Movement vs Exercise: Building a Movement Toolbox That Works for Your Body (Episode 4)

Lipoedema Diagnosis Without Overwhelm: Finding Answers, Support & the Right Care Team with Rose Kendell- Occupational Therapist

In this episode of the Lipoedema Empower You Podcast, Vanessa and Carrie are joined by Rosemary “Rose” Kendell from Lymph Scar Occupational Therapy in Perth, Western Australia, for a deeply practical and reassuring conversation about lipoedema diagnosis. Many women first discover lipoedema through social media, Google, Facebook groups, TikTok, Instagram, or even by entering their symptoms into ChatGPT. While online information can be a powerful starting point, it can also lead to confusion, fear, misinformation, and the feeling that you need to jump straight from “I think I have this” to “I need surgery.” Rose helps us slow the process down. Together, we explore what it can look like to seek a professional lipoedema assessment, how to find a practitioner with relevant training, and why a diagnosis can be the beginning of understanding your body more clearly — not the end of the journey. In this conversation, we discuss: * Why lipoedema can be missed or misunderstood by some health professionals * Why your GP may still be an important part of your care team * How to look for a qualified lymphoedema or lipoedema-aware practitioner * The National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register and Lipoedema Australia resources * What questions to ask before booking an assessment * Why a report back to your GP can help educate and support your ongoing care * What a lipoedema assessment may include * Hormonal history, family history, symptoms, pain, heaviness, bruising and mobility * SOZO bioimpedance testing and what it may help assess * BMI, fat mass, waist-to-height ratio and why body composition can be complex in lipoedema * The difference between lipoedema, lymphoedema, oedema and inflammation * Why excess fluid does not always mean lymphoedema * Why lipoedema and lifestyle-related weight can coexist * Why “eat less, move more” often fails women with lipoedema * How diagnosis can bring relief, grief, overwhelm and hope * Why you do not need to buy every tool, garment or treatment immediately * The power of building both a professional team and a supportive community Rose explains that lipoedema is complex and can affect more than the size or shape of the body. It may involve pain, heaviness, inflammation, fluid changes, lymphatic considerations, body composition differences, mobility, mental health, and years of feeling dismissed or misunderstood. This episode is especially helpful if you are wondering whether you may have lipoedema, preparing for your first assessment, trying to talk to your GP, or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information online. The key message: you deserve to be heard, assessed kindly, and supported with curiosity, evidence, and hope. Research papers mentioned in this episode: 1. Lucy Melican & Megan Pfeffer Waist-to-height ratio as an alternative measure to body mass index reduces the diagnosis of obesity in the lipoedema cohort https://woundsinternational.com/journal-articles/waist-to-height-ratio-as-an-alternative-measure-to-body-mass-index-reduces-the-diagnosis-of-obesity-in-the-lipoedema-cohort/ [https://woundsinternational.com/journal-articles/waist-to-height-ratio-as-an-alternative-measure-to-body-mass-index-reduces-the-diagnosis-of-obesity-in-the-lipoedema-cohort/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 2. Diogo Pinto da Costa Viana & Lucas Caseri Câmara Metabolic Therapy for Lipedema: Can Tirzepatide Overcome the Treatment Gap? https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/7664 [https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/7664?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 3. Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and lived-experience discussion only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your trusted healthcare provider before making changes to your health, treatment, nutrition, compression, movement or medical care. Connect with us: Website: https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au [https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au] Email: hello@lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au

Hypermobility, EDS & Lipoedema: What Your Body May Be Trying to Tell You with Bec Allen Physio Therapist

