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ATMS SPECIAL EVENT: Lipoedema Symposium

ATMS invites practitioners to attend a comprehensive full day special event led by highly experienced professionals passionate about understanding and treating lipoedema.

The Lipoedema Symposium will feature five presenters exploring the latest research, best practices for managing lipoedema, and cutting-edge treatment options to support your clients effectively.

Program summary (Presenter bios and full topic outlines below):

Lipoedema: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Compression Therapy – Tamryn Riemann, Occupational Therapist
Addressing comorbid obesity in lipoedema – Kimmi Katte, Clinical Nutritionist
The unseen burden: navigating lipoedema’s psychological impact – Vanessa Ereaux, Registered Psychologist
Beyond conventional treatments: alternative management strategies for lipoedema – Lisa Higgins, Vodder-trained Remedial Massage Therapist
Enhancing Outcomes in Lipoedema Surgery: Pre- and Post-Operative Care – Shannon Chandler, Remedial Massage Therapist, Vodder Method and Chikly Health Institute trained

This is a must-attend event for practitioners committed to supporting clients with lipoedema and looking to enhance their expertise with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills.

Where: Online

CPE Points: 6 CPE points

Pricing:

ATMS Accredited Member – $320

ATMS Student Member – $200

Non-ATMS Member – $395

Non-ATMS Student – $225

Explore the sessions and meet your presenters:

Explore the latest research, best practices for managing lipoedema, and cutting-edge treatment options to support your clients effectively.

Session: Lipoedema: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Compression Therapy

This session offers key insights into lipoedema, focusing on identifying and supporting patients with this often misunderstood condition. Designed for therapists and healthcare professionals, the presentation provides practical knowledge to enhance clinical practice with a holistic approach to lipoedema management.

The session begins with an overview of the unique characteristics of lipoedema, covering essential signs such as disproportionate fat distribution, increased sensitivity, and easy bruising, which help differentiate it from conditions like lymphoedema or general weight gain. Tamryn highlights the importance of detailed patient history, symptom recognition, and guiding patients toward further assessment and care.

A key focus of the presentation is on compression therapy, a cornerstone of conservative lipoedema management. Tamryn explores how the right compression garments can reduce discomfort, enhance mobility, and empower patients to take control of their condition. Practical advice on selecting suitable compression options tailored to individual patient needs will also be discussed.

This session aims to equip therapists and professionals with the skills to effectively recognise and support lipoedema patients. Participants will gain practical tools and insights to provide compassionate, informed care that enhances the quality of life for those living with lipoedema.

About Tamryn Riemann
Tamryn Riemann is an experienced occupational therapist with over 15 years of expertise in lipoedema, lymphoedema, and hand therapy. Tamryn's career began in South Africa, where she co-owned the Lymphatic Therapy Centre and played a key role in the development of lipoedema and lymphoedema services. During this time, she trained and mentored therapists, organised workshops, and presented at the Lymphoedema Association of South Africa’s annual conference. Her international training includes certifications from the Lymphoedema Training Academy (UK) and the Norton School of Lymphatics (USA), which have equipped her with advanced techniques in lymphoedema and lipoedema management.

After relocating to Sydney, Tamryn established her practice in the Hills and Hornsby Shire, providing both conservative and surgical management plans for patients with lipoedema. Her practice focuses on personalised care using compression therapy, manual lymph drainage, and postoperative rehabilitation.

In her role as Clinical Advisor for Haddenham Healthcare, Tamryn supports therapists across Australia by delivering training on compression options and lipoedema/lymphoedema therapies. She regularly presents at national conferences, including the Lipoedema Australia conference, and contributes to professional development through webinars and interactive Zoom sessions for Lymphoedema Education Solutions. Tamryn is dedicated to empowering both her patients and fellow healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools needed to manage chronic conditions, ensuring a holistic approach to care.

Session: Addressing comorbid obesity in lipoedema

Join Kimmi Katte for an insightful presentation delving into the complexities of comorbid obesity in lipoedema. Discover the underlying mechanisms, learn the truth about common misconceptions, and explore effective strategies for management.

Key highlights:

Understand the intricate mechanisms contributing to comorbid obesity in lipoedema and lymphoedema, including metabolic, physiological, and dietary factors.
Challenge widespread misunderstandings and unsubstantiated claims about nutritional interventions and treatment resistance.
Learn practical strategies to enhance metabolic health, improve dietary habits, and address emotional and lifestyle factors that contribute to obesity in these conditions.

Featuring real-world case studies, this presentation offers a comprehensive approach to reducing obesity in individuals with lipoedema.

About Kimmi Katte
Kimmi Katte is a dedicated Clinical Nutritionist with a global practice focused on reducing and preventing comorbid obesity in patients with lipoedema and lymphoedema. Her personal experience with these conditions - primary lymphoedema in both feet and stage 2-3, types II and IV lipoedema - fuels her passion and expertise.

As the founder of The Lipoedema Lab, an online hub for nutritional and lifestyle management of lipoedema and lymphoedema, Kimmi has created several dietary programs that have positively impacted over 1,000 women. She also established a free global support group, now serving over 10,000 members, providing nutritional and lifestyle support and guidance.

Kimmi offers personalised Nutritional Medicine consultations to lipoedema and lymphoedema patients worldwide, delivering individualised treatment plans. Her work and reputation is highly respected within the lipoedema community and among medical professionals.

In June 2024, Kimmi presented at the Lipoedema Australia Conference, sharing her insights with medical professionals and also with general delegates. Her mission is to empower patients to develop sustainable diet and lifestyle strategies that enhance their quality of life and manage their conditions with ease and skill.

