Manual Lymphatic Drainage

What exactly IS manual lymphatic drainage and why do you need it? Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle manual therapy using a light, skin-stretching technique that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid. It should not be confused with traditional massage. MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. It helps open the lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics. Clients who respond very favorably to manual lymph drainage include those with post-traumatic and post-surgical swelling (also known as edema). Swelling from a soft-tissue injury- and this includes surgery- causes significant discomfort and pain and slows the healing process. Post-surgical clients who especially benefit from manual lymph drainage massage include those recovering from cosmetic surgeries such as face-lifts, breast augmentation, and liposuction and orthopedic surgeries such as joint repair or replacement. Manual lymph drainage massage is incredibly effective in reducing swelling even before appropriate muscle movement and function can be restored. In addition, improved lymph flow helps eliminate waste products and inflammatory mediators from injured tissue. This leads to less pain, reduced scar tissue formation and faster healing overall. Manual lymph drainage massage is also very effective in a variety of autoimmune disorders where regular massage can be contraindicated, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. The most significant benefits of manual lymph drainage massage for these clients are a decrease in hypersensitivity and pain. In many of these clients, manual lymph drainage can also promote a more restful sleep pattern and less overall fatigue.

Manual lymph drainage massage also assists with stimulating the parasympathetic response in the body, so it’s indicated in situations where the nervous system has been compromised, such as with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. These clients will benefit from general stress reduction and enhanced immune function.

Over the last decade, manual lymph drainage has come to be recognized for its profound benefits to oncology clients immediately after surgery and later during their ongoing recovery period. MLD reduces edema, helps control pain, relieves constipation caused by pain medications, provides general relaxation, reduces stress and improves sleep. Due to the complexity of treatment and care for oncology patients, MLD therapists may need to coordinate with their client’s physician.

Oncology clients who have undergone lymph node removal as part of their cancer treatment often develop a very specific swelling called lymphedema caused by localized damage to the lymphatic circulatory system. While a manual lymph drainage practitioner is able to address simple, medically uncomplicated lymphedema, more complex clients—especially those with additional medical issues—should be referred to a physician or certified lymphedema specialist.

60 minutes is $60; packages of 2 or more sessions are recommended and available

Cupping

Did you immediately envision huge red or purple marks all over your body? You might be thinking of the more traditional way of doing cupping. Cupping uses vacuum suction (negative pressure) to decompress soft tissues, unlike massage, in which soft tissues are manually compressed (positive pressure). The cups can be glass, wood, earthenware or silicone. River Lily Massage uses silicone cups and a gliding techniques that does not leave the familiar red/purple “hickeys”.

How does it feel?

Cupping is very relaxing and generally not uncomfortable.  The sensation that is experienced is a pulling of the skin as the cup is moved in a rolling fashion.  Redness or a feeling of warmth is usually experienced after the release of the cup due to increased blood flow to the area. 

Who can benefit?

Almost anyone can benefit from cupping.  It is used to treat lack of mobility, tight muscles, scars and many diagnoses like headaches, tendinitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and release of trigger points.

What to expect after treatment?

Mild soreness is to be expected from the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissue, but less soreness than a deep tissue massage.  The treated area may be reddened temporarily but this will fade quickly. Physical exertion and heat are not recommended after the treatment.

The benefits of cupping are:

• Release scar tissue and fascial adhesions

• Reduce painful trigger points

• Improve circulation, blood and lymph circulation

• Relieve pain

• Promote mobility and range of motion

• Improves mature scars

  60 minutes is $60; packages of 2 or more treatments are recommended and available.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. These predefined pressure points are reputed to connect directly, through the nervous system, to the body’s organs and glands. It promotes healing and relaxation by stimulating the nerves in the body and encouraging the flow of blood to these areas. There are several studies that indicate reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety, and can enhance relaxation and sleep. It is, for this reason, highly recommended for people who suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic pain.

*For women who may suspect they are, or are pregnant, reflexology has traditionally been avoided- there are reports that reflexology stimulation (especially of the ankles) may cause contractions, however, there is no evidence or plausible mechanism to support this claim. If your obstetrician has not restricted you from normal activities due to complications, and there are no other health concerns, there is no reason for you to avoid this relaxing and nurturing therapy. In fact, there are multiple studies that note the link between maternal mood and fetal development, with a number of studies suggesting a link between maternal stress during pregnancy and later cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems in the child (Ven den Bergh et. al., 2004). Cookson (2009) found a “relationship between maternal anxiety during pregnancy and increased likelihood of asthma in children”. The bottom line? If you suspect you may be pregnant, or if you are under the care of an obstetrician, let your doctor know you are contemplating reflexology and ask if he/she has any objections.

45 minutes is $40; treatment can be combined with manual lymphatic drainage (for those swollen ankles and feet!)

Infrared/red-light therapy

This is our newest therapy! Infrared light therapy was- believe it or not- developed in the 1980’s by NASA scientists to grow plants in space. It was found, subsequently, to benefit the astronauts conducting the science experiments! Further ongoing research has found that infrared therapy can reduce muscle tension and enhance healing of muscle injuries (such as strains) by improving circulation and boosting the immune system response. For my health geeks out there, infrared light increases the production of nitric oxide- this molecule helps relax the arteries and prevents blood from clotting and clumping. It also combats free radicals, which helps prevent oxidative stress and regulate blood pressure. Specifically, nitric oxide is essential in improving blood circulation, providing more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues. Infrared light also improves the action of the mitochondria within cells. This enhances the growth and repair of new cells and tissues, therefore speeding up wound healing, reducing inflammation and pain. Are there any downsides? Well, yes. The red light therapy pod I use uses a combination of red light plus heat. You really need to tell me if you feel too warm, lightheaded, or dizzy!

Please note: you will need to undress fully for the full-body infrared therapy- the infrared light cannot penetrate through clothing