The lymphatic and fascial systems in the body are closely tied together.  Nina is certified in MLD by the Klose Institute (Vodder Method adapted from the Foeldi Clinic in Germany – accepted as the leading Lymphedema Therapy center in the world).

Lymphatic massage is a specialized form of moving soft tissue that enhances lymph formation and promotes drainage in the superficial and deep systems of the lymph vascular network.

Your lymphatic system transports proteins, fat, water and large molecules from your interstitium (between cells) back to your cardiovascular system.  Your lymph nodes and vessels comprise your lymphatic system but also your thymus, spleen, lymphocytes, peyers patches (in your small intestine) and tonsils comprise your lymphatic system.  There are 600-700 lymph nodes in the human body. Most of them are located in the abdomen but a large majority are also in the head and neck region, axilla (armpit) and inguinal (groin) areas.

Most nodes work in these groupings to ensure that bacteria, malignant cells don’t progress; they are like recycling stations as the lymph passes node to node.  They also produce or trigger lymphocytes – white blood cells – that are important to fight infection.  And nodes regulate the protein/water concentration in the lymphatic fluid.    This protein content is what sets apart lymphedema from plain edema (swelling say due to a sprained ankle).

If you’ve had a compromise to your lymphatic system, such as node(s) removed due to cancer or radiation therapy, MLD can help move the fluid along.  It’s very gentle and light (1-2 on a pressure scale of 5 being extremely deep) and can be used not just for areas with non-malignant lymphedema but as a treatment for oncology support (mastectomies, lymph node removal, radiation induced lymphedema), post elective surgery (lipo, BBL, abdominoplasty), post traumatic edema (e.g., sports injuries), migraine, headaches, tinnitus and chronic pain syndromes and auto-immune disorders (fibromyalgia, complex regional pain disorder, Raynauld’s disease).

MLD is intended to gently reroute lymph flow from and around areas that have been compromised and bring it back into the circulatory system. This treatment has a secondary positive effect on the fascial system while creating a pain relieving/analgesic response.

MLD is indicated for:

• Post elective surgery (lipo, BBL, abdominoplasty)
• Post surgical edema
• Oncology Support (lymph node removal, radiation adhesions, mastectomies)
• Sprain
• Whiplash
• Hematoma
• Palliative/Hospice Support
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Formerly RSD)
• Migraine
• Tinnitus

If you’re interested in Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage, ABK is located just outside of Worcester in the Chauncy Place Healing and Wellness Center. If you are seeking specialized therapies from a licensed and certified massage therapist, I am pleased to see you.