Lipoedema Assessment, Treatment and Management

At Laneways, we provide compassionate, non-judgemental care for every body. If you’re experiencing heaviness, pain, tenderness, or changes in the shape of your limbs — or you’ve come across information on social media that has made you wonder whether you may have lipoedema — we’re here to help.

We provide thorough assessment, guidance regarding the likelihood of a lipoedema diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs. Our personalised management plans are designed to support improved comfort, movement, function, and confidence in your body.

Meet Nadia

Nadia Walton is an experienced physiotherapist and accredited lymphoedema practitioner with a special interest in caring for people in larger bodies, chronic conditions, lymphatic health, mobility, and improving the quality of life of her clients.

Nadia understands that many people with lipoedema have faced years of frustration, misunderstanding, or conflicting advice before finding appropriate support. She also understands it can be frightening being given a diagnosis or suspecting you have lipoedema.

Her approach is evidence-based, weight-neutral, and person-centred. Rather than focusing solely on appearance or weight, Nadia works with you to improve comfort, function, mobility, symptom management, and confidence in your body.

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic condition characterised by changes in connective tissue and fat distribution and disproportionate fat accumulation, most commonly affecting the legs and arms. It occurs almost exclusively in women and often develops or becomes more noticeable during periods of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Historically, lipoedema was often described as a progressive condition. However, international understanding is evolving. Recent consensus statements from the Lipedema World Congress and European experts have moved away from describing lipoedema as an inevitably progressive disease. Current evidence suggests that symptoms and tissue changes may remain stable for many people and can be influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, body weight, co-existing health conditions, and management strategies. With appropriate support and treatment, many people are able to improve symptoms, maintain function, and enhance their quality of life.

Lipoedema is not caused by a lack of willpower, poor lifestyle choices, or inactivity. The affected tissue is resistant to conventional weight-loss approaches and cannot simply be dieted or exercised away.

Common features of lipoedema include:

Disproportionate enlargement of the legs and/or arms
Pain, tenderness, or sensitivity within affected tissues
Easy bruising
A feeling of heaviness or aching
Reduced mobility and physical function
Swelling or a sensation of swelling and heaviness
Co-existing lymphatic or venous conditions in some individuals

Early assessment and management can help reduce symptoms, improve comfort, support mobility, and enhance quality of life.

Support and Treatment

Lipoedema Physiotherapy

While there is currently no cure for lipoedema, evidence-based management can help reduce symptoms, improve function, and support long-term wellbeing.

At Laneways, treatment and ongoing care may include:

Comprehensive clinical assessment and monitoring
Education and self-management advice
Limb measurements and ongoing monitoring of changes over time
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to support comfort and lymphatic flow
Prescription of compression garments (standard and custom-made sizing)
Prescription of Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (SIPC) systems
Individualised exercise and movement programmes to support strength and mobility
Referral support for diagnostic and surgical procedures where appropriate

We offer consultations in clinic, via telehealth, and in your home. Care can be accessed under Medicare Chronic Disease Management plans, Aged Care funding, and NDIS supports where eligible. We can also assist with access to the SWEP government-funded garment scheme for eligible clients.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a clinical lymphatic massage technique designed to physically facilitate the movement of fluid within the body. Rather than a standard remedial massage, MLD is a targeted manual therapy used to move fluid away from congested areas, improving comfort and supporting overall management.

As part of your lipoedema management plan, MLD may be used for:

Tissue Comfort: Reducing the “pressure,” tenderness, and heaviness associated with lipoedema tissue accumulation.
Volume & Fluid Support: Where lipoedema co-exists with lymphatic involvement, MLD can assist fluid movement toward healthy lymphatic pathways.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Assisting the body in processing post-operative fluid, relevant for those who pursue surgical management such as liposuction for lipoedema.

MLD is integrated into an accredited management plan, supported by evidence-based skin care, exercise, and compression therapy.

Judgment-free, size-inclusive care

Evidence-based treatments that consider your whole story

Practical solutions that work for your life

We make it easy to get started

Book an initial consultation online or simply pick up the phone. We’re here and ready to support you.

We listen & support

Share with us your experiences and the areas you’re looking for help and guidance.

Individualised solutions

We’ll tailor a plan to help you manage pain, experience greater mobility and develop consistent habits that work for you.

FAQ

Is lipoedema the same as living in a larger body, or the same as lymphoedema?

No. Lipoedema is a chronic condition characterised by changes in connective tissue and disproportionate fat distribution (usually affecting the legs, hips, or arms).

Living in a larger body: Lipoedema tissue is metabolically different from general fat. It is frequently accompanied by symptoms like tenderness, tissue pain, easy bruising, and feelings of heaviness.
Lymphoedema: Lymphoedema is primarily fluid accumulation caused by an impaired lymphatic drainage system. Lipoedema’s primary involvement is diseased connective tissue—though secondary lymphoedema (lipo-lymphoedema) can sometimes develop alongside it if the accumulated tissue places extra strain on lymphatic flow.

Can lipoedema be cured?

Currently, there is no known cure for lipoedema, but it can be managed effectively. Management centres around healthy lifestyle choices and then compression, movement, inflammation management, and manual lymphatic drainage which may help alleviate pain and maintain daily function. For some, surgical options like specialised liposuction may also be considered to improve function.

How is lipoedema diagnosed?

Lipoedema is diagnosed clinically through a detailed medical history and physical examination by a knowledgeable healthcare provider. There are no specific blood tests or imaging tests used to confirm it. The practitioner will assess the distribution of tissue, check for sensitivity or lumpy texture, and review your history of symptoms.

Does Medicare or private health cover treatment for lipoedema?

Physiotherapy Consultations: Subsidised via a Medicare GP Chronic Disease Management Plan (up to 5 sessions per calendar year) or claimed through Private Health Extras.
Compression Garments: Private health insurance rebates for lipoedema compression garments vary depending on your insurer and policy level. Laneways regularly assists clients with health fund rebate requests, and we are here to support you through the paperwork