A Collaborative Conversation in Central Oregon
On January 15, at The Loft of Bend, we were thrilled to welcome a packed house of engaged providers and clinicians for a peer-to-peer educational discussion focused on lipedema, lymphedema, and their correlation with venous disease. The evening brought together a powerhouse team of experts and a multidisciplinary audience spanning primary care, podiatry, and wound care, creating a rich, practical exchange centered on patient identification, disease progression, and evidence-based treatment pathways for phlebolymphedema.
Featured Speakers & Clinical Experts
- Cody Laverdiere, DO – Vein & Lymphatic Medicine Specialist, Inovia Vein (Bend)
- Alexa Copeland, PA-C – Inovia Vein (Bend)
- Melissa Carlton, PT, CLT, CES – Founder, Central Oregon Lymphedema & Oncology PT
- Stephanie Coursey – Territory Account Manager, Tactile Medical
Together, this team shared clinical insights, real-world case examples, and practical strategies to help providers more confidently recognize and manage complex lymphatic and venous conditions.
Lymphedema vs. Lipedema: Understanding The Difference
These conditions are often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed, which can delay care and increase patient frustration. We routinely hear from referring providers and from patients themselves – that individuals arrive having self-diagnosed, and many times, they are correct. Education and collaboration are key to closing these gaps.
What is Lymphedema?
- A chronic condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage
- Leads to protein-rich fluid accumulation, typically in the arms or legs
- Can be primary (congenital) or secondary (often related to surgery, cancer treatment, infection, trauma, or venous disease)
- Progressive if untreated, with distinct stages ranging from reversible swelling to more advanced fibrotic changes
What is Lipedema?
- A chronic connective tissue disorder resulting in abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue almost exclusively affecting women
- Characterized by symmetrical fat accumulation in the hips, thighs, and legs, at times arms as well (often sparing the hands and feet)
- Commonly associated with pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and swelling
- Does not respond to diet and exercise alone
- Differentiating between these diagnoses – and recognizing when they coexist – is essential to guiding patients toward appropriate care.
Introducing Melissa Carlton, PT, CLT, CES (Bend, OR)
We were honored to partner with Melissa Carlton, whose depth of expertise and passion for patient advocacy resonated strongly with attendees.
Credentials & Experience
- Physical Therapist with 23+ years of clinical experience
- 16 years as a Norton-Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)
- APTA Certified Edema Specialist (CES)
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy
Melissa’s clinic exclusively serves patients with lymphedema, lipedema, and oncology-related impairments. She is deeply committed to supporting women who have often spent years searching for answers – helping them gain clarity around their diagnosis and empowering them with practical tools to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To connect with Melissa directly, please call her clinic at 541-241-0223 or schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation using the link below:
https://www.colophysicaltherapy.com/copy-of-request-appointment
Lipedema vs. Obesity: Why The Distinction Matters
- A critical portion of the discussion addressed the frequent mislabeling of lipedema as obesity.
- Lipedema fat is disease-driven, not lifestyle-driven
- Weight loss may reduce central body mass but does not resolve lipedema tissue
- Misdiagnosis can lead to shame, delayed treatment, and worsening symptoms
- Understanding that lipedema exists along a spectrum – and that lymphedema has stages and multiple types – allows providers to intervene earlier and more effectively.
How Inovia Vein Supports Patients with Lymphatic Disease
At Inovia Vein, we take a comprehensive, team-based approach to care. In addition to advanced venous diagnostics and treatment, we actively connect patients with Certified Lymphedema Therapists for:
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Compression therapy, garment guidance, and pump education
- Assistance with pneumatic and non-pneumatic compression device access and insurance coordination
- Long-term symptom management strategies
- Coordination with oncology, wound care, and rehabilitation specialists as needed
- Our goal is to ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, from the right specialists – without navigating the system alone.
Continuing Provider Education & Community Commitment
We are strongly committed to educating our provider community and working collaboratively to raise awareness of these highly prevalent, yet treatable and manageable conditions. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Melissa Carlton and Tactile Medical and are currently scheduling educational sessions and CME talks for medical teams seeking to expand their understanding of lymphatic and venous disease.
To schedule a provider meeting or educational session for your team, please call 1-800-VEIN-DOC and ask to speak with our physician liaison.
For Patients & Families
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have lymphedema or lipedema, we encourage you to reach out. Call us today at 1-800-VEIN-DOC to get connected with one of our vein and lymphatic specialists.
In the meantime, additional patient education and community support can be found through trusted resources such as:
- PNW Lipedema on Facebook
- https://www.lipedema.org/
- Fat Disorders Resource Society (https://www.fatdisorders.org/)
- We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can best support you in finding answers, care, and a clear pathway forward to better leg health.
Thank You & Looking Ahead
We extend our sincere thanks to all the providers and clinicians who joined us for this meaningful educational gathering. Together, we are strengthening collaboration, improving recognition, and elevating care for patients across Central Oregon and beyond.