Are pelvic floor therapies painful?

Generally no. The techniques we use are designed to be tolerable and respectful of your body. Some pressure may be felt at times, but treatment always adapts to your comfort level and is carried out with your active consent.

Do men have a pelvic floor?

Yes. The male pelvic floor serves essential functions: bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and postural stability. We treat incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and post-surgical rehabilitation in men.

When should I seek professional help?

Whenever you notice symptoms such as urine leakage, pelvic pain, heaviness, pain during intercourse, or urgent bladder urges. A preventive consultation during pregnancy or before labour is also highly recommended.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on each case. After the initial assessment, the team will give you a realistic estimate. Most conditions respond well within 6 to 12 sessions, with progressive improvements.

How do I book an appointment?

You can message us on WhatsApp, call any of our locations directly, or use the contact button on this page. We see patients in Sabana Norte, Curridabat, and Alajuela.

LIPCENTER · Clínica Traña

Functional assessment and non-invasive lipedema treatment

A specialized lipedema clinical unit. Comprehensive, evidence-informed physiotherapy tailored to your story.

Book an assessment Instagram @lipedema.cr

Illustration of altered adipose tissue in lipedema.

LIPCENTER

What is lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by abnormal, disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue, mainly in the legs and/or arms. It almost exclusively affects women and is often linked to hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

LIPCENTER

Obesity or lipedema?

They are not the same. These differences help guide appropriate assessment.

Lipedema

Fat increase is often symmetrical in the limbs.
Key
Feet and hands are usually not affected.
Adipose tissue is often painful to touch.
Diet and exercise do not fully remove limb fat.

General obesity

Weight gain tends to be more widespread.
Feet often swell with overall weight gain.
Characteristic adipose pain is uncommon.
Weight loss usually reduces fat more globally.

Lipedema

General obesity

Fat increase is often symmetrical in the limbs.

Weight gain tends to be more widespread.
Key
Feet and hands are usually not affected.

Feet often swell with overall weight gain.
Adipose tissue is often painful to touch.

Characteristic adipose pain is uncommon.
Diet and exercise do not fully remove limb fat.

Weight loss usually reduces fat more globally.

Visual reference

Progression and limb accumulation patterns differ from generalized weight gain.

Effects on the body

Adipose tissue

Growth and alteration of fat tissue with low-grade inflammation.
Vessels and capillaries

Increased fragility and leakage: edema, heaviness, and easy bruising.
Lymphatic system

May become overloaded over time and progress toward lipo-lymphedema.
Hormonal factors

Female predominance and hormonal onset suggest an endocrine component.

Symptoms

Every person is different; these are the signs most often reported in clinic.

Legs showing disproportionate fat accumulation and ankle cuffing, common visual signs of lipedema. — Disproportionate limbs and ankle cuffing: signs often seen in clinic.

Most common

Disproportionate volume in legs and/or arms.
Pain with touch or pressure.
Heaviness and limb fatigue.
Swelling that worsens during the day.
Easy bruising.
Tissue stiffness and hypersensitivity.
Difficulty losing volume despite diet and exercise.

Biomechanical

Gait changes.
Overload and pain in knees, hips, or back.
Reduced tolerance to impact.

Fascial

Subcutaneous fibrosis and adhesions.
Restricted mobility.
Hard tissue or nodules.

Neurosensory

Allodynia (pain with light stimuli).
Burning sensation.
Hyperalgesia.

Circulatory

Cold sensation.
Poor venous return.
Distal congestion.

Psychosocial

Emotional fatigue and body anxiety.
Frustration from misdiagnosis.
Being blamed only for obesity or inactivity.

LIPCENTER

Role of physiotherapy

Physiotherapy does not cure lipedema, but a personalized plan can significantly improve symptoms and function.

Symptom control and pain management.
Circulatory and lymphatic optimization.
Functional improvement and quality of life.

Treatment is multifactorial and long-term: education, consistency, and adjustments based on your progress matter.

LIPCENTER Personalized plan at Clínica Traña

Physiotherapy approach

Evidence-based. Each modality is integrated according to individual clinical assessment.

Therapeutic exercise

Strength, aerobic work, and specific programming to improve muscle pump, veno-lymphatic drainage, and muscle mass while reducing pain and disability—avoiding high impact and overexertion.
Compression therapy

Bandages or pressure boots supporting capillaries and drainage: less heaviness, edema relief, and veno-lymphatic return.
Radiofrequency

Electromagnetic waves improving microcirculation and drainage processes, with benefits for fibrosis, tissue texture, pain, and elasticity.
Shock wave therapy

Mechanical impulses studied for lipedema fibrosis and pain: less pain, better elasticity, and fascial mobility.
Manual lymphatic drainage

Moderate deep pressure where inflammation is greatest to reduce edema, stimulate drainage, and relieve congestion in the limbs.
Comprehensive education

Understanding it is not simply fluid retention or lack of discipline: pain is real, and daily management shapes progression.