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The role of physical therapy in the treatment of lipedema: an integrative review of therapeutic strategies and the current clinical landscape
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Modena, Débora Aparecida Oliveira (Author)
- Baiocchi, Jaqueline Munaretto Timm (Author)
- Guirro, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira (Author)
Title
The role of physical therapy in the treatment of lipedema: an integrative review of therapeutic strategies and the current clinical landscape
Abstract
Lipedema is a chronic disorder characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the extremities, typically sparing the hands and feet. It is commonly associated with pain, hypersensitivity, easy bruising, edema, and fibrotic nodules. Despite growing awareness, there is still no consensus on evidence-based therapeutic approaches. This integrative review aimed to identify physical therapy strategies described in the scientific literature for the assessment and conservative management of lipedema. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, BVS, PEDro, Embase, and Cochrane databases, followed by critical appraisal and evidence synthesis, with applicable PRISMA-ScR checklist items used as a reporting guide for the study selection process. The findings indicate that physical therapy plays a key role in conservative treatment, particularly through complete decongestive therapy, compression therapy, exercise, manual therapy, and electrophysical agents. These interventions show potential benefits in reducing pain, improving functional capacity, controlling edema, and preventing disease progression. However, the available evidence remains limited, underscoring the need for more robust clinical trials to support evidence-based physical therapy practice in the treatment of lipedema.Keywords: lipedema; physical therapy modalities; conservative treatment
Publication
Jornal Vascular Brasileiro
Publisher
Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular (SBACV)
Date
2026
Volume
25
Pages
e20250196
Journal Abbr
J. vasc. bras.
Accessed
8/10/26, 12:16 PM
ISSN
1677-5449, 1677-7301
Short Title
The role of physical therapy in the treatment of lipedema
Language
en
Library Catalog
SciELO
Citation
Modena, D. A. O., Baiocchi, J. M. T., & Guirro, E. C. de O. (2026). The role of physical therapy in the treatment of lipedema: an integrative review of therapeutic strategies and the current clinical landscape. Jornal Vascular Brasileiro, 25, e20250196. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1590/1677-5449.202501962
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