Bec Allen, a hypermobility physiotherapist with a special interest in hypermobility disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, dysautonomia, POTS, adolescent care and complex invisible illness, joins Vanessa and Carrie on this episode of the Lipoedema Empower You Podcast. Bec works through Biio and is available Australia-wide via telehealth. We recorded this conversation during EDS and Hypermobility Awareness Month, because many women in the lipoedema community are also navigating symptoms that may point to connective tissue involvement, joint instability, fatigue, pain, dizziness, digestive symptoms, skin changes or repeated injuries. Together, we explore the difference between general joint hypermobility, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder — HSD, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome — EDS. Bec explains that joint flexibility is only one part of the picture, and that connective tissue conditions can affect many body systems, not just the joints. In this conversation, we discuss: What hypermobility actually means The difference between EDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder Why EDS and lipoedema may overlap Why symptoms can be dismissed or misunderstood The role of the Beighton Score Why the Beighton Score is only one piece of the puzzle Pain, fatigue, instability, POTS, gut symptoms and skin changes Why “just exercise more” may not be helpful for some hypermobile bodies How a hypermobility-informed physiotherapist may support safer movement Why pacing, proprioception and gentle strength work matter The importance of a multidisciplinary care team Where to begin if you suspect hypermobility may be part of your story Bec also mentions The Spider Hypermobility Questionnaire, a visual symptom impact tool created for people with HSD or hEDS. It looks across eight symptom areas and maps results visually like a spider web, helping patients and practitioners see which areas are most affected. This episode is not about self-diagnosing. It is about helping you feel less alone, giving language to symptoms you may have been living with for years, and encouraging you to seek support from practitioners who understand hypermobility, EDS, HSD and complex whole-body presentations. As always, this podcast is for education and support only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your GP, specialist or qualified health professional for individual assessment and care. Resources: Bec Allen / Biio: https://www.biio.com.au/practitioner/bec-allen [https://www.biio.com.au/practitioner/bec-allen?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The Spider Hypermobility Questionnaire: https://www.thespidertool.com [https://www.thespidertool.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The Ehlers-Danlos Society: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com [https://www.ehlers-danlos.com] Beighton Score: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/assessing-joint-hypermobility/ [https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/assessing-joint-hypermobility/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Ehlers-Danlos Australia: https://www.ehlersdanlosaus.com [https://www.ehlersdanlosaus.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Australian EDS & HSD Network: https://www.edsaustralia.com [https://www.edsaustralia.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] CTDNA: https://ctdna.org.au/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-2/ [https://ctdna.org.au/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Need support with your next step? Both Carrie and Vanessa work with the lipoedema community. Vanessa Armstrong is the founder of Keto Buddies and a certified Health and Life Coach living with lipoedema herself. Vanessa supports women with practical lifestyle changes, building a conservative management toolbox, and exploring the mental, emotional and physical considerations of lipoedema surgery. Your first consultation is free. Contact Vanessa: www.ketobuddies.com.au Carrie Reedy is a qualified Nutritionist and co-host of the Lipoedema Empower You Podcast. Carrie specialises in supporting women with lipoedema through practical, individualised nutrition guidance, with a focus on reducing inflammation, improving everyday wellbeing, and making food choices feel less overwhelming. Discovery calls are free. Contact Carrie: https://carriereedy.com [https://carriereedy.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Compression Without Overwhelm: A Gentle Start for Lipoedema with Dr Leslyn Keith

