Non-Surgical

Lymphatic Care

There are many reasons to seek lymphatic care beyond surgical recovery.

If you feel like your lymphatic system is sluggish, you’ve been diagnosed with a lymphatic disorder, or you feel like you need a reset, there are many good reasons to seek manual lymphatic drainage.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Also referred to as MLD, manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, skin-stretching technique that stimulates the movement of the lymphatic fluid that sits just below the surface of your skin through the lymphatic vessels and toward the lymph nodes. It’s not like a typical massage that kneads and works the muscle tissue, this modality is very relaxing.

MLD is an excellent and powerful modality that can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as a supplement in a broader health plan.

Reach out today to discuss if manual lymphatic drainage could be helpful to you.

Is MLD safe for me?

Manual lymphatic drainage is safe for most everyone. There are some conditions that are situationally unsafe (relative contraindications), and there are others that are definitely unsafe (absolute contraindications).

Therefore, it is VERY important to disclose ANY health issue to your therapist so a determination can be made.

The following are relative contraindications- conditions that we treat on a case-by-case basis:

  • Malignant Lymphedema

  • Bronchial Asthma

  • Pregnancy

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Hypersensitive Carotid Sinus

  • Cardiac Arrhythmia

  • Menstruation

  • Recent Abdominal Surgeries

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA)

  • Clients 60 years and Over

The following are absolute contraindications- reasons we would ask you to postpone treatment until resolved:

  • Acute Inflammation- If you’re sick- fever or not (but definitely if you have a fever), MLD is not for you. Sinus infection, common viral cold, MLD could make you more sick. This also includes having skin that is red, hot, painful, congested

  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)- If you are unmedicated or if edema is due solely to cardiac failure/cardiac edema you are unable to receive MLD.

  • Renal Failure- MLD is a powerful diuretic and will temporarily tax renal function. Your kidneys must be strong enough to receive treatment safely. We will, however, see clients with compromised kidney function with written physician approval.

  • Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)- This is only during the acute phase. MLD is beneficial for edema management of post-thrombotic syndrome

What else does MLD benefit?

  • Autoimmune Conditions

  • Cancer

  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency

  • Endometriosis/Pelvic Pain

  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)

  • Gastrointestinal Issues

  • Lipedema/ Lymphedema

  • Lyme Disease

  • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

  • Menopause/Hormonal

  • Migraine headaches

  • Mold/Heavy Metal Toxicities

  • Nervous System Dysregulation

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

  • Pre/Postpartum

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes

  • Trauma (Emotional or Physical)

  • Varicose Veins

  • Workout recovery

  • More…