Medical Massage Therapy

Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy

Manual lymphatic drainage was originally developed by Emil and Estrid Vodder, both physical therapists in the 1930s.  After finding that many of their patients with chronic colds also had swollen lymph nodes, they began researching the lymphatic system and found that a light, rhythmic massage with stretching movements was effective at stimulating the lymph flow throughout the body. By 1936, their technique had gained recognition in the medical community, and they subsequently presented their findings to a health and beauty committee in Paris.

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your immune system. Through a network of hundreds of lymph nodes, it drains fluid called lymph to be transported back into your bloodstream. It also helps the body with detoxification by removing bodily waste and carries white blood cells that help prevent infection.

Manual Lymph Drainage is a very gentle “ systematic skin stretching technique” but extremely powerful treatment for cleansing the body, specifically the connective tissue. Manual Lymph Drainage helps to reduce pain, relax the patient, and greatly assists with improving the immune system. The therapeutic benefits are vast. These benefits have been researched and well documented for over 60 different conditions for people suffering from acute or chronic illnesses as well as for anyone interested in health, wellness, and beauty.

As part of Combined Decongestive Therapy(CDT), Manual Lymph Drainage is considered the gold standard treatment for lymphedema, lipedema, medical necessity, and orthopedic/ plastic surgery post-op recovery.

Certified Lymphatic Massage Therapist and Techniques

Manual Lymphatic Massage (MLD)  should only be performed by Certified Lymphatic Massage Therapists.  Our CMLT hold specialized additional training in Lymph Drainage which incorporates the Vodder Method with Klose Training Institute. They are trained and certified to perform basic Manual Lymph Drainage for less complicated issues to most complex issues.

All techniques in  MLD are very anatomically specific and require you to develop a deep awareness and sensitivity in your quality of touch. Lymphatic Massage (or Manual Lymphatic Drainage) is an advanced, therapeutic technique that is used to cleanse and detoxify the body. This technique employs slow, gentle, and deep strokes to assist the movement of lymphatic fluid which can support the overall function of the immune system.

Note: Deep tissue massage, a common component of physical therapy, along with the constant pressure and stress on the organs throughout treatment, aggravates the immune system. Giving it gentle massage will help smooth the road to recovery by ensuring you do not overwork one of the most vital circulatory systems in the body.

A Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle massage that increases blood flow in the body and helps to release the buildup of toxins in the lymphatic system. The waste tissue will naturally be removed from the body and your system will function as normal and continue to reabsorb the toxins. The massage itself is designed to not affect the incision or deep tissue. Its main purpose is to gently massage the upper layers of skin and tissue in order to help with recovery. By gently massaging the affected area, you will notice a reduction in swelling and the disappearance of bruising within days.

What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a Manual Therapy Technique which can be utilized in conjunction with a Massage Therapy Session or completely separate/standing alone procedure.  MLD is a gentle, lighter pressure, rhythmic technique helping facilitate waste exchange in tissues and assists the body to rid itself of stagnant interstitial fluid and toxins.  It is vitally important to the body that the Lymphatic System works at its optimum because no matter what the purpose or job a particular cell is, they all need nourished and cleaned. By opening up the body’s natural system of waste removal first and assisting vessels which drain into that system to actively move fluid, this modality has been shown to aid in general body detoxification, improves healing from injuries or surgeries, and many other ailing conditions.

Since Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)is a pleasant, gentle, and non-invasive massage; it is perfectly designed to improve the appearance of the skin, mobilize metabolic waste and toxin fluid by facilitating proper lymphatic flow and drainage.  It is often used as an anti-aging procedure, as proper lymphatic drainage results in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it is also used as an effective treatment for a number of skin maladies, such as acne, cellulite, and rosacea.  In additional, many plastic surgeons recommended MLD as post-operative treatment to speed up the healing process. Manual lymphatic drainage encourages the movement of the lymphatic system, which reduces swelling and puffiness, induces relaxation, and improves the skin’s tone and texture.

What is Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is a network of closed vessels similar to arteries and veins and acts as a key waste disposal and cleansing system in the body. It is a part of the blood system and works in unison with the veins to return to the heart the fluid delivered by the arteries throughout the body.

Fluid is filtered through the artery walls to nourish the cells, which absorb the clean, nutrient-rich fluid and expel fluid containing waste products. If waste products are not removed, they decompose, generating bacteria and other harmful organisms.

