Managing Lipedema and Lymphedema: How Laura Improves Her Quality of Life Through Movement, Compression and Mindfulness

Nahaufnahme einer Frau in einem bordeauxroten Kleid mit passenden Handschuhen, die mit ausdrucksvoller Geste ihre Hände hebt, während sie singt. Im Hintergrund sind verschwommene Lichter des Theatersaals zu sehen.

Lip- and Lymphedema

Strong Woman, Strong Motivation

A diagnosis of lipedema or lymphedema marks the beginning of a personal journey — and each patient navigates it in her own way. Singer, performer and mother Laura Copiello shares her self-management journey, one driven by courage, discipline, and a deep love of life. You’ll also find helpful insights for your own path toward well-being.

“I cried tears of joy when I finally got the diagnosis,” Laura says. After years of bouncing between doctors, she was officially diagnosed with lipedema and secondary lymphedema in her legs and arms in 2020. It was a major turning point:
“The diagnosis gave me freedom, clarity, peace of mind — it lifted decades of frustration and anger off my shoulders.”

Laura had sensed early on that something was wrong with her body. Although exercise was always a key part of her life, painand swelling gradually limited her mobility.

Today, Laura — who has Italian roots — lives in Germany’s Rhine-Main region. Alongside her role as managing director of the German Lymphology Network, she works as a performer and music and vocal coach. As she jokes with a wink: “Even when I don’t always feel like a power woman, that’s exactly what I am.”

Once diagnosed, Laura moved quickly: decongestion therapy, lymphatic drainage, compression — and a return to regular movement. “Within weeks, I could see my ankles again,” she recalls. She now wears VenoTrain® curaflow compression garments daily:
“I put them on in the morning when the kids go to school and take them off at night. I’ve made them part of my outfits—not something to hide, but something I play with through color and style.”

Learn More: VenoTrain curaflow ↗

Her passion for fitness has never left her. Whether it's swimming, cycling, trampoline workouts or myofascial training — Laura stays curious and open to new things. Her motto: Listen to your body and stay flexible. “Sometimes I even dance while I’m cooking — anything that keeps me moving!”

Laura has also found her own approach to nutrition. She combines the RAD diet* with low-carb principles, while staying realistic: “I want to enjoy quality time at the dinner table with my family.” Her daily routine is structured but adaptable: “I try to carve out time for myself, my family and my work every day — consciously and separately.”

Her routine includes breathing and vocal exercises, yoga, and meditation. She also considers psychotherapy a crucial tool for maintaining mental balance: “The emotional burden is real, but it helps me develop a positive outlook — on life and on my condition.”

*Note: The RAD diet is not medically standardized. Always consult with your physician or a qualified nutritionist before starting any new diet, especially if you have a chronic illness, nutrient deficiencies, or food intolerances.

Chronic conditions like lymphedema require ongoing care — and that means a high level of personal responsibility and discipline. While patients do receive guidance from specialists, therapists and medical supply providers, they themselves play the most important role in the success of their treatment.

In addition to the standard elements of Complex Physical Decongestion Therapy (CPT) — compression, lymphatic drainage, targeted exercise, and skin care — self-management is essential for staying on track. Accepting and understanding your condition can help you recognize what truly supports your well-being.

Eine lächelnde Frau steht vor einer hellgrauen Wand und formt mit ihren roten Kompressionshandschuhen ein Herz vor ihrer Brust. Links im Bild ist ein Blumenstrauss zu sehen.

For Laura, it was clear: she wanted to reclaim control over her body and her life. Physical activity remains essential: “An active life is my natural state—even though I’m more mindful now of what my body needs.” Her advice? Set realistic goals and don’t take setbacks personally.

Lipedema and lymphedema are lifelong conditions. And the best person to support your journey is you! To help you boost your well-being step by step, it’s time to become your own “edema manager.” Here are some tips to get started:

Keep a therapy journal — like the one in the curaflow app — to track your condition, improvements, and setbacks.
Schedule regular doctor visits to monitor your progress through physical exams, measurements, photos or ultrasound.
Make movement part of your daily routine. Changing up your workouts with new challenges can help keep things interesting.
Focus on healthy, balanced eating — it’s a core pillar of your treatment.
Lower your stress levels with breathing techniques and active relaxation.
Join support groups, online platforms or communities to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Laura’s advice to fellow patients? “Start small and let go of perfection. Relapses are part of the process.” She believes the path to well-being is personal — and that it takes patience, self-awareness, and the support of others. Building a strong network — like at Bauerfeind’s L!pödem Barcamp in Germany — can be invaluable for knowledge-sharing. Not just among patients, but also with doctors and professionals from around the world.

Eine Frau in einem bordeauxroten Kleid steht in einer Garderobe mit roter Wand und betrachtet ein glitzerndes, schwarzes Kleidungsstück auf einem Kleiderbügel. Im Hintergrund ist ein beleuchteter Schminktisch zu sehen.

“What matters most is that we stay in conversation with ourselves — and stay informed.”

Laura Copiello (43)

One tool she highly recommends is the curaflow app: “It’s an excellent resource for practical knowledge and helpful tips.”

Looking for support in daily life with lipedema or lymphedema?

The curaflow app is here to help you help yourself. Based on Complex Physical Decongestion Therapy, it empowers you to take charge of your treatment and track your progress.

Download: curaflow-App