FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. I will arrive 10-15 minutes early to set up my table.
  2. I will review the information that you had already provided to me in your intake form so we can agree on focus areas and goals for your session.
  3. I will step out to use the nearest restroom to wash my hands while you disrobe to your comfort level and rest on the table underneath the sheets.  When you are ready I will return to start our session. I maintain professional draping standards to safeguard your privacy at all times.
  4. I will check in throughout the session to ensure you are comfortable.
  5. When your time is up I will return to the restroom to wash my hands while you get dressed.
  6. Once I am cleared to re-enter the room I will pack up my table and be on my way!
  7. I recommend you drink plenty of water after our session.

MLD is a therapy based on scientific, physiological principles that have proven to encourage lymph flow. The area of focus lies just underneath the skin and above the muscles.  The therapist uses hand strokes that are specific in regards to direction, pressure and speed to produce the best results. This method is gentle, repetitive and relaxing.   No oils or lotion are used for MLD.  Deep breathing and abdominal techniques are also part of an MLD treatment, as this helps to encourage lymph flow in the body. 

 
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in eliminating fluid and clearing cellular waste from tissues after cells have utilized nutrient-rich interstitial fluid. The residual waste requires absorption, processing, and recycling, achieved when a lymphatic vessel is opened to allow interstitial fluid to become lymph fluid. This lymph fluid is then transported to a lymph node for filtration, cleaning, and processing before returning to the cardiovascular system, essentially purifying the blood. Lymphatic Drainage Massage expedites this process by gently manipulating the lymphatic vessels beneath the skin’s surface, facilitating a quicker filtration pace to cleanse tissues, creating a healthier cellular environment.
 
This specialized technique involves gentle, rhythmic skin stretches in the appropriate direction, pulling lymphatic vessels open to rapidly drain fluid from the interstitial space. The heightened drainage rate surpasses the body’s natural ability, efficiently eliminating cell waste, toxins, and fats from tissues while facilitating the influx of fresh, nutrient-rich fluid. This process proves particularly beneficial for individuals with an overactive immune system, as well as those recovering from injuries or surgeries, promoting accelerated healing through increased oxygen and nutrient supply to injury sites, reducing swelling, and enhancing tissue regeneration.
 
 

Following a surgical procedure, the body experiences increased inflammation, contributing to swelling and discomfort. Lymphatic Drainage after surgery will help you heal more quickly with less pain, bruising and swelling.  It can also help avoid potential complications associated with surgeries such as infection and abnormal scar tissue formation.  

For normal healthy systems, once a month is recommended to keep your system flowing optimally.  Clients who have regular maintenance find that they feel better, get sick less often, and have less joint pain and headaches.

For autoimmune conditions, sessions will be spaced on a case-by-case basis according to your symptoms, frequency of flare-ups and how well you respond to your first session. It is recommended to have MLD weekly for the first several sessions and from there we can better assess how to move forward.

If you have had a recent surgery, it’s best to start as soon as your doctor allows.  For the first month, most clients will have satisfactory results with twice a week sessions.  However, your recovery is dependent on several factors and some people are more prone to swelling and scar tissue formation than others.  I take my role as your partner in recovery seriously and therefore will create a personalized plan for you so that you may have the best outcome.

I run a private pay practice and do not accept insurance.  This allows me more freedom for your individualized care.  I am able to provide a superbill for your insurance reimbursement.  In many cases, massage therapy is not covered so please check with your insurance provider.

An oncology trained therapist is able to recognize and safely work within a framework of clinical considerations to provide a safe, satisfying and therapeutic oncology massage. Certain modifications will remain crucial even decades after treatment is complete.  Adaptations may pertain to medications, fragile tissue, bone integrity, scar tissue and compromised blood cell counts and lymph nodes.  Special care is always taken in areas at risk for lymphedema.