Boost Your Health!

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD, is a gentle yet powerful form of massage and bodywork that is intended to stimulate and encourage the natural movement of the lymph. Lymph is a clearish bodily fluid that carries waste products away from the tissues to the lymph nodes, and back towards the heart. The lymphatic system is responsible for the transportation of protein, fat cells and white blood cells, which are disease-fighting cells. We think of it as the garbage collector of the body, ridding your systems of waste products. The damage or obstruction of the lymphatic system from a surgical procedure or medical implants lead to a body with swelling, pain and discomfort. The restoration of the lymphatic system is a recipe for optimally functioning body systems.  

 MLD renews, nourishes, strengthens and regenerates the cells, removes waste products, relaxes the nervous system and increases the immune system.  It also helps prevent and helps remedy many chronic conditions, e.g.:

• Pain - joint swelling, muscular pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, migraine, chronic headaches
• Skin - cellulite, aids in weight loss
• Fluid retention - swollen feet and ankles (incl. sprained ankles), puffy eyes or face
• Respiratory conditions - sinusitis, nasal congestion, catarrh
• Immune conditions - recurring cold & flu, recurring inflammation & infections, allergies, auto-immune disorders
• Digestive conditions - chronic constipation, flatulence, bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Stress, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lethargy

The lymphatic system is a delicate network of capillaries located just beneath the skin's surface. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) promotes the movement of lymph fluids throughout the body. These fluids play a crucial role in removing waste and toxins from bodily tissues and aid in tissue repair. We utilize the Vodder gentle touch and stretch technique to effectively mobilize lymphatic fluids and clear the lymph pathways. MLD helps eliminate toxins, bacteria, viruses, cell debris, waste, edema, and pathogens from tissues, directing them into the lymphatic system for cleansing or elimination. Other benefits of MLD include:

• Decreasing recovery time, allowing for up to twice as fast recovery
• Reducing post-surgical swelling, bruising and fibrosis (scar tissue formation and hard, lumpy areas)
• Improving circulation throughout the lymphatic system
• Assisting in tissue repair

The Vodder method is an advanced massage technique which moves the skin over the underlying tissues using repetitive, circular and spiral shaped movements with a pressure increase, followed by a decrease in pressure leading to a pressure less phase. This change in pressure creates a pumping effect, which encourages the flow of the lymph fluid and drains excess fluid out of the connective tissue.

The technique works WITH the skin and not ON the skin. The direction of the increase of pressure and respectively the moving of the skin lies in the direction of the lymph flow.

The Dr Vodder technique always starts with lymph nodes and lymph vessels found at the neck and the junction of the large lymph channels found in the venous arch on both sides of the body.

The strokes are performed evenly and rhythmically inducing deep relaxation.

Recommendation protocol from the MLD Institute International:

• Pre-Op: 24 to 48 hours PRIOR to procedure
• Post Op: 1 to 3 consecutive treatments starting the day of or morning AFTER the procedure (depending on procedure). Then every 2-3 days for 10-14 days, and up to a month post op, with provider approval.  

 Manual Lymphatic Drainage assists in preparing your body before surgery. It promotes faster healing, and decreases and softens scar tissue. Many providers find it easier to make an incision through clean, well-drained tissue, particularly in aesthetic surgery. It is recommended that the patient has 1 to 2 lymphatic drainage treatments a week prior to the procedure. 

Pre-Surgery benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

• Detoxifies/clears the tissues
• Stimulates the immune system
• Prepares the tissues for surgery by draining excess fluids from the cells
• Reduces anxiety and stress by increasing your body’s natural release of endorphins and serotonin, as well as oxytocin; all powerful neurotransmitters.

 Manual Lymphatic Drainage for surgery patients (cosmetic as well as bodily repair) is a hands-on technique where the purpose is to alleviate the pain, reduce discomfort, reduce swelling/inflammation and helps prevent imperfections such as “fibrosis” (hardening of tissues). This is a non-invasive technique that avoids any open wound, incision and skin injuries with or without stitches. It is recommended that patients have 3 to 6+ lymphatic treatments starting the week after surgery (depending on the extent/areas of surgical incisions and provider clearance). 

Post-Surgery benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

• Decreases pain and inflammation significantly
• Reduces swelling and bruising
• Softens scar tissue
• Speeds up healing/look better much faster
• Promotes deep relaxation
• You feel better faster!

In most cases after surgery, the body will swell with excessive edema both at and proximal to the surgical site. This post-operative swelling, while completely normal, can be quite uncomfortable. Sluggishness, decreased range of motion, increased sensitivity, inability to sleep comfortably, and an overall feeling of puffiness can often occur during the recovery process.

Reducing post-surgical swelling is one of the most common ways that Manual Lymphatic Drainage is used. Because of its ability to directly move excessive post-surgical edema while using the most gentle of touch, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is frequently regarded as an imperative part of the surgical recovery process by surgeons worldwide.

