Frequently asked questions — Lipoedema
Lipoedema: recognising it & what treatment can do
Answers to the most common questions about lipoedema — also written lipedema. Connective tissue massage for lipoedema, here in Amsterdam-Zuid. The fat does not go away — what we do work on is how your legs feel. You hear that from us beforehand, not afterwards. Diagnosis belongs with your GP or specialist; Bodyfix does not make it and does not replace that care. Bodyfix has specialised in connective tissue and fascia in Amsterdam since 2008, and works with women only.
Book a free consultationRecognising
Recognising & understanding lipoedema
Most questions about lipoedema begin with recognising it: what are the signs, what is the difference from lymphoedema or excess weight, and how is it classified? Below we explain the essentials in plain language. Important: lipoedema is a medical diagnosis that only a doctor can make — the answers below are general information and do not replace medical advice.
How do you recognise lipoedema and what are the symptoms?
Lipoedema involves an abnormal distribution of fat, usually in both legs and sometimes the arms. According to the literature the build-up is often symmetrical, with a heavy or tight feeling, pressure sensitivity and bruising more easily; the feet and hands are usually spared. Pain and tenderness can occur. This is general information and not a diagnosis: assessment and diagnosis belong with a doctor, and Bodyfix does not make them. You can read more background in our knowledge base on recognising lipoedema.
What is the difference between lipoedema and lymphoedema?
Lipoedema has to do with abnormal fat distribution. Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a problem with lymph drainage. They can occur together (lipo-lymphoedema). Have your symptoms assessed by a doctor to determine what is going on. In the literature, lipoedema is described as often symmetrical, with the feet usually spared and the tissue pressure-sensitive; lymphoedema is more often asymmetrical, can also affect the feet or hands and sometimes causes pitting (a dent that remains when pressed). Both are medical conditions that only a doctor can confirm; Bodyfix does not make a diagnosis. Read more about lymphatic drainage in Amsterdam.
Is it lipoedema or simply excess weight?
With lipoedema, the contrast between the upper body and noticeably heavier legs is often striking, and the affected fat usually barely responds to weight loss or exercise. With ordinary excess weight, fat is often distributed more evenly and responds better to weight loss. Even so, only a doctor can reliably tell the difference. In doubt? Discuss your symptoms with your GP; this information does not replace medical advice and is not a diagnosis.
What are the stages of lipoedema?
In the literature, lipoedema is often classified into stages based on the skin surface and the amount of tissue, increasing in severity: from a still smooth skin surface with thickened tissue beneath, to a more uneven skin relief with dimpling, through to larger fat lobes and skin hardening. This classification is a broad orientation and does not say everything about how many symptoms someone experiences. Grading and assessment belong with a doctor or dermatologist; this is not a diagnosis.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment & support
This is the section most providers leave out. We have no evidence that connective tissue massage removes lipoedema fat, repairs the tissue or slows the course of the condition. The fat does not go away, and we would rather say that beforehand than afterwards. What we do work on is how your legs feel: less pain, less heaviness, less swelling, less restlessness in the evening. That is not a cure and it is not a promise — it is what we aim for with lipoedema, alongside the care you already receive.
What does non-surgical treatment for lipoedema involve?
According to the literature, the conservative, non-surgical approach usually consists of manual lymphatic drainage, compression and movement. Medical oedema therapy and compression belong with a recognised oedema or skin therapist or physiotherapist, through your GP. What Bodyfix does is manual connective tissue work, adjusted to tissue that can be tender, plus separately bookable device-assisted lymphatic drainage. That comes alongside the care you already receive — not instead of it. We have no evidence that it removes lipoedema fat, repairs the tissue or slows the course of the condition.
Can I come to Bodyfix with lipoedema?
Yes. And we say straight away what that means: we have no evidence that connective tissue massage removes lipoedema fat, repairs the tissue or slows the course of the condition. What we do work on is how your legs feel: less pain, less heaviness, less swelling, less restlessness in the evening. That is not a cure and it is not a promise — it is what we aim for with lipoedema, alongside the care you already receive. Read more about our approach on lipoedema in Amsterdam.
