Treatment Overview

At Indiana Vein & Lymphatic, our team has received specialized training in the fitting and application of compression stockings, and are able to fit >95% patients that present with chronic lower extremity swelling. Identifying the etiology of chronic swelling is also key to managing this disease process.

With lower extremity lymphedema and lipedema, compression strategies are considered the cornerstone of treatment. Our Physical Therapists, Sara Salinas, PT, CLT-LANA and Sara Randolph, DPT, CLT, are available for evaluation and treatment.

Lymphedema Treatment

Velcro Wraps: easy to use and effective Velcro system.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, which is a light, gentle massage technique to help move fluids away from the congested area into an unaffected area to reduce the swelling.

Compression Bandaging, where a multi-layer of short stretch bandages work with the patients movement for further reduction of swelling.

Graduated Compression garments are worn during the day to help keep the swelling down, improve circulation, and prevent accumulation of lymph fluids in the involved area.

Pneumatic Compression Pumps, a mechanical device that works as a sleeve with inflatable chambers to help mobilize the fluid from the limbs.

Skin Care, including the application of a low PH lotion at least twice a day and avoiding nicks, cuts or abrasions, as the affected limb is more susceptible to infection.

Exercise which when used with compression, utilizes the body’s natural muscle pumping action to increase venous and lymphatic fluid return to the circulatory system and out of the affected/swollen area.

Lipedema Treatment

We offer conservative (non-surgical) management of lipedema. There are four key parts of our care plan:

  1. Manual lymphatic drainage
  2. Compression garments
  3. Movement, exercise, and self-care
  4. Pneumatic compression (pumps)

MLD is a very gentle, hands‑on technique performed by specially trained therapists to help move extra fluid through your lymphatic system.

MLD can:

  • Reduce feelings of tightness and heaviness.
  • Decrease pain and sensitivity.
  • Prepare your tissues to better tolerate compression.

You may receive MLD in the clinic and, when appropriate, learn simple self‑massage techniques for home.

Compression garments are specially made stockings, leggings, or wraps that provide controlled pressure on your legs (and sometimes arms).

They help:

  • Limit fluid buildup.
  • Support the tissues and reduce pain with activity.
  • Improve comfort when standing and walking.

You will be measured and fitted by a trained therapist or fitter so that your garment matches your stage of lipedema, body shape, and abilities. The goal is “the right compression that you can actually wear.”

Gentle, regular movement is an important part of care. Your plan may include:

  • Low‑impact exercise (such as walking, cycling, water exercise, or gentle strength training).
  • Joint‑friendly stretching and stability work.
  • Skin care and nail care to protect against infections

If weight loss is appropriate for your overall health, we will support you in safe and realistic strategies, while recognizing that lipedema fat often does not respond to dieting alone.

Intermittent pneumatic compression (“lymphatic pumps”) can help some patients when used at home.

These devices:

  • Gently squeeze and release the legs or arms in a set pattern.
  • Help move fluid, reduce heaviness, and sometimes decrease pain.

Pumps are considered after you are already using compression garments and working with a therapist, especially if swelling or pain remains a problem.

Lipedema Surgery

Some patients are understandably very focused on surgery. We follow current medical and insurance guidelines to provide safe, step-by-step care that starts with conservative treatment. We ask that you partner with us in trying appropriate conservative treatments first instead of skipping ahead. Conservative measures are proven to help manage symptoms and improve function.

We do not have lipedema surgeons on staff and we do not perform lipedema reduction surgery at our practice. If, after an adequate trial of conservative care, you wish to explore surgical options, we encourage you to use reputable, up-to-date resources like lipedema.org to identify surgeons with experience in lipedema surgery. We are happy to provide copies of relevant clinic notes, measurements, and imaging and communicate with your chosen surgical team when appropriate.

Due to limited staffing, we are unable to provide insurance or pre-authorization assistance for lipedema surgical procedures, including coordination with any third-party advocates involved in arranging surgical coverage.

Patient Instruction Videos:

The information contained within these videos and instructions is intended to assist and remind patients of correct bandaging techniques after treatment.

Please direct any questions concerning these instructions to Indiana Vein & Lymphatic at info@indyveins.com or call us at (317) 284-9498.

Patient Testimonial

“I am highly recommending Indiana Vein & Lymphatic. The staff here are very knowledgeable of the lymphatic system. They are informative and prompted. I developed Lymphedema following total knee replacement surgery. I found IVL on the internet while doing research into my issue. I did not need a referral to get an appointment here.

Sara Randolph DPT, has done a tremendous job with manual displacement lymphatic massage. IVL also has the very best in compression products which are hard to find. This has been a life changing experience for me! I can now walk much better.”
-Edwin Starr