Moving lymph is crucial, as the lymphatic system lacks a central pump, like the heart. This system relies entirely on physical movement, breathing, and muscle contractions to circulate. Proper movement prevents fluid stagnation, reduces swelling (lymphedema), and ensures efficient filtration of toxins, bacteria, and waste.
Care of Lipedema
My approach to the care of lipedema is customized to each individual case. Living with stage 3 lipedema has provided an understanding of the disease which cannot be taught, and that empathy guides my care.
My ultimate target is to support both the lymphatic and nervous systems while working to increase quality of life. In keeping with the current standard of care, myofascial release, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and cross friction, along with tools necessary to release scars and decrease fibrosis, are utilized and customized to different areas of the body, with focused attention on optimizing lymph movement.
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
Care of Lymphedema
Like lipedema, lymphedema management is lifelong and focused on reducing swelling, preventing infections, and managing discomfort. The gold standard for treatment is complete decongestive therapy. As with lipedema cases, supporting both the lymphatic and nervous systems is key. MLD and noninvasive scar tissue release are utilized to optimize lymph movement.
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
Myofascial release offers a restful, calming (cholinergic) response by relaxing fascia. This gentle, sustained pressure helps release built-up physical tension, and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The 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.
Add-On Services
Scar Release
Scars can restrict and bind fascia, influencing muscles and nerves — they can produce a straitjacket effect throughout the entire body. Scars can block the movement of circulation and energy, which interferes with health and wellness. Scars cause sympathetic nervous system upregulation and act as stress agonists, creating an environment for illness and chronic pain.
Scar release therapy is a specialized treatment designed to reduce pain, adhesions, and movement restrictions caused by scar tissue and frozen fascia. It utilizes targeted manual massage, myofascial release, or microcurrents to soften hardened tissues and improve circulation and lymphatic movement.
Lymphatic Taping
To boost lymph movement, lymphatic taping lifts the skin to improve lymphatic movement. Tape should be removed after two 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.
Vibroacoustic Therapy
MLD, massage, or reflexology sessions can be combined with vibroacoustic table therapy to enhance lymphatic movement.
