
  

  This has been one of the most powerful ways I reconnect with my body—especially on days when it feels heavy, painful, or disconnected.

  
  

  Movement without structure… allowing the body to lead… can gently release stagnation and emotion.

  
  

  👉 You can explore my Somatic Dance playlist on Spotify here:

  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4nB9HY7PYorRAAxnpxv4Sf?si=oTy5MCwfQfO0UM6PHsb31Q&pi=f0bnShDzTea1X

  
  

Social Media Inspiration

These ladies inspire me every day with their stories and successes in managing Lipedema

Sarah Whitlow

@sarahwhitlow_ on TikTok

Check out this TikTok I found! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkCxEGKm/

Kaz - Sculpt and Change Therapies

https://www.tiktok.com/@kaztalks?_r=1&_t=ZT-95or7cFrSzG

This journey can feel overwhelming at times… especially when you’re first learning.

But there is also something deeply empowering about understanding your body in a new way—learning how to support it, listen to it, and work with it instead of against it.

Take this one step at a time.

Be gentle with yourself.

Disclaimers: Friends, I am not a medical professional, nor do I pretend to be one on the internet. This information is for educational purposes only, gathered from trusted sources and my personal experiences. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your supplements or lifestyle.