PROGRAM
From suspicion to diagnosis and therapeutic plan
8:00pm | 10:00pm Dr. Filipa Jácome
1. Types of lipedema
– Main clinical patterns
– Distinguishing features compared to other conditions
2. Classification of lipedema
– Stages: progression and defining criteria
– Types: anatomical distribution and variants
3. Signs and symptoms suggestive of lipedema
– Clinical warning signs
– Factors that should raise diagnostic suspicion
4. Management of suspected diagnoses
– Initial assessment steps
– Appropriate referral and guidance
Physical Therapy for Lipedema: Conservative and Perioperative Approaches and Integrated Clinical Strategies.
8:00pm | 10:00pm Prof. Marianna Lou, Ph.D.
1. Introduction
• The role of physical therapy in the multidisciplinary care of lipedema.
• How a functional approach complements vascular, nutritional, and exercise-based approaches.
• The difference between lipedema, lymphedema, obesity, and localized adipose hypertrophy.
2. Scientific Foundations for Practice
• Pathophysiology of Lipedema
• Changes in the lymphatic and integumentary systems, pain, and chronic inflammation.
• Recent scientific evidence
3. Physical Therapy Assessment of Lipedema
• Targeted medical history + validated instruments.
• Visual inspection, palpation, and pattern identification:
• pain, fibrosis, hypersensitivity, fatigue.
• Measurements and records:
• body measurements, body circumference measurements, bioimpedance analysis, photography.
• Practical classification for therapeutic decision-making.
4. Conservative Treatment – Basic Intervention
– Comprehensive Physical Therapy tailored to lipedema
• Evidence-based physical therapy technologies
– Indications, contraindications, and general guidelines
– Education
5. Physical Therapy Before, During, and After Surgery
• Tissue preparation before surgery (which really helps).
• Postoperative protocols during the first few weeks.
• Management of edema, pain, and fibrosis.
• Specific compression therapy in the postoperative period.
• Return to physical activity and collaboration with the physical education teacher.
6. Conclusion and Multidisciplinary Integration
• How to communicate with your doctor, dietitian, and physical education teacher.
• A practical checklist for implementation in the office.
• Concluding remarks.
Exercise in Lipedema: Scientific Evidence, Clinical Applications and Pathways to Safe Practice.
8:00pm | 10:00pm Dr. Daniela Gomes Ribeiro
– Incorporation of the best scientific evidence
– A systematic review of the literature on exercise in lipedema
– Original research data
– Updated international recommendations
– Translating science into clinical practice
– Safe and effective exercise
– Tailored to the specific needs of patients
– Focus on pain relief, improved function, and enhanced quality of life
Nutritional Intervention for Lipedema
19.00 | 22.00 Prof. Inês Tomada, Ph.D.
Nutritional Intervention for Lipedema
19.00 | 22.00 Prof. Inês Tomada, Ph.D.
Nutritional Intervention for Lipedema
Clinical Cases
8:00pm | 10:00pm Dr. Filipa Jácome | Prof. Marianna Lou, Ph.D. | Dr. Daniela Gomes Ribeiro | Prof. Inês Tomada, Ph.D.
Clinical cases
PRACTICAL COMPONENT
14:30 | 18:30
Section 1 — Functional Clinical Assessment
* visual inspection and palpation
* clinical differentiation
* functional and tissue assessment
Section 2 — Compression Therapy
* materials
* adaptation
* hands-on demonstration
* Prescription and adherence strategies
Block 3 — Treatment Strategies
* manual lymphatic drainage
* custom-made dental appliances
* manual therapy
Block 4 — Discussion of clinical cases
* clinical reasoning
* multidisciplinary integration
* therapeutic decision-making