“It hurts how people look at me.” This comment served as a jumping-off point for an hour-long conversation devoted to mental health at the Lipedema Patient Roundtable. The panel was joined by special guest Kenneth Edwards, Executive Director of the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, who presented at the recent Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference. Navigating hurtful comments from strangers is one thing, but what about when it comes from family? The panel discussed how being secure in your self-worth can help, along with not expending precious ener ..read more

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the conversation at the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable focused on the intersections of mental, emotional, and physical health when living with lymphedema. Both panelists and attendees spoke candidly about their experiences and shared different coping strategies, including how they reframe treatment time into moments of positive self-care. The conversation was a much-needed tonic for many in the chat: “I am feeling better as this discussion has gone on,” wrote attendee Christine R. “I feel hopeful.” At the end of the hour, certified lymphedema therap ..read more

People with lymphedema face many physical challenges. However, the mental health impact of this condition can be just as significant as the medical impact. Lisa Berman Sylvestri, MSPT, CLT-LANA Oncology Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist Lisa Berman Sylvestri sees the mental health toll of lymphedema every day in her practice. “I’m very lucky that I get individual time with my patients for prolonged periods,” she says. “I really get to know them and the mental health challenges they face.” Lymphedema and Mental Health “The biggest thing I see is a combination of depression a ..read more

Spring has sprung, and the April Lymphedema Patient Roundtable was blooming with conversation around themes of community and support! Special guest Veronica Seneriz from ⁠the Lymphatic Education and Research Network⁠ walked attendees through ⁠LE&RN’s robust new Resource Center⁠ (proudly sponsored by Lympha Press), and Angela Jones urged everyone to connect with the things that bring you joy with the reminder “You are not your lymphedema.” At the end of the hour, Karen Ashforth led everyone in a relaxing manual lymphatic drainage session, walking the group through some of the core clearing ..read more

Negative pressure therapy is a tool that can enhance lymphatic drainage as well as provide soft tissue mobilization in the treatment of fibrosis and other symptoms of lymphatic disruption. In this webinar, Louisa Boyd, OTR/CLT-LANA, presents science and research in four different techniques, including the use of different cupping tools. Watch more webinars from our Lympha Press Education Series on YouTube. The post Negative Pressure Manual Therapy for Lymphatic Conditions with Louisa Boyd appeared first on Lympha Press® | Compression Pumps & Garments ..read more

Oh, the places you will go with lymphedema and lipedema! Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR, CLT-LANA, and a panel of expert patient travelers (Amy Rivera, Catherine Rosenberg, Angela Jones, and Alexa Ercolano) discuss the ins and outs of preparing to travel, what to pack to manage swelling, how to navigate TSA/customs, and so much more. Watch more webinars from our Lympha Press Education Series on YouTube. The post Tips for the Traveler with Lymphedema and Lipedema with Karen Ashforth and Patient Panel appeared first on Lympha Press® | Compression Pumps & Garments ..read more

Lymphedema and vein conditions (venous disease) can occur separately but may also occur together. There are several types of venous disease people with lymphedema may have. But how are lymphedema and vein health related? What’s the difference between lymphedema and venous insufficiency? The following Q&A with Manu Aggarwal, MD, medical director at the Vein Care Center Laser Specialists, helps answer those questions. Dr. Aggarwal provides information about the different disease types along with tips on preventing vein problems and slowing their progression. Q. How Are Lymphedema and Vein Co ..read more

Happy Lymphedema Awareness Month! Every month is Lymphedema Awareness Month at the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable, but even more so in March. What does “lymphedema awareness” mean to you? And what about the butterfly, the symbol for lymphedema? The panel and attendees spent the hour engaged in inspiring conversation, along with a robust Q&A session on topics like compression garments, cellulitis, and surgery. A special thank-you to our panelists this month: Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Co ..read more

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month, but raising awareness continues all year for the people affected by this condition. “There isn’t enough widespread understanding about lymphedema,” says athlete and Lympha Press therapy coordinator Lindsey Sosovec. “Lymphedema looks different for everyone, but we all have to fight and advocate for ourselves,” she says. Adventure and athletics have defined Sosovec’s life. In her 20s, she traveled the world, played soccer professionally, and worked on a PhD in human biomechanics. Lymphedema After Cancer At 35, Lindsey received a cancer diagnosis and had a rad ..read more

Love is always in the air at the Lipedema Patient Roundtable, but the feeling was palpable as the group shared what community means to them in this February “Galentines” episode. With representatives from the Lipedema Foundation and Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) welcomed as guests, questions and answers abound. The Foundation unveiled new materials intended for patients to bring to their medical team, including their Clinician’s Guide to Lipedema and Research Roadmap, and discussions surrounding how to participate in the organization’s research database were discussed.  Angelique ..read more