Session: The unseen burden: navigating lipoedema’s psychological impact

Join Vanessa Ereaux for a thought-provoking presentation exploring the profound psychological effects of lipoedema. The session will delve into how lipoedema impacts various aspects of life, including relationships, work, finances, mobility, and chronic pain, as well as its toll on mental health through depression, stress, eating disorders, and low self-esteem.

The presentation will highlight key issues such as weight stigma and shaming, healthcare challenges including delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and limited awareness, and provide effective support strategies for practitioners. Vanessa will also discuss evidence-based psychological therapies that can improve outcomes for those living with lipoedema.

Through compelling case studies and expert insights, this presentation sheds light on the hidden struggles faced by individuals with lipoedema. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of its psychological toll, practical tools for providing supportive care, and an increased sense of empathy and awareness.

About Vanessa Ereaux
Vanessa Ereaux, a Registered Psychologist and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society, has nearly 30 years of experience in supporting the mental health of children, adolescents and adults. Her passion for enabling individuals to live their best possible life, no matter their age or life stage, is what inspired her to establish Purposeful Psychology, a private practice on Sydney's northern beaches. Vanessa believes that therapy should be a purposeful, non-threatening experience, and she adopts an empathetic style to help her clients achieve their goals.

In 2021, Vanessa's own diagnosis with Lipoedema motivated her to extend her services to support others living with the condition and to educate healthcare professionals about the psychological impacts of the condition. Vanessa's dedication to her clients and her experience in the field of psychology have enabled her to make a real impact in their lives.

In her free time, Vanessa enjoys having coffee with her friends and indulging in crime fiction.

Session: Beyond conventional treatments: alternative management strategies for lipoedema

In this session, Lisa Higgins will explore practical, non-surgical strategies for the conservative management of lipoedema, offering health practitioners actionable insights to integrate into their care plans.

Lisa will discuss trauma-informed questioning techniques for identifying symptoms and introduce a diagnostic checklist clients can take to their GPs. She will also share exercise recommendations, insights on Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (SIPC), and other mechanical tools, along with low-cost methods to support mobility, manage pain, and enhance overall quality of life.

A key topic will be whether oedema is present in lipoedema, comparing insights from two different consensus documents. This fluid component may be significant when considering herbal, homeopathic, or Chinese medicine prescriptions.

The presentation will also include three case studies demonstrating how conservative measures can alleviate symptoms, what happens when no intervention is applied, and how the same strategies can support pre- and post-surgical care.

Participants can also expect a brief demonstration on opening lymph nodes and directing fluid towards them.

About Lisa Higgins
Lisa is a Vodder-trained Remedial Massage Therapist and Medical Intuitive who helps women with lipoedema go from overwhelmed to in control, using both her lymphatic knowledge and stress relief techniques from her Medical Intuitive training.

She first encountered lipoedema in 2006 while completing her supervised clinic hours at the end of her massage training and it instantly piqued her interest.

Lisa’s clinic offers a calm, nurturing space for her clients, where they feel safe to express their needs and be heard in a non-judgmental way.

She offers a range of therapeutic techniques including manual lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, laser and red-light therapy, taping, pneumatic compression pumps, and compression.

Alongside the physical therapy she gently coaches her clients in mindset and self-acceptance, and offers meditations, visualisations, gentle exercise and nutrition guidance.

Lisa has presented at Lipoedema Australia conferences in 2018, 2022 and 2024. Was appointed to the Advisory Board of Lipoedema Australia in early 2023. Lisa hosts a Northern Beaches of Sydney Lipoedema Lunch every three months to support local women with the disease.

Session: Enhancing Outcomes in Lipoedema Surgery: Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Dive into the essential components of effective pre- and post-operative care to enhance healing, reduce complications, and improve quality of life for lipoedema patients. In this session, you’ll explore strategies to prepare patients for surgery, including physical preparation and compression therapy, setting the foundation for optimal outcomes.

The presentation will review various surgical options available for lipoedema and discuss the considerations for selecting the most suitable approach for each patient. Post-operative care will be covered in depth, focusing on managing swelling, supporting recovery, and preventing complications. Learn how to adapt care plans through each stage of healing with guidance on compression use, scar management, and empowering patients with self-care practices.

This session is ideal for massage therapists, lymphatic specialists, and healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge in lipoedema management. You’ll leave equipped with practical tools to provide comprehensive, patient-focused care throughout every step of the surgical journey.

About Shannon Chandler
Shannon Chandler is an accomplished Remedial Massage Therapist and recognised leader in pre- and post-operative care, with 15 years of experience and over 10,000 treatments related to liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast surgeries, and facelifts. She transitioned from the corporate sector in 2008, beginning her therapeutic career with the Sydney Roosters NRL team, where she focused on injury management and performance enhancement.

Her passion for working with injured tissue naturally progressed from her experience in sports medicine to her work in plastic surgery, where she specialises in surgical recovery. Shannon’s expertise has been profoundly shaped by her time observing surgeons in the operating theatre, gaining firsthand insights into surgical techniques and post-operative challenges. This immersive experience allows her to align her care with surgical requirements to enhance outcomes and optimise recovery time.

Earning her Diploma of Remedial Massage from the Australian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT), Shannon is also trained in the Dr. Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and the Chikly Health Institute’s approach. She has pursued additional studies in scar work, fascia therapy, and postural alignment.

Shannon’s commitment to patient well-being drives her to evolve her methods, embracing a holistic approach that supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being. Her in-depth knowledge of anatomy and injured tissue has made her an essential part of many patients' journeys to recovery.

As an active member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), Shannon educates others on the importance of pre- and post-operative care and advocates a compassionate, whole-body approach to recovery.

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