Lymphatic Balancing
Lymphatic Balancing – also known as Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) – is a therapeutic form of massage that encourages soft-tissue mobilization, dramatically enhances lymph formation, and promotes drainage (movement) within the superficial and deep systems of the lymph vascular network.
Lymphedema happens when your tissues retain fluid left behind after your cardiovascular system sends blood to your tissues and organs.
The remaining fluid is called lymph. Normally, your lymphatic system collects your lymph and returns it to your heart via a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. When something disrupts your lymphatic system’s process, lymph collects in your arms and legs, making them swell.
Lymphedema affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, with cancer survivors being particularly susceptible. Survivors of head, neck and breast cancer are especially likely to suffer from some level of lymphedema.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic balancing massage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling in your tissues and effectively reduces traumatic and post-surgical edema. It’s important to use a massage therapist who has been specifically trained and certified in these techniques. Many massage therapists say they offer “lymph drainage”, but sometimes they’re not actually certified in the proper skills, so be sure to ask about their training and qualification.
Lymphatic Balancing can provide symptomatic relief of:
- • migraine headaches
- • fibromyalgia
- • rheumatoid arthritis
- • scleroderma
- • reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
- • chronic pain
- • chronic fatigue
- • stress, and more
It also induces general relaxation and detoxification, helps the immune system fight infections, reduces cellulite marks and decreases scar tissue.
It’s important to know that MLD has some specific contraindications (conditions you should not use MLD with):
- • any metastatic or systemic malignant condition
- • acute inflammation (caused by bacteria, viruses or foreign bodies)
- • any thrombosis at risk of causing embolism
Precautions are also required with any of the following conditions: chronic heart conditions; kidney failure; blood clots; active/current infections; edema following carcinoma treatment; thyroid dysfunction; chronic inflammation; bronchial asthma; hypotension; edema caused by cardiac decompensation; diabetes. If you’re unsure if MLD is an appropriate treatment for you, please ask your doctor. You can also message us and we’ll consult with one of our certified MLD massage therapists for you to see if they can provide direction, but, again, consulting with your doctor first is always the best course for medical advice.
☢️ Be please be aware that in order to ensure our therapists’ safety from cytotoxin exposure, we cannot provide treatment within 30 days of any form of chemotherapy.
Our Certified Lymphatic Drainage Specialists:
LYMPHATIC BALANCING
Simone Jaggers
Simone uses her light touch to work with the fluid bod, manually moving lymph to increase the rate of drainage, for better well being, and to clear edema. She enjoys helping people feel better and relaxed in the process. Lymph balancing is great for clearing out the old and welcoming the new. It is also great after injury, surgery, to relieve nerve pain and headaches.
Simone as a certified manual lymph drainage therapist (CMLDT) and can work with people experiencing Lymphadema stages 0 and 1, as well as people experiencing edema, or other conditions that cause swelling in the body. Simone can combine lymph balancing with craniosacral, myofascial release, nerve release or a massage, depending on session length and goals.
ADVANCED
LYMPHATIC BALANCING
Jessa Cosio
Jessa is a certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) helping individuals experiencing lymphedema manage their symptoms by providing manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercises, skin care and inflection prevention.
Along with self care tactics to improve overall well being. If you have already been diagnosed with lymphedema – and especially if you are experiencing stages 2-3 – or have a risk of developing lymphedema, Jessa can help manage your risks and symptoms for a happy and healthier life.
Before Your Session
There are some specific forms to complete prior to your Lymphatic Balancing session. You could do these on site at Oly Float if you arrive early, but we recommend printing them at home and bringing them with you as there is quite a bit of medical history for us to understand before treatment can begin.
Depending on your situation, massage of the chest area may be required to provide effective treatment, so we ask you to specify ahead of time, male or female, whether you consent to breast massage. This consent can be given for one session only or can be provided in perpetuity (continuously) with your chosen massage therapist and can be retracted at any time.
