In this episode, I speak with physiotherapist Amelia Santos, an expert in lymphatic health, lipoedema, pelvic floor, and bowel function. Amelia explains how she became a leading clinician in pelvic floor and lymphatic therapy, and shares essential insights on often-misunderstood conditions like IBS, lipoedema, lymphedema, and chronic bowel and pelvic floor challenges.

We explore:

• How pelvic floor physio can help with IBS, chronic constipation, and incomplete bowel emptying, especially when medical tests have ruled out other causes
• The differences between lipoedema and lymphedema, why they're underdiagnosed, and how they impact women’s lives, mobility, and mental health
• Recognising lipodema: genetics, hormonal triggers, common comorbidities like hypermobility, POTS, PCOS, fibromyalgia, and why BMI often misses the mark in diagnosis
• The latest approaches to diagnosis, and why early detection is crucial for preventing progression and improving quality of life
• Practical treatment approaches: manual lymphatic drainage, compression, vibration plates, shockwave therapy, and pelvic floor retraining
• Supporting women after breast cancer or surgery to regain movement and prevent lymphedema
• Advice for those struggling with slow transit, bloating, or altered bowel patterns (including from medications or dietary changes), and how targeted physio can help
• The importance of understanding and properly managing pelvic floor function for exercise, leakage, prolapse, and overall wellbeing

Amelia highlights why collaboration between GPs and physiotherapists is key for patient outcomes, and encourages anyone experiencing stubborn swelling or unexplained weight distribution to seek professional help, not blame themselves.

• Bowel retraining for IBS, constipation, and bloating
• Early signs, causes, and management of lipoedema and lymphedema
• How body composition, hormones, and genetics play a role in women’s health
• The relationship between pelvic floor strength, relaxation, and daily function
• The difference between lymphatic drainage for lymphedema and lipoedema
• When to seek support and why early intervention matters

• Website: lymphandfloorphysio.com.au
• Lipoedema info/support: lipoedema.org.au
• Instagram: @lymphandfloorphysio

💚 Share this episode with anyone who’s navigating pelvic floor, lymph, or bowel health, and remember—no one should face these challenges alone.