Managing lipoedema requires a comprehensive and long-term approach. While movement, nutrition, compression, and lifestyle strategies all play important roles, manual therapy can also be an important part of symptom management and improving quality of life.
Quadrivas Therapy is a specialised manual therapy developed in the Netherlands that works progressively through multiple tissue layers. Treatment begins in the more superficial tissues, particularly the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and gradually works deeper into fascia, connective tissue, and muscle.
This layered approach is particularly relevant in lipoedema because the condition involves much more than excess fat accumulation.
Lipoedema Involves More Than Fat or Fluid
When people think of lipoedema, they often focus on disproportionate fat accumulation in the legs or arms. However, the tissue changes involved are far more complex.
In lipoedema, the subcutaneous tissue becomes structurally altered over time. The tissues often become fibrotic, rigid, inflamed, congested, sensitive to touch, and frequently painful.
These tissue changes can contribute to symptoms such as:
• Heaviness, pain, and tenderness in the limbs
• Easy bruising
• Impaired circulation
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Swelling and discomfort
In healthy tissue, fluid moves relatively freely. This allows efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery, waste removal, and healthy communication between cells.
In lipoedema, however, fluid can become trapped within a thicker, more stagnant gel-like ground substance. This reduces normal fluid exchange and contributes to tissue congestion, poor circulation, reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery, altered tissue signalling, and overall reduced tissue function.
This is one reason why treatments that focus on tissue quality and function can be so beneficial.
What Is Quadrivas Therapy
Quadrivas Therapy is a specialised hands-on treatment designed to improve tissue function by targeting the subcutaneous fat layer, fascia, and connective tissue, while also supporting circulation and fluid movement.
Treatment usually begins more superficially and gradually progresses deeper over time, depending on the individual’s tissue quality, tolerance, and treatment goals.
The treatment aims to improve tissue health by helping to:
• Soften fibrotic tissue and reduce tissue restrictions
• Improve circulation within the tissues
• Support lymphatic and fluid flow
• Reduce stagnation and congestion
• Improve fascial glide and tissue mobility
• Support the transition of trapped gel-like fluid into a more fluid state (thixotropy), allowing better movement and exchange within the tissues
Rather than focusing solely on fluid movement, Quadrivas Therapy aims to improve the quality and function of the tissue itself.
How Quadrivas Therapy Helps Lipoedema
Fibrosis is one of the key tissue changes seen in lipoedema and often plays a major role in symptom severity.
As tissues become more fibrotic and congested, they may feel dense, grainy, tender, and restricted. This can contribute to increased pain, heaviness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
By directly addressing fibrotic and congested tissue, Quadrivas Therapy can help improve tissue function and reduce many of these symptoms.
Commonly observed benefits include:
• Reduced pain and heaviness
• Softer, less dense-feeling tissue
• Improved circulation
• Reduced swelling
• Reduction in limb volume
• Improved skin firmness and appearance
• Better body awareness
• Improved movement and exercise tolerance
Many clients also report feeling lighter, more comfortable, and less restricted in their body following treatment.
Results vary between individuals and depend on several factors, including inflammation levels, exercise routine, stress, sleep, overall lifestyle, and treatment consistency.
What Does the Research Say
Research into Quadrivas Therapy has shown promising early results.
In a pilot study led by Karen Herbst, participants with different stages of lipoedema received Quadrivas Therapy three times per week over four weeks.
The study demonstrated:
• Reduced pain
• Reduced fibrotic tissue across all stages
• Reduced leg volume
• Improved tissue structure
Although the study was small and larger clinical trials are still needed, it reinforced an important principle in lipoedema care: addressing fibrosis is a critical component of effective symptom management.
Quadrivas Therapy at Elemental Health
At Elemental Health, Quadrivas Therapy is offered by Edina Ódor.
Edina trained directly under Alyna van der Woude in the Netherlands, widely regarded as the “mother” of Quadrivas Therapy.
She is also a member of the Quadrivas Therapy Association and remains connected to the broader international Quadrivas community and ongoing developments in this specialised treatment approach.
Final Thoughts
There is currently no cure for lipoedema, and Quadrivas Therapy is not a replacement for other important management strategies such as movement, nutrition, compression, and inflammation management.
However, it can be a highly valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
By directly addressing fibrosis, congestion, and the structural tissue changes associated with lipoedema, Quadrivas Therapy offers a targeted approach to improving tissue function, reducing discomfort, and enhancing overall quality of life.
Book an appointment with Edina today