Where does the body get rid of the waste? The vessels of the lymphatic system carry the fluid containing the waste products to the body’s purification centers, which are the lymph nodes. These are bean-size sacs that break down the waste and destroy germs and harmful organisms collected throughout the body. The waste is then eliminated through the digestive system, the urinary tract, the skin, and the lungs.

We can think of the lymph system as the filtering system of an aquarium, the cells being the fish, and the water being the fluid between the cells. Every day food is added to the water to keep the fish healthy. If the pump of the filtering system breaks down, the water becomes increasingly murky and waste particles suspended in the water are visible. Within a few days, the fish may look sickly and die while bacteria harmful to the fish proliferate. Unless the filtering system is repaired, the aquarium can never be restored to its clean, colorful, pristine condition.

The same occurs in the body. If the lymph system does not work properly waste and toxins accumulate, spawning disease-producing organisms that contaminate the cells and, eventually, the entire body. For a healthy body, it is vital for the lymphatic system to be fully functional.

How do you know your lymphatic system is not working properly?

Feeling sluggish, not having energy over a period of time, susceptibility to common colds and the flu are signs of a weak lymphatic function. Another sign of the lymphatic circulation not operating optimally is the appearance of depressions left by the elastic band on the skin when removing socks and undergarments. Generally, an under-performing lymphatic function is not a cause for distress. There are, however, methods to restoring the lymphatic system back to an optimal state. 

The lymphatic system, as part of the immune system, has a number of functions: to remove excess fluid from body tissues; to absorb fats; and to protect the body against disease. The processes of the lymphatic system may slow down for a variety of reasons, such as autoimmune disorders, environmental conditions, lifestyle choices, and injuries.

Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy:

The lymphatic system is the primary player of your immune system. It is a circulatory system that uses lymph vessels and nodes to mobilize the fluid that carries the lymphocytes (the cells responsible for fighting off infection). The lymphatic system helps to remove cell wastes, toxins, proteins, and excess fluid from the body. It’s a very delicate system consisting of tiny vessels and nodes just underneath the skin.

When this system is working at its best, we feel healthy and strong. However, someone who doesn’t get enough exercise or eats too many processed foods is more susceptible to disease and infection because the lymphatic system doesn’t have a naturally built-in pump, like the blood system does with the heart. Body movement, stretching, and deep breathing exercises are what activate the flow of the lymph fluid.

While a regular yoga practice would be extremely beneficial for the lymphatic system, there is another option. Lymphatic drainage massage is the process of gently rubbing and compressing the nodes throughout the body to mobilize this fluid and get your system functioning normally. You can do this at home as a daily routine or look for a specialist that will perform this massage for you.

The most obvious benefit of lymph drainage massage is that it boosts the functioning of the immune system, which in turn increases your ability to fight off infections and heal faster from injury. Lymph drainage massage also helps treat lymphedema (a condition of fluid retention and swelling due to a compromised lymph system). This often happens in those who have had lymph nodes removed surgically due to cancer, but it can also happen with other traumas or damage to the body.

The lymphatic vessels and nodes are extremely delicate, so any form of compromise to the system can be detrimental to your well-being. For instance, those who have undergone surgery or major injury often have resultant swelling. The lymphatic system is usually shocked and overwhelmed with the amount of work it has to do, so swelling could continue to get worse even with deep tissue massage. A gentle massage of these vessels and nodes may be just what the body needs. It will allow the system to relax and reproduce lymphocytes at a faster rate, which will help you heal faster and reduce swelling.

Additionally, lymphatic drainage massage is a great addition to treatment plans for chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia because its focuses on loosening sore trigger points. Naturally, with a higher functioning lymphatic system, patients feel healthier and more energetic.

Listed below are some of the many benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage according to The North American Vodder Association of Lymphatic Therapy(NAVALT) and the Dr. Vodder School.

• Removes metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from the tissues.
• Alleviates pain by greatly reducing the pain signals sent to the brain.
• Relaxes the sympathetic nervous system, thus helping to relieve stress.
• Supports and enhances the action of the immune system.
• Helps the body to heal more quickly from injuries, surgical trauma, chronic conditions, and edema.
• Helps to minimize scar and fibrosis formation
• Speed up the wound healing process

Conditions Which May Respond Well to Lymphatic Drainage:

Headaches: Some headaches can be traced to sinus issues which have a component of congestions that responds well to Lymph Drainage.  After the tissue is worked and decongested blocked fluid can move, and blood flow increases to the area reducing pain and pressure discomfort.

