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Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage therapy, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage therapy involves gentle and rhythmic stretching of the skin in specific areas to help encourage the movement of lymph fluids to an area with working lymph vessels.​ 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Post-Op Patients

After any surgery or liposuction, patients are often recommended by their surgeon to receive a series of post- op Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapy treatments to assist in the healing process. Manual lymphatic drainage will help in providing a combination of lymph drainage along with techniques focused on treating the body’s formation of scar tissue. Each patient’s specific needs and timelines will be different and designed for their special care. Specifically after surgery, lymphatic drainage will provide immediate relief to the tightened scar tissue, reduce swelling, reduce infection and reduce fibrosis formation around incisions.​​​​​ Schedule a session with us if your surgeon has recommended post-op manual lymphatic drainage therapy.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage following Breast Cancer Surgery

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is often used to relieve lymphedema following breast cancer surgery.

"Often, an accumulation of fluid can occur after lymph nodes are removed during surgery, most often a mastectomy for breast cancer. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Up to 33% of breast cancer patients whose surgery includes removal of lymph nodes in the area of the armpit eventually develop lymphedema."

source: Lymphedema after Breast Cancer, Journal of Clinical Oncology 2008

The Lymphatic System

The fluid in the lymphatic system is filtered by the lymph nodes. This natural process is simulated by your body's movement. Lymphatic drainage manually stimulates and enhances the lymph system to eliminate toxins.


Lymphatic drainage or manual lymph drainage massage therapy is a technique developed by Emil Vodder, MD in the 1930's.

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Some conditions that can benefit from Manual lymphatic drainage:

 

  • post surgery swelling 

  • lymphedema: an unfortunate and uncomfortable outcome of some treatments for cancer and other illnesses

  • rheumatoid arthritis: arthritis in your joints causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness

  • fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain

  • chronic venous insufficiency: veins in the lower leg aren’t working effectively, making it hard for blood supply to return to the heart from the legs.

  • lipedema: excess fat accumulates in the lower body, blocking the lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema.​

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Dolphin Law

Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist - Vodder Technique

Lymphatic drainage works well with post- traumatic and post- surgical edema (especially cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction, face lift, tummy tuck). For the certificate I obtained in the Vodder Technique, I can also work on lymphedema patients who are in the maintenance stage. Lymphatic drainage can also help manage symptoms of migraine or headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis. On the initial appointment, I recommend a 50 minute session to go over consultation and treatment. Depending on patients' conditions, goals and needs, I may recommend twice a week or at least once a week for 3-6 weeks to provide adequate response. 

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