I am a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT). An OT helps a client to build bridges between themself and their challenges. We consider the whole person and their environment. OTs can assess for aids, such as rise-and-recliner chairs, profiling beds, pressure equipment, bath and shower equipment, kitchen equipment and walking aids. We can also refer to services such as the wheelchair service, or the lymphedema service, although this is based on service provisions, their knowledge and working within their competence. We can also provide strategies to connect people back to things they enjoy.
Since my own Lipoedema diagnosis, I have raised awareness of the condition, and recently provided an audio presentation to MSc Occupational Therapy students at Royal Holloway, University of London. I want to inform medical professionals of practical ways they can support patients with Lipoedema. Here’s my checklist of suggestions.
1. Learn more about Lipoedema
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has an online course: Lipoedema: An Adipose Tissue Disorder. Completing this may increase your knowledge and add to your CPD. Lipoedema UK has also co-hosted an online webinar with the Royal Society of Medicine, which is available to view online. Medicine and Me: Unmasking Lipoedema – A Women’s Health Condition Hidden in Plain Sight includes patient voices plus talks by expert clinicians, surgeons and a GP.
2. Keep practical resources visible in clinic settings
Keep leaflets in your working environment for your colleagues and patients. Contact Lipoedema UK for information on printed resources, and check out the charity’s online resources. Work in collaboration with your patient and other medical professionals for the best results.
3. Listen first and avoid labelling people
Listen and don’t label people. Women know their bodies better than anyone else. For over 15 years I was told I was obese, when in fact I had Lipoedema. Labelling people has an impact on trust. Regardless of the setting, if you work with women, being aware of the complexities of women’s health only benefits your patient. If you can get to the bottom of your patient’s symptoms, you will contribute to their quality of life and effective service delivery. According to a recent article, the prevalence of Lipoedema in the adult female population remains unknown – estimates range from less than 1% to up to 12% (more large-scale studies with standardised diagnostics are needed to determine a reliable prevalence rate). Given this fact, it’s helpful to always ask the question: could it be Lipoedema?
4. Learn more about symptom-support tools
With regards to devices for Lipoedema symptoms, there is some evidence about the benefits of lymphatic drainage and more about compression garments. Occupational Therapists work within the NICE guidelines and service provisions, but speaking from a personal (rather than professional) perspective, I use a rebounder trampoline and a vibro plate, and I have worn compression. I also use a MyoRelease Lymphatic Tool by Cozlow for my own lymphatic drainage. The only funding available – which is a postcode lottery – is for compression garments. It’s a shame there isn’t a vibration plate hire service on the NHS, as they are helpful, and the ones I use cost about £100. Research in 2025 by a team including Karen L Herbst indicated that an advanced pneumatic compression therapy system (Lympha Press Optimal Plus) can also improve leg volume in women with Lipoedema.
Finding an OT
In some areas of the UK, you can self refer to an OT through your local authority or a single point of access, and in the NHS, your GP can refer you to see an OT in specific departments. There are also private OTs. You can find or check your local qualified OT through RCOT and HCPC.
By Amy Harrison
