1. What can I expect from a lymphatic drainage session?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, hands-on, light touch physical therapy technique. It is a progressive technique that typically requires more than one session for maximum effect. Goals are discussed during the first treatment to meet your expectations and specific needs. For surgical care, sessions can begin 48 hours post-operative. Depending upon your surgical procedure and stage in the healing process, each treatment is customized with other gentle modalities to promote healing, relaxation and pain relief. MLD assists your body to reduce swelling and inflammation which in turn optimizes wound healing. We work closely with your physician regarding your healing process and follow specific protocols to ensure safe and appropriate levels of treatment. For non-surgical care, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is beneficial for more than 60 different conditions.

2. Why do I need a qualified therapist and how do I know my therapist is qualified?

For post-surgical care or lymphedema treatment, we recommend a licensed medical professional who is specially trained and certified in Manual Lymph Drainage. This is the best way to ensure your therapist has successfully completed a minimum of 135 hours of skilled training to manage the complex nature of the therapies involved. Certification in the Klose, Foldi, or Vodder methods represent professional standards reflective of the experience and expertise necessary to provide quality post-surgical care and treatment of lymphedema. In addition, verify if your therapist is state board certified or licensed in their profession (RN, PT, OT) for the use of any physical agent modalities, such as lasers.

3. How does Manual Lymph Drainage work?

The lymph vessel system is responsible for carrying excess water, proteins and wastes from the connective tissue back to the bloodstream. During the transportation process it is cleaned, filtered and concentrated with many immune reactions occurring in the lymph nodes. If the pathways become congested, swelling occurs. If there is a trauma to the connective tissue, such as an injury or surgery, the lymph vessel system must transport the inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The quicker this can happen, the faster the recovery will be. Manual Lymph Drainage facilitates this process.

4. Who can benefit from Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

Indications:

  • Pre/Post surgical procedures
  • Wound care
  • Keloid scars and new incisions for prevention of scarring
  • Burns
  • Chronic pain
  • Neuralgia/RSD
  • Injuries/Trauma with bruising, swelling (edema), decreased mobility
  • Lymphedema
  • Venous insufficiency
  • Sinus congestion
  • Chronic inflammation for conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea

Contraindications:

  • Malignant, untreated cancer
  • Acute inflammation with infection
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Thrombosis (blood clots)

5. What are the benefits of pre/post surgical treatments?

Pre-surgery:

  • Prepares tissue for the surgery by removing excess water, toxins, bacteria and metabolic wastes
  • Facilitates the immune system by accelerating production of lymphocytes
  • Induces a state of relaxation

Post-surgery:

  • Alleviates side effects of medication and immobilization
  • Reduces pain and alleviates spasms
  • Reduces swelling and minimizes bruising
  • Stimulates fluid circulation and promotes urination
  • Improves skin regeneration optimizing the healing process
  • Prevents the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars

6. Can I get treatment for lymphedema?

We are happy to provide Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) as an adjunct to your previous or current therapy. As a supplement, we can assist you with bandaging, make recommendations for nutrition and skin care, as well as provide exercise instruction. Our services are not durable medical equipment (DME) providers and as such, we DO NOT supply bandaging products or compression garments.

7. Is insurance accepted?

We accept Cash, Checks, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. Our practice is self-pay, but you may choose for insurance reimbursement with a physician prescription. Please email for more information.

8. Do you have gift certificates available?

Yes we do. If you would like to purchase one, click here.