Lymphoedema & oedema
Understanding fluid build-up and lymphoedema, and how device-assisted lymphatic drainage combined with connective tissue massage can offer supportive, comfort-focused care at BodyFix Amsterdam.
Book a free consultationWhat are lymphoedema and oedema?
Oedema is generally described as a build-up of fluid in the tissue, which can cause swelling — for example in the legs, arms or ankles. Lymphoedema is usually described as a specific form in which drainage through the lymphatic system can be disrupted, so that lymph fluid (protein-rich tissue fluid) may accumulate and the swelling can become persistent or recurring.
The lymphatic system is often described as the body's drainage network: it is understood to help transport fluid, waste products and proteins out of the tissue. When that transport falters, fluid may be left behind and the tissue can feel tight, heavy or tender. The points below set out the general difference at a glance.
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Oedema = a build-up of fluid in the tissue (swelling), with a wide range of possible causes.
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Lymphoedema = oedema generally linked to disrupted lymphatic drainage; it can be chronic in nature.
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Possible signs can include a heavy, tight feeling and visible swelling of a limb.
Please note: this is general information and not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do you suspect lymphoedema or an underlying condition? Always have this assessed first by a doctor or GP.
Possible causes
Fluid can build up for a wide variety of reasons. Some forms of oedema are temporary and harmless, while others may point to an underlying condition that requires medical assessment. Below are a few factors that are generally associated with oedema or lymphoedema. This is general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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Prolonged sitting or standing, heat, or pregnancy (often temporary in nature).
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A disruption of the lymphatic system, for example after surgery or after the removal of lymph nodes.
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A congenital or hereditary predisposition in which lymphatic drainage may function less efficiently.
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Adhesions or scar tissue that may impede the flow of fluid.
Because the cause partly determines what a sensible approach looks like, at BodyFix we never assess on the basis of symptoms alone. If you suspect a medical cause, please consult your GP or treating specialist first. If the swelling appears after a procedure, you may also wish to read our explainer on swelling after surgery. If you have a related complaint such as lipoedema, you may also wish to read our article on recognising and treating lipoedema.
The role of lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique that is aimed at supporting the body's natural fluid drainage. Within the BodyFix Method we work device-assisted: the device delivers a calm, rhythmic pressure intended to follow the direction of natural lymphatic drainage.
Rhythmic pressure
The treatment works with a building and then easing pressure, in the direction of natural lymphatic drainage. This is intended to support the movement of fluid within the tissue.
Device-assisted
This device-assisted form of lymphatic drainage is designed to make the treatment even and easy to repeat. Many clients experience it as pleasant; the aim is to support comfort and a lighter feeling.
Supportive, not curative
Lymphatic drainage is a supportive treatment focused on comfort and wellbeing. It is not a medical treatment and not a substitute for care for a diagnosed condition.
Would you like to know more about how we use this technique? Read the full explanation on our lymphatic drainage Amsterdam page, or explore how the lymphatic system works and what lymphatic drainage actually is.
Combination with connective tissue massage
BodyFix has specialised in connective tissue and fascia techniques since 2008. Our signature approach combines device-assisted lymphatic drainage with deep manual connective tissue massage. The thinking behind it: lymphatic drainage is aimed at supporting fluid drainage, while connective tissue massage is aimed at working on adhesions and on tissue that can feel more supple.
It is that combination that sits at the heart of our approach to fluid-related complaints in which the connective tissue may also be involved. We explain the reasoning behind this two-part approach in more detail in a separate article. This concerns supportive treatment and is not medical advice or a promise of cure.
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Lymphatic drainage is aimed at supporting fluid drainage and a lighter feeling.
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Connective tissue massage is aimed at adhesions and at tissue that can feel more supple.
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Together they form the combination treatment that is characteristic of the BodyFix Method.
Read the full explanation in our article on the combination of lymphatic drainage and connective tissue massage.
What BodyFix does
BodyFix is a specialised connective tissue and fascia practice in Amsterdam, with the BodyFix Method developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula. Our therapists are medically trained, with a physiotherapy background and 2,500+ hours of training. Every first treatment begins diagnosis-first, with a Bodyreading, so that the approach matches your situation.
It is important to stress this: we offer supportive treatment focused on comfort, a lighter feeling and tissue that can feel more supple. We do not make a medical diagnosis and we make no promises of cure. If an underlying condition is suspected, we refer you to your GP or specialist.
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Diagnosis-first: a Bodyreading before the first treatment.
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Medically trained therapists with a physiotherapy background and 2,500+ hours of training.
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The BodyFix Method: connective tissue massage combined with device-assisted lymphatic drainage.
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Rated 4.9/5 based on 205 reviews.
Want to know more about how we work? Explore the BodyFix Method or take a look at our frequently asked questions.
Book a free consultation
Curious whether the BodyFix Method suits your complaint? Book a free 20-minute consultation. During this introductory conversation we look at your situation and explain the options — entirely without obligation. If you have a medical diagnosis or ongoing treatment, please bring that information with you.
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Free consultation (20 min) — without obligation and no strings attached.
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Two locations in Amsterdam-Zuid: Legmeerplein 7 and Haarlemmermeerstraat 115H.
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Open Mon-Sat 09:00-19:00. Call +31 6 5580 4938 or email info@bodyfix.nl.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your free 20-minute consultation and discover, without obligation, whether the BodyFix Method suits your situation.