Treatment Approaches with Compression Therapy for Lipedema

Abstract

Background Compression therapy is recommended as a therapeutic option for the treatment of lipedema. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of treatment approaches with compression therapy on pain in patients with lipedema.

Methods A systematic literature review, single-arm as well as a comparative meta-analyses were performed.

Results A total of three studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The single-arm meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in pain by a treatment approach including compression therapy. Furthermore, a significantly greater reduction in pain (Mean Difference: -2.15 [95: CI: -3.06; -1.24]; p≤0.01; I² =0.00 %) was calculated for a treatment approach with compression therapy compared to treatment without compression therapy.

Conclusion A multimodal treatment approach with compression therapy has a positive effect on pain in patients with lipedema. Further studies with more patients are needed to support the findings of this meta-analysis.

Keywords

medical compression therapy - lipedema - lipoedema - pain

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