Swelling and bruises should be reduced as early as possible, and it may help in the early post-op period to prevent fibrosis. Fibrosis is the formation of hardened plates in the subcutaneous tissues denoting temporary or definitive irregularities on their surface and affecting the body contour. ( In plain language, fibrosis is when hard patches form under the skin, causing temporary or permanent bumps and changes to the body's shape. ) Fibrosis is considered one of the most frequent complications that may interfere negatively and significantly the patient's satisfaction after the surgery. 

 MLD is indicated for many situations, including healthy individuals wanting to boost their immune system or those with (but not limited to) the following conditions:

• Cosmetic Surgery such as liposuction, funlipo, tummy tucks, breast augmentation or reduction or face lifts.
• Pre/post-surgical procedures (such as knee replacement, hip replacement, surgery on other parts of the body, etc.)
• Autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus and chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Neuropathy
• Migraines/Headaches
• Varicose veins
• Sinus congestion
• Lyme disease
• Metabolic waste removal after CoolSculpting, Cryoskin, EMSculpt or other
• Edema
• Lymphedema
• Post-mastectomy swelling
• Lumpectomy

Another important note is that Lymphatic massage treatment and drainage can be helpful for fighting autoimmune disease. The body triggers autoimmune responses to attack foreign bodies such as bacteria, but with autoimmune disease the body mistakenly targets healthy tissue and can cause symptoms similar to a severe allergic reaction. 

Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, hashimoto’s and chronic fatigue are all examples of types of autoimmune diseases which can be treated with lymphatic drainage therapy. 

Lymph nodes serve in the immune system in part to help carry white blood cells through the body to help fight illness. Many people suffer from blockage of the lymph nodes which can be a cause for autoimmune disease and our massage therapy helps to unblock your lymph nodes helping to increase your bodies overall defenses. 

Please confirm with your medical provider if this service is right and safe for you prior to booking an appointment.

Although MLD is beneficial to a number of conditions, it is not for everybody. Please note that clearance from your health care provider may be required prior to treatment or we may need to request further information on your condition. Contraindications include Congestive heart failure, DVT, Kidney disorders, Acute inflammation not related to the surgical site or condition, certain infections, malignancies, Arteriosclerosis, Acute cold/flu, Fever, Covid, history of blood clots, Stroke and Some medications. 

•  Hydrate Well - Drink lots of water (plain water) before and after the massage to help lymph flow and flush out toxins.
• Eat lightly - Avoid large meals or caffeine within a few hours of the massage, as they can make it harder to relax and stimulate the body. A light snack or meal is fine.
• Wear loose clothing - Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing allows the therapist to access the areas being worked on, and reduces discomfort.
• Avoid lotions and oils - These can interfere with the massage and prevent your skin from stretching.
• Empty your bladder - The treatment can cause your bladder to fill up with fluids, so it's best to empty it beforehand.
• Take it easy - MLD involves gentle, rhythmic strokes that can be deeply relaxing, so don't be surprised if you nod off.
• Consider your health - If you're sick or recovering from an illness, we ask that you reschedule. 

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage that uses light pressure and long strokes to move lymph fluid in the body. The goal is to help the lymphatic system flow and drain, which can help organs remove toxins and prevent blockages. During an MLD session, you might expect to:

• Upon arrival, your therapist will do a consultation with you to assess your needs, as well as review any surgical procedures. They will step out of the room for you to undress to your comfort level (unless you need assistance with a compression garment). You will then get on the massage table under the covers. Your therapist will be preparing any materials/supplies needed, washing up and will knock before re-entering the room. 
• Lie on a massage table: Please be sure to crawl in under the covers. You will always be covered, other than the body part that the therapist is working on.
• Gentle pressure: The therapist will apply light pressure in a slow, rhythmic motion around lymph nodes in your inguinal area, abdomen, chest, neck and head area. They may then move to the area of your body that's the focus of the session, such as your limbs or back. They will also apply light strokes across certain areas, such as the AAA, AII, and PAA and PII. 
• Feel skin movements: The therapist will use light, slow, and rhythmic skin movements to help with lymphatic flow. Some clients feel a tingling sensation or a flow of fluid under your skin, yet some feel nothing but the light pressure. There is NO deep pressure, and limited interaction with any muscles. 
• Bandage: After the session, your therapist might use a specialized bandaging technique to bandage the area. If bandages aren't necessary, you might wear a compression garment. Your therapist can assist you in and out of your compression garment if needed.
•  You might also be advised to rest for a bit after your session. Some people experience a "detox flu" after an MLD session, which can include flu-like symptoms like nausea, headaches, achiness, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. However, these symptoms usually only last less than 24 hours. 

At this time we do not accept insurance plans. Our forms of payment include cash (preferred), check, Venmo and credit card which has a 3.1% fee. Payment is due at the time of service.