Lipomas and Physical Trauma: The Hidden Impact of Your Daily Movements
By Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld
In the world of dermatology, there are few things more perplexing than a lipoma. These benign fatty growths tend to show up with little warning, often in places where you least expect them. But what if I told you that certain people—like professional baseball players or avid yogis—might be more prone to lipomas due to repetitive strain and physical trauma? That’s right. Those everyday movements, whether they’re the forceful motion of pitching a baseball or the stretching of the back during a deep yoga pose, can actually play a role in the formation of these pesky lumps.
You see, a lipoma forms when fat cells in the body grow abnormally and clump together in a small area beneath the skin. While the exact causes are still a bit mysterious, there’s no doubt that physical trauma and repetitive motion can have an influence on their development. As I, Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld, have seen time and time again, certain professions and activities subject the body to stress in ways that can lead to the creation of lipomas—or at the very least, exacerbate their growth.
Consider a professional baseball player. The repetitive motion of pitching, with its high-stress movements and frequent arm rotations, can lead to an unusual accumulation of fat cells in specific areas of the body. Over time, these repetitive motions can contribute to the formation of a lipoma, especially in the shoulder or upper arm area. The same is true for individuals who engage in high-intensity physical activity—like lifting weights or practicing yoga.
Let’s take yoga as an example. A woman who stretches deeply and regularly may notice a lipoma on her back or side. The stretching motion could pull and stretch the tissue surrounding the lipoma, causing it to expand, change shape, or become more pronounced. When the body is under consistent strain, especially in localized areas, the skin and underlying tissues may not be able to properly accommodate these changes, leading to the growth of lipomas.
So, what's going on beneath the surface? When the body is exposed to stress, it triggers inflammation as part of the healing process. Over time, this inflammation can lead to the development of lipomas, as fat cells proliferate in response to the trauma. While this doesn’t mean that every pitcher or yogi will develop lipomas, there is certainly an increased risk for those who subject specific body areas to repetitive strain.
For those of us who spend years training our bodies—whether it’s through swimming, lifting, or sports—lipomas can often be an unwelcome reminder that the body, despite its incredible resilience, isn't immune to the effects of constant stress. But don’t worry: just because you’re experiencing a lipoma doesn't mean you need to give up your passion or livelihood. The key is to identify and treat the lipomas early, which is where I, Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld, come in.
If you’ve developed a lipoma due to physical strain, don’t panic. While there is no surefire way to prevent them, there are treatment options available. For those of you who don’t want to be bothered by the presence of these growths, surgery is an option that can remove the lipoma with precision and minimal recovery time. Non-invasive treatments are also available for certain cases. The goal is not just to treat the lipoma, but to make sure you can continue living your life to the fullest—whether that means playing professional sports, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle.
In my years of experience, I’ve treated many patients—athletes, yogis, and regular folks alike—who have come to me with concerns about lipomas related to repetitive trauma. And let me tell you this: lipomas don’t have to hold you back. I’ll work with you to come up with a plan to manage and remove those growths so that you can continue to push the limits of what your body is capable of.
So, for those of you who are wondering if your profession or passion is to blame for your lipomas—well, the answer is that it might be. But remember, lipomas don’t define you. And they certainly don’t stop you from being the best version of yourself. Whether it’s pitching that final strike or holding a perfect yoga pose, you’ve got more control over your body than you think. And I’ll be right here to help you take charge.
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| DR GARY JAYNE ROTHFELD |
