Lymphatic Drainage for Lipedema in Zurich
Gentle, individually tailored treatment to relieve pain, feelings of tension and heaviness, as a complement to compression therapy and medical care.
What is lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic, painful disorder of the subcutaneous fatty tissue that affects almost exclusively women. Fat tissue increases symmetrically and disproportionately, particularly in the legs and hips, and sometimes in the arms. The hands and feet are usually not affected. The condition often begins during periods of hormonal change, for example during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
Typical symptoms include:
- pain with pressure or touch
- feelings of tension and heaviness, especially in the evening, in warm weather or after prolonged standing
- a tendency to bruise easily
Lipedema is not caused by a lack of discipline. The affected fatty tissue is difficult to influence through diet and exercise. For this reason, many women wait a long time before their symptoms are taken seriously.
Lipedema is diagnosed by a doctor, for example a specialist in angiology, phlebology, dermatology or lymphology. If impaired lymphatic drainage is also present, the condition is referred to as lipo-lymphedema.
How can Manual Lymphatic Drainage help?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage according to the Földi method is a gentle, rhythmic treatment. It supports the removal of tissue fluid through the lymphatic system. In lipedema, it complements compression therapy, particularly when compression alone does not sufficiently relieve pain. If oedema is also present, lymphatic drainage may help reduce swelling.
Many clients feel lighter and more relaxed after a session. However, Manual Lymphatic Drainage does not change the lipedema fatty tissue itself and does not replace medical treatment.
Compression and exercise
Manual Lymphatic Drainage according to the Földi method is a gentle, rhythmic treatment. It supports the removal of tissue fluid through the lymphatic system. In lipedema, it complements compression therapy, particularly when compression alone does not sufficiently relieve pain. If oedema is also present, lymphatic drainage may help reduce swelling.
Many clients feel lighter and more relaxed after a session. However, Manual Lymphatic Drainage does not change the lipedema fatty tissue itself and does not replace medical treatment.
Liposuction and treatment confirmation
If symptoms remain severe despite conservative therapy, liposuction for lipedema may be an appropriate option. It permanently reduces the affected fatty tissue and can significantly relieve pain. However, complete recovery cannot be guaranteed. Whether surgery is suitable for you should be discussed with a specialist doctor experienced in the treatment of lipedema.
Swiss basic health insurance covers liposuction for lipedema only under certain conditions. These usually include documented conservative treatment with compression and lymphatic drainage for at least twelve months. On request, I can provide a treatment confirmation listing the dates of your sessions. Your health insurance provider decides on reimbursement on an individual basis.
Gentle lymphatic drainage can also be helpful after surgery.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
The treatment is suitable for women with medically diagnosed lipedema or lipo-lymphedema. If you only suspect that you may have lipedema, I recommend seeking medical assessment first so that other causes of swelling can be ruled out.
Treatment is not carried out in cases of acute infection, fever, untreated thrombosis, or severe uncontrolled heart or kidney disease. In cases of cancer, during pregnancy, or if unusual symptoms are present, I require medical clearance before treatment.
What to expect
During the first session, we discuss your symptoms, medical history and previous treatment. Treatment usually begins at the neck and abdomen, followed by the legs or arms. The techniques are gentle and slow, and I continuously adjust the pressure according to your comfort and sensitivity. The treatment should not be painful.
Please bring your compression garments with you and put them back on immediately after the session.
Many clients begin with one or two sessions per week and later increase the intervals between treatments. Because lipedema is a chronic condition, regular supportive treatment is usually more effective than occasional individual sessions.
You will be treated in a quiet, private treatment room, with respect and without judgement of your body.
Costs and health insurance
I am EMR and ASCA recognised for Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Many Swiss supplementary health insurance plans therefore reimburse part of the treatment costs. Please check your individual coverage with your insurance provider in advance. I cannot bill treatment through Swiss basic health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor’s prescription?
Not for treatment with me. However, some supplementary health insurance providers require a medical prescription for reimbursement. It is therefore best to check with your insurer beforehand.
Is the treatment painful?
No. The techniques are gentle, and the pressure is adapted to your individual sensitivity.
Book Lymphatic Drainage for Lipedema in Zurich
I am Suzie Gombkötö, an EMR- and ASCA-recognised therapist for Manual Lymphatic Drainage according to the Földi method. At my practice in Zurich-Wiedikon, I support women with lipedema and lipo-lymphedema, as well as clients recovering from surgery. It is important to me that you feel taken seriously, respected and well cared for.
As I work with only a limited number of clients, I recommend scheduling regular appointments in advance.
Please use the contact form only to send the information necessary for arranging your appointment. We will discuss health-related details personally.