Post-Surgical Healing: After any surgery, cosmetic or medically based, tissue may be swollen, sore, and in a state of shock which causes more fluid to pool the area.  Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle modality which can be applied very shortly after surgery to assist in draining tissue, reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow thereby shortening healing time. After some healing has occurred in the tissue MLD can be coupled with various Massage Techniques to assist in minimizing issues from scar tissue to help achieve and end result which provides more function, movement, and less fascial restriction.

General Detoxification:  During the winter months or periods of high stress Manual Lymph Drainage can help jump start you into a path of more activity and better self-care by providing an assist to help the body rid itself of stagnation caused by lack of movement and increased stress hormones. There are even techniques in the Chicly method of MLD which can help resist the tissues impact from stress.

Tendonitis:  Carpal Tunnel, Golfers Elbow, Rotator Cuff Inflammation, Tennis Elbow, Hip Bursitis, and many other tendons related inflammatory conditions can be dramatically assisted by incorporating MLD to a Massage Therapy Session. Providing movement in the waste system before massaging can prevent dumping stagnant waste build up in our muscles from entering an already overtaxed lymphatic system. By first cleaning out the main system, your session can lead to less soreness post massage, and a quicker recovery time from your issue.

Pregnancy:  At every stage of pregnancy to the moment one becomes pregnant to many months postpartum a woman’s body has almost 50 percent more blood and fluid volume than when not pregnant. Swelling especially in the legs and feet can cause pain, pressure, and MLD can help to minimize the effects on the body. Breast feeding can have its own set of issues with duct blockages, soreness, and inflammation where Lymph techniques can be of huge benefit. At UTB we also have Therapists who hold an additional endorsement in WA State to do Breast Massage. See “Services” above to learn more about different conditions helped by Breast Massage at our clinic.

Pre Surgical Prep:  Surgery causes strain on the body, from the anesthesia, to tissue disruption and introduction to excess fluids into tissues, Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be a vital tool in helping to prepare the body for the best possible outcome post-surgery, as well as the gentle technique can be of benefit by soothing the nervous system before the surgery date as well.

General Pain Relief: MLD stimulates parasympathetic response engaging vital functions of the skin, tissues, and internal organs. Pain relief can be achieved by blocking pain signals by stimulating a parasympathetic response. This modality is so relaxing you may also fall asleep!

Edema: Fluid retention in the body that cannot be removed effectively by our Lymphatic system for various reasons is called Edema. Edema can be caused by simple inactivity, air travel, or medical conditions like Congestive Heart Failure, Arthritic Conditions, Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue, Pregnancy, Cancer treatments and various Autoimmune Conditions.  MLD is an ideal modality to really assist the body by helping to support and clear stagnation which may be adding to strain on various systems already weakened by decreased ability to function. There are some contraindications however, if you suffer with kidney or heart conditions email Anne below to make sure that MLD would be indicated for your condition. If you are seeking Lymph care for Cancer related symptoms UTB does require a prescription from your overseeing Dr.  You may receive MLD during chemo or radiation with Dr. note.

Cosmetic Reasons: Inflammatory complexion issues like acne, or fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness around the eyes, and even old scarring can be reduced with MLD specifically for the face.

PTSD Massage Therapy

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be triggered by any event that an individual perceives to be scary, dangerous, and/or shocking. Just some of the significant traumas that can cause major PTSD symptoms to last for years include military combat, natural disasters, violent crime, sexual abuse, physical assault, and horrific accidents. While these examples may seem extreme, PTSD can occur from any instance where an individual is unable to fully deal with a traumatizing experience. In fact, studies reveal that approximately 70% of adults in the United States have experienced some type of trauma that could result in PTSD. Additionally, PTSD United indicates that around 24.4 million individuals are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder at any given time.

What are some of the common symptoms of PTSD?

• Chronic pain
• Fatigue
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Trouble sleeping
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• Intrusive thoughts
• Emotional detachment
• Anxiety
• Depression

While post-traumatic stress disorder can be a significant hindrance on an individual’s quality of life, the good news is that this condition tends to be responsive to massage therapy for many patients. There are also a few unique benefits of massage therapy for PTSD patients. The duty of a massage therapist is to provide human touch that is positive, kind, stimulating, and empowering. This can allow patients to feel comfortable and safe during the experience, two feelings that they have likely been struggling with.