Can lipoedema be cured?
No. Lipoedema is a chronic condition and there is no known treatment that makes it disappear completely. The fat does not go away, and we say so beforehand rather than afterwards. What we do work on is how your legs feel: less pain, less heaviness, less swelling, less restlessness in the evening. That is not a cure and it is not a promise. The medical management of lipoedema belongs with your GP or specialist. An ongoing massage programme is not a proven way to stabilise lipoedema.
Why does losing weight or dieting not help (or barely help) with lipoedema?
According to the literature, the affected lipoedema fat usually responds poorly to weight loss or exercise — that is precisely one of the things that distinguishes lipoedema from ordinary excess weight. At the same time, a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle remain important for your overall health. For advice that suits your situation we refer you to your GP or specialist; this is not medical advice.
Symptoms, care & self-help
Symptoms, your GP & what you can do yourself
Common practical questions about symptoms of lipoedema, when to see a doctor and what you can do yourself. Safety first: if you suspect lipoedema or your symptoms increase, your GP is the right point of contact. The answers below are general and do not replace medical advice.
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Why does lipoedema hurt and why are my legs pressure-sensitive?
Pressure sensitivity, a heavy feeling and pain in the affected tissue often go hand in hand with lipoedema. Deep massage is therefore not automatically appropriate, and you hear that beforehand. We match the pressure to what the tissue allows, you can say so during the treatment, and we adjust or stop — pushing through pain is not a goal of the massage. We do not make a diagnosis; with increasing or persistent pain, contact your GP. This information does not replace medical advice.
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When should I see my GP about lipoedema?
If you suspect lipoedema, see your GP for a diagnosis and, if needed, a referral to a specialised centre or an oedema or skin therapist. Sudden or one-sided swelling, redness, warmth or severe pain needs medical assessment — do not wait for a massage appointment. Bodyfix does not make a diagnosis and does not provide medical lipoedema care. In case of doubt, increasing symptoms or a rapidly changing picture, your GP is also the right point of contact. This answer does not replace medical advice.
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Does a compression garment help with lipoedema?
Compression is a fixed part of the conservative approach to lipoedema. Which garment and which compression class are appropriate is determined by a doctor or a skin or oedema therapist; they also measure you for it. Bodyfix does not supply or fit compression garments itself and refers you to your doctor or (oedema) therapist for this. This does not replace medical advice.
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What can I do myself with lipoedema?
Sufficient movement, a healthy lifestyle and — in consultation with your practitioner — compression can be supportive for your overall wellbeing. This does not replace medical treatment and is not a cure. For a plan that suits you, consult your GP or specialist. If you would like to know whether a treatment at Bodyfix is a good fit, take a look at our page on lipoedema in Amsterdam.
A treatment at Bodyfix always starts with a bodyreading: we look at the tissue and your complaint pattern, and tell you whether there is anything worth doing here. Ten minutes, free of charge, and it is allowed to end in “no”. The method was developed by Agnieszka Kadula and practitioners were trained in it by her; that is internal training, not external certification. Bodyfix is a private practice, works with women only and does not work with health insurers. No referral is needed; there is no reimbursement. Bodyfix does not make a diagnosis — always discuss lipoedema with your GP or specialist first.
Read more
Further reading on lipoedema & oedema
Explore lipoedema and the treatment options further via the pages below.
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Lipoedema treatment in Amsterdam — what the Bodyfix approach looks like.
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Lymphatic drainage in Amsterdam — background on this part of the treatment.
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All our treatments — an overview of what we offer.
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Contraindications — when a treatment is not suitable.
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All frequently asked questions — back to the overview.
Questions about lipoedema? Ask them during your free consultation
During a free consultation (a 10-minute booking slot) we look at the tissue and your complaint pattern, and tell you whether there is anything worth doing here — including when that answer is “no”. That is the whole reason this appointment is free. Have suspected lipoedema medically assessed first, and always discuss it with your GP or specialist as well. This is general information and does not replace medical advice.
Book a free consultationSources and medical background
These sources provide general information; they do not establish the effectiveness of the Bodyfix Method. Checked on 10 September 2026.