I’m always looking for products that can help with lipoedema symptoms, particularly pain and swelling. Thankfully of all the products I try, there’s rarely one that isn’t a great addition to my self-care routine, even if it doesn’t impact my lipoedema symptoms significantly. This is definately the case for lymphatic care products.
The Lymphatic System and Lipoedema
There’s some conflicting information about lipoedema and the lymphatic system. But the science definately leans toward the theory that lipoedema isn’t inherently a lymphatic disorder. Our lymphatic system isn’t ‘broken’, so to speak. However, as lipoedema progresses it puts stress on the lymphatic system, impairing its ability to clear fluid. That’s why supporting lymphatic health through massage and other forms of drainage can be so beneficial.
Supporting Lymphatic Health with the Right Tools
I follow a number of great Instagram accounts sharing fantastic content about the lymphatic system. One of them is @ChelseaJeanLymphatics – Chelsea’s a trained lymphatic therapist who shares a lot of great information on skin brushing and lymphatic drainage techniques. She also shares her own own range of lymphatic products – this is where I first spotted her teal Dual Action Lymphatic Gloves ($42/pair).
The gloves offer two benefits in one: seven magnetic balls on one side that help move lymph and soothe pain, and a bumpy texture on the other side for skin brushing.
I’ve spent enough time grooming horses to recognise these as a very common horse grooming tool – a magnetic curry comb or massage mitt. The bumpy side removes debris from the horse’s coat and stimulates blood flow to the skin for a shiny coat, while the magnetic side is said to help ease sore muscles.
If you’re on a budget, you can get these gloves at any equestrian store for $5-$10 – they’re $4.95 here at Europa Saddlery, $8.86 at Garrards Horse and Hound, or $9.99 at Horseland. I picked my purple mitt up for $9.95 on my last visit to Saddleworld!
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How I Use the Magnetic Gloves in My Routine
I use the glove once a day, in the evening, I find the magnetic side is quite effective for easing the aching and burning in my calves if if I’ve done a lot of walking, hiking or intense exercise. Sometimes I pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes before use, making the magnetic balls cold on my skin, which soothes pain fast. I follow the sequence of this lymphatic drainage massage routine from @CancerRehabPT on Youtube:
Does Magnetic Therapy Really Help?
While research on magnetic therapy is limited, some studies suggest it may reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and chronic pelvic pain. However, the evidence isn’t conclusive—many studies have small sample sizes or data reliability issues as suggested in this literature review. Personally I’m not convinced that it’s the magnets that are soothing pain and swelling – for me, I suspect it’s the combination of the brushing, massage and iciness of the magnet balls that’s producing the positive effects.
But whether or not the magnets provide direct therapeutic benefits, there’s no question that the gloves are a no-brainer addition to my daily routine. Whether you use the magnetic side for pain relief or for the benefits of skin brushing and lymphatic massage, these gloves are a versatile and accessible addition to your self-care routine.
If you’re interested in other ways to support your lymphatic system, check out the ‘Lymphatics, Compression & MLD’ section of my Lipoedema Research Library, and follow @ChelseaJeanLymphatics for some really valuable learning, resources and Aussie-made lymphatic products.