During a massage treatment, tightness and trigger points in the patient’s muscles and tissues are addressed. This can help alleviate some of the pain that a PTSD patient has been experiencing. Additionally, by loosening things up and creating more flexibility for the patient, stress and anxiety can be lessened as well. One of the biggest advantages of using massage to treat post-traumatic stress disorder is that it helps to promote overall relaxation. In turn, this can have many positive impacts on individuals who are suffering from PTSD. Increased relaxation can result in more normal sleep patterns, less pain, and a more positive way of thinking.

Signs and Symptoms Continue:

• Hypervigilance (wariness of others) and hyperarousal (fight or flight response).
• Emotional absence and/or unresponsiveness.
• Avoidance of triggers that spring up memories of the trauma.
• Dreams, nightmares, insomnia.
• Difficulty in concentration.
• Irritability or outbursts of anger.
• Suicidal thoughts or gestures of self-destructive behavior.
• Exaggerated startle response or extreme ticklishness.
• Numbness or hypersensitivity to touch over parts or all of the body.
• Overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, fear, despair, shame, guilt, or self-hatred.
• Migrating symptoms of physical pain.
• Migraines, fibromyalgia, extreme myofascial tension.
• Disassociation from self, actions, or parts of the body.
• Loss of connection with spiritual aspects of life or the ability to imagine a positive future.
• Distorted relations with the perpetrator or others who remind the client of the perpetrator.

Drug & Alcohol Addiction Release Massage Therapy

During detox when the body is withdrawing from drugs or alcohol, most patients experience physical symptoms ranging from mild to severe, making the body uncomfortable or in pain. While the first few days and weeks are the most difficult, the rehabilitation period following detox is also a challenge as patients learn to manage their behaviors and emotions while still experiencing physical symptoms from time to time.

Massage is often a vital part of reducing stress, facilitating detoxification, easing pain, and increasing self-awareness, ultimately leading to more rapid, comfortable, and effective addiction recovery. During detox, the patient either stops using the substance or substances to which they are addicted or gradually reduces their dose (known as tapering) under medical supervision. This results in their body experiencing withdrawal, a painful, uncomfortable, and often terrifying series of symptoms ranging from cravings to hallucinations.

Massage therapy cannot cure addiction on its own, but a holistic  approach to healing with massage therapy to combat addiction can treat your mind, body and spirit as one. Many treatments focus on the mind, such as behavior therapy and group counseling. While these are helpful if the patient is willing and able to express themselves, therapeutic massage can be a pathway to work out inner tensions without any words.

Massage is an ancient practice that has been used in cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. Whether part of loving contact between partners, spiritual rituals, or formal medicinal practices, massage is a part of the long and rich history of human communication and healing. Today, massage therapy is gaining increased recognition within the addiction treatment community for its ability to ease physical and emotional distress, nurture the recovery process, and create profound personal transformation.

Burn Scar Rehabilitation Massage Therapy

When a burn occurs, the injury may take months to fully reveal itself in scarring and loss of mobility. Because burned skin needs special care, burn scar rehabilitation massage therapy is a highly effective tool for promoting skin rejuvenation. Soothing and restorative, this type of massage helps to keep burned skin soft and supple as it heals and helps burn victims to better function in their daily lives.

Once a burn scar has matured past the threat of shearing, or pulling away from healthy tissue, many doctors advise their patients to undergo burn scar massage therapy as a part of their recovery treatment plan. When performed at least once a day during the critical healing period, burn scar therapy combines gentle massage strokes, pressure, skin moisturizers and heat. The result is more flexible skin, less pain and itching and less noticeable scarring.

Burn rehabilitation massage therapy is effective in improving pain, pruritus, and scar characteristics in hypertrophic scars after burn as well as, decreasing after treatment in scar thickness, melanin, erythema, TEWL and improving skin elasticity, skin distensibility, immediate distension, immediate retraction, and delayed distension.

Combined with traditional medical treatment, burn scar massage therapy is an effective means to controlling the development of scar tissue and helping burn victims to heal more quickly. When combined with stretching, massage can make the scar looser, more comfortable, and improve range of motion.

Our understanding and compassion when working with people who are burn survivors comes from personal experience as we have had family members, including ourselves, who’ve been burned and know the healing process and great ordeal it takes to recover from a singular or multiple burn site injury. Our therapists, are Certified in Burn Scar Massage Therapy, and understand the delicate nature of burn scars and healing skin grafts after a burn injury, and are knowledgeable in their treatment to help reduce the possibility of contracture developing in the joints involved around the burn. We make every effort possible to work with your health care provider to give you the best care and outcome possible.

Sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the severity of your burn, the stage of your healed and healing skin graft(s) and the complexities involved in the healing process. Get the loving touch that you deserve.