Dr. Ellen Derrick

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

03/16/2026

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid in the body's tissues.
Small daily habits can make a big difference when living with lymphedema. Movement, compression, and skin care are key.

03/13/2026

You can read the full article here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537239/

03/13/2026

03/12/2026

Honored to collaborate with the Lipedema Society in advancing awareness, education, and research for lipedema and related fat disorders. Organizations like this play a vital role in improving diagnosis, treatment, and support for patients worldwide. Grateful to work alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to pushing the field forward and advocating for those affected. Looking forward to continuing this important work together.


https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lipedema-society%C2%AE_drellenderrick-lipedema-dercumsdisease-activity-7429182039125348352-Sz2Z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACWkFjwBZ8V6PcZ-kQsG4LMUpz39ulRgmBA

03/11/2026

Recognizing the difference between normal fat and lipedema is important because lipedema is a medical condition, not simply weight gain. Proper management may include:
compression therapy
manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
movement and specialized exercise
anti-inflammatory approaches
surgical treatment

03/10/2026

Healthy adipose tissue does more than just store fat.
Important roles of fat tissue:
Fat cells store excess energy from food and release it when the body needs fuel.
Fat tissue acts like an endocrine organ. It releases hormones such as:
leptin (controls appetite) adiponectin (helps regulate metabolism)
Fat helps maintain body temperature by insulating the body.
Fat cushions organs like the kidneys and heart from injury.
Fat cells communicate with the immune system and help regulate inflammation.
Fat tissue stores fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Healthy fat cells expand and shrink depending on energy balance.

03/09/2026

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling, usually in the arms or legs, due to a buildup of lymph fluid. Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked and cannot properly drain fluid from the body.

03/08/2026

Happy International Women’s Day!

03/07/2026

03/06/2026

To truly understand lymphedema, we first have to understand the lymphatic system.
Think of the lymphatic system as your body's drainage system. It moves a clear fluid called lymph through a network of vessels and lymph nodes, helping remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from your tissues, while supporting your immune system.
When this system is damaged or blocked, that fluid has nowhere to go. It builds up, causing swelling, this is lymphedema.
The better we understand how the lymphatic system works, the better we can support, manage, and advocate for those living with lymphedema.

You can read the full article here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537239/

03/05/2026

One gentle and effective therapy that can help manage symptoms is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). MLD is a specialized, light-touch massage technique designed to help move lymph fluid through the lymphatic system, reduce swelling, and support the body’s natural detox and immune processes.
Lymphedema management often works best with a combination of care such as compression, movement, skin care, and therapies like MLD.