Sondra I offer several modalities for care of lymphedema and lipedema and bring a unique perspective to treatment as I’m also a stage 3 lipedema patient and have lived with several of the comorbidities involved with this disease. My focus is on supporting both the lymphatic and nervous systems and overall wellbeing, alongside education and self-care strategies. I utilize several techniques such as myofascial massage and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), customized to different areas of the body with focused attention on encouraging the lymphatic system.
3.4 Standard manual therapy for lipedema includes soft tissue mobilization to reduce pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal restrictions, and manual lymphatic drainage as part of an individualized comprehensive therapy program to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce edema.
3.5. Lipedema tissue should be mobilized deeper with myofascial release, other manual techniques, or instrument assisted soft tissue therapy to reduce fibrotic restrictions and improve the interstitial space while considering patient tolerance and tissue integrity. These therapies do not harm the lymphatic system.
— From the Standard of care for lipedema in the United States
Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a gentle modality designed to assist the natural movement of lymphatic fluid and focuses on the lymphatic system, located in the area between the skin and muscle. Utilizing the Vodder technique, MLD involves a very light touch that should never be painful. Carefully choreographed light strokes, gentle skin stretching, and a pumping action is used to direct lymph to improve its movement and drainage.
MLD is effective for lipedema and lymphedema, for preop and postop clients, and for detoxing and general health. MLD is also useful in healing from cosmetic surgery. MLD is often used with people who have had lymph nodes removed through surgery or treated with radiation in cancer treatment, which may put them at a risk for lymphedema. MLD also helps with sprains, other edema, hematomas, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Myofascial Release Therapy
For those interested in myofascial massage and a restful, calming (cholinergic) response, the relaxation-recovery massage is a gentle massage that releases tightness and pain in the myofascial tissues. Light strokes work with the lymphatic system, opening the collectors and working toward draining the system during the massage, with a focus is on releasing tension in the tissues.
“Myo” is muscle, and “fascial” refers to the connective tissue that covers and supports the muscles and other structures throughout your body. Myofascial release (MFR) uses gentle, sustained pressure to release restricted fascia, reducing tissue fibrosis, improving lymphatic flow, and lowering limb volume. The primary aim is to soften tissue, improve range of motion, and decrease limb volume to manage chronic swelling.
Reflexology
Foot Reflexology stimulates areas in the feet to increase the function of all body systems for greater optimal health. Reflexology has been found helpful in supporting the lymphatic system by stimulating reflex points on the feet (and hands) to encourage lymph flow, reduce swelling, and help the body detoxify, often providing relief for conditions like lymphedema and lipedema. There are areas on the feet correspond to the hypothalamus, pituitary and endocrine system. Gentle stimulation may support nervous system regulation and stress reduction, relaxation of the HPA axis (hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis), and overall wellbeing alongside other current medical care.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) is an award-winning protocol which stimulates reflex points in a unique sequence, following the principles of manual lymphatic drainage but applying them to the feet or hands. This method assists with lymphedema and lipedema and has been used in lieu of whole-body manual lymphatic drainage treatments. RLD treatments are beneficial for those without medical insurance coverage, those wanting to remain dressed during treatments, those seeking an alternative to MLD, and those wanting a boost in health.
Scar Release
For treating fibrosis that accompanies both lipedema and lymphedema and for scars which impede lymph movement, I will be offering scar release in the near future.
Add-On Services
To boost lymph movement, therapeutic lymphatic taping lifts the skin to improve lymphatic movement. Tape should be removed after three days to preserve skin integrity or removed if experiencing itching or redness, as this indicates a reaction to the adhesive. Remove the tape slowly, ideally while wet in the shower or by using oil/lotion to break down the adhesive.
To boost parasympathetic response, vagal nerve stimulation can be added, which utilizes the Dolphin Neurostim device.
MLD, massage, or reflexology sessions can be combined with vibroacoustic table therapy to enhance lymphatic movement.