Compression for Lipoedema: Where to Start Without Overwhelm In this episode, Vanessa and Carrie are joined by Dr Leslyn Keith, known for her valuable contribution and leadership through the Lipedema Project and Lipedema Simplified, to have a gentle, beginner-friendly conversation about compression. Compression can feel overwhelming, especially when women are told they need expensive, custom, high-grade garments before they have even worked out what feels good on their body. This conversation slows things down. The key message: compression does not have to be all or nothing. For some women, especially in the early stages, the first step may be light compression, sports-style compression, knee-high travel socks, circular knit leggings, or a gentle off-the-shelf option. For others, especially with lymphatic involvement, ankle cuffs, lobules, significant shape changes or later-stage lipoedema, professional fitting and custom flat knit may be more appropriate. Compression should not feel like punishment. It should support you, reduce symptoms where possible, and be something you can actually wear. In this episode we discuss: * Why compression is not always a one-size-fits-all answer * Why “the best compression” may be the compression you can actually wear * Circular knit vs flat knit in simple language * Why some women can start with gentle, off-the-shelf compression * When professional measuring becomes more important * Why knee-highs, sports compression or light leggings may be a good first experiment * Why compression can help with heaviness, aching, travel, standing, walking and long days * When compression may not feel right, and why that matters * Why surgery preparation may include practising compression before surgery * How to reduce the “compression graveyard” of expensive garments that never get worn Would you like our FREE Beginner Compression Resource Guide: Start Here: The Gentle Compression Ladder? [https://lipoedemacoaching.com.au/b/65MeS] Click the link to download your copy today. Lipoedema Empower You Podcast Would you like more support? Curious to be supported by Carrie or Vanessa to have a programme designed for you or a freediscovery call, make contact with us. Website: https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au [https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au] The Lipedema Project https://lipedemaproject.org/ [https://lipedemaproject.org/] The Lipedema Project is the research division of Lipedema Simplified and provides education, research and resources for people living with lipedema/lipoedema. Lipoedema Australia [ https://www.lipoedema.org.au/] https://www.lipoedema.org.au/ [ https://www.lipoedema.org.au/] Lipoedema Australia is the Australian national body providing information, awareness and resources for people living with lipoedema and for health professionals. Gentle reminder: this episode is educational only and is not medical advice. Please seek guidance from a qualified lymphoedema/lipoedema practitioner, compression fitter, GP, vascular specialist or treating health professional for your individual circumstances.

Keto, Low Carb & Lipoedema: Weight Loss, Inflammation, Mindset and Real Life - Episode 5

In this episode, we go deeper into keto and low carb — beyond the noise, the rules and the overwhelm. We are dedicating a second episode to the nuances of eating styles for lipedema/lipoedema because you deserve the details! We go deeper to unpack: • The difference between keto and low carb • How to know which approach may suit your body and lifestyle • Why some women don’t see results (and what’s really going on) • Common misconceptions about keto • Real-life experiences from us and our clients • How mindset, consistency and expectations shape results This is not about perfection, restriction or “doing it right.” It’s about simplifying your approach, understanding your options, and building something sustainable — at any age, stage or size. Take one thing from this episode and apply it this week. Resources Mentioned Your FREE 48 Hour Low Carb Planner [https://lipoedemacoaching.com.au/b/3JSPQ] DOWNLOAD NOW FREE The Lipedema Project https://lipedemaproject.org/ [https://lipedemaproject.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The Lipedema Project is the research division of Lipedema Simplified and provides education, research and resources for people living with lipedema/lipoedema. Lipoedema Australia https://www.lipoedema.org.au/ [https://www.lipoedema.org.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Lipoedema Australia is the Australian national body providing information, awareness and resources for people living with lipoedema and for health professionals. Lipoedema Empower You Podcast Website: https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au Vanessa Armstrong https://lipoedemacoaching.com.au/b/YNa9K Keto Buddies: https://www.ketobuddies.com.au [https://www.ketobuddies.com.au] Lipoedema Coaching: https://www.lipoedemacoaching.com.au Carrie Reedy https://carriereedy.com/ [https://carriereedy.com/] If you would like support with low-carb, keto, anti-inflammatory eating, mindset, habits or navigating life with lipoedema, you can connect with Vanessa and Carrie through the links above. Disclaimer This podcast is for general education and lived-experience discussion only. It is not medical advice and does not replace care from your doctor or qualified health professional. Please speak with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, supplements, exercise or treatment plan. #lipedema #lipoedema #keto #low carb #weightloss

Movement vs Exercise: Building a Movement Toolbox That Works for Your Body (Episode 4)

For many women with lipoedema, the word exercise can bring up frustration, pressure, and even shame. In this episode, we reframe that conversation. This is not about pushing harder or doing more — This is about movement… and building a toolbox of options that support your body at any stage, age, or size. Because the best form of movement… It's the one you will put on repeat... so it helps to like it and connect to WHY we reframe movement as a form of self-love, self-care, self-respect. In this episode, we cover: * The difference between movement and exercise * Why traditional exercise often hasn’t worked * The emotional barriers (shame, fear, avoidance) * How movement supports lymphatic flow * Why more is not better * How to start small (even 3 minutes counts) * Building your own movement toolbox * Real-life options you can try at home or in your community 💡 Key message: Movement is not punishment. It’s a form of self-care, self-respect, and support for your body. How are you enjoying the POD? Have you taken a moment to consider if you'd like to be more supported? Did you know that both Vanessa and Carrie can support your journey? Vanessa has a virtual low-cost workshop called the 3-2-1 of 'Simplified Keto' for Lipoedema. Check it out at https://lipoedemacoaching.com.au/b/YNa9K [https://lipoedemacoaching.com.au/b/YNa9K] Both Carrie and Vanessa offer free discovery calls. Visit our website to learn more. Want more free resources? Sign up for our newsletter at https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au/ [https://lipoedemaempoweryou.com.au/] 💜 RESOURCE GUIDE (EPISODE 4) Movement - 🚶‍♀️ Walking from home, getting started in a safe space. 👉 ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zWcDRbBaYI⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zWcDRbBaYI] 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_SoCdUlBvM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_SoCdUlBvM] Chair Yoga, Gentle Moving 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6QHRS7DR3k [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6QHRS7DR3k] 👉 https://youtu.be/uoP5Pr3vkPM?si=rVkJyHLr4svqC9t- [https://youtu.be/uoP5Pr3vkPM?si=rVkJyHLr4svqC9t-] Yoga for Lipoedema & Plus Size 👉 https://youtu.be/FRTQyXlJ5H0?si=8oSSXkLC1GBHgkBH [https://youtu.be/FRTQyXlJ5H0?si=8oSSXkLC1GBHgkBH]👉 https://youtu.be/-5Rk1kaPq0A?si=qPSzQg_OMisagUGZ [https://youtu.be/-5Rk1kaPq0A?si=qPSzQg_OMisagUGZ] 👉 ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYjnQfR1y6s&list=PLa7GqtMEwVhsCEWir21QfDgNVWC-cQgAX]https://youtu.be/bYjnQfR1y6s?si=prtMudS8p115OQz9 [https://youtu.be/bYjnQfR1y6s?si=prtMudS8p115OQz9] Rebounder - Gentle and Beginner Focus on gentle movement — even standing and shifting weight is enough. Great Video. 👉 ⁠https://youtu.be/xX6Od2Hy5wQ?si=gpZ-FR8b0rd-ya0c⁠ [https://youtu.be/xX6Od2Hy5wQ?si=gpZ-FR8b0rd-ya0c] Vibration Plate 👉https://youtu.be/ynW70EedF_w?si=DbUK9238NxoN_WG8 [https://youtu.be/ynW70EedF_w?si=DbUK9238NxoN_WG8] 👉https://youtu.be/OXZTvQvB5_Q?si=l98UEHYDNz15YYoY [https://youtu.be/OXZTvQvB5_Q?si=l98UEHYDNz15YYoY]👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNz4nOGnCdI [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNz4nOGnCdI] 👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEjMP0Dan6w [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEjMP0Dan6w] Body Grove - Move with Joy in your home, everybody is a dancing body. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCnyD8kgOkk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCnyD8kgOkk&utm_source=chatgpt.com] 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbhK_SzqkS8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbhK_SzqkS8] Water Walking Water supports your body, reduces pressure, and helps move lymph gently. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e92GzjsiofU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e92GzjsiofU] 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByvpsIbYM98 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByvpsIbYM98] Disclaimer: The resources shared in this episode are for educational and informational purposes only. They are general examples of movement and lifestyle options and may not be suitable for everyone. Please listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise, movement, or wellness practice, particularly if you have a medical condition or are recovering from surgery. #lipedema #lipoedema #keto #lowcarb #movement #lymph