Welcome to Opal Massage and Wellness, where I specialize in integrative massage therapy and manual lymphatic drainage designed to enhance recovery, manage pain, and treat edema in all its forms. 

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Massage Therapy

 

Experience a customized massage tailored to your individual preferences. I utilize a range of techniques, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Positional Release, Myofascial, cupping, Oncology massage, Sports massage, Trager, and Craniosacral therapy. Whether you desire relaxation or focused relief, I provide options to create a holistic approach to support your body's natural healing process and well-being. I offer 60/75/90 minute sessions.

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Manual Lymphatic Drainage

 

Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a unique method developed in France in the 1930s. Lymph drainage (MLD) is not "massage" per say. Massage implies kneading and MLD is rather a set of specific hand techniques that use a gentle, skin-stretching (torquing) motion that works directly with the skin to stimulate transport of the lymphatic fluid that sits just below the surface. MLD is coupled with deep breathing techniques called diaphragmatic breathing to help open the deep lymphatic pathways. 

 

MLD has been shown to increase lymphatic flow by up to 20x, and it'll stay elevated for up 24-48 hours. It's so deeply relaxing, nurturing, and *powerful*. This is a gentle, non-invasive treatment has a powerful effect on the body. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage is intended to stimulate the lymphatic system by releasing blockages and assisting the natural circulation required for the elimination of metabolic waste, excess fluids, and bacteria from the body. Soon after your massage, you likely “perk up” and your sense of physical and emotional well-being improves.

 

I offer both 60 minute and 90 minute sessions of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

60 minute MLD sessions are for those looking for either a whole body or head/neck/face manual lymphatic drainage session, or for those clients with Lymphedema that are in the "maintenance phase" and in need of a session to help manage swelling or as a part of a post-op treatment plan.

90 minute MLD sessions are for first time Lymphedema/cancer and post-op clients. I will spend time going over your health history, take measurements and discuss garments if needed, go over a treatment plan that works for you, and allow at least 60 minutes of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

90 minute sessions are also for those wanting a combination of MLD and regular massage or for those just wanting a longer MLD session.

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MLD can beneficial for:                                                                                                   ​

• Autoimmune Conditions

• Mold/Heavy Metal Toxicities

• Lyme Disease

• Nervous System Dysregulation

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Alzheimers

• Parkinsons

• Trauma (Emotional or Physical)

• Lipedema/Lymphedema

• Cancer

• Swollen Lymph Nodes

• Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Varicose Veins

• Gastrointestinal Issues

• Menopause/Hormonal

• Pre/Postpartum

• Migraines

• Endometriosis/Pelvic Pain

 

Benefits of Post Surgical MLD​

• Expedites Healing

• Reduces swelling

• Reduces the development of scar tissue

• Decreases the risk of infections

• Offers powerful pain relief

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​Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Safe For Me?

 

For most individuals, yes, but let's talk contraindications, because an increase in lymph flow may not be beneficial for your body, and could exacerbate your condition or symptoms. 

 

Absolute Contraindications:

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• ​Acute Inflammation- Typically caused by bacteria or viruses. Example: streptococcus or staphylococcus causing cellulitis or erysipelas. Tissue that is red, hot, painful, congested, and accompanied by a fever is not suitable to receive this treatment during this time.​​

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)- If you are unmedicated or if edema is due solely to cardiac failure/cardiac edema you are unable to receive MLD.

• ​Renal Failure- This is relative to the severity of your disease. I can only see clients with compromised kidney function with *written physician approval. MLD is a powerful diuretic and will tax renal function temporarily. Your kidneys must be strong enough to receive treatment safely.​

• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)- This is only during the acute phase. MLD is beneficial for post-thrombotic syndrome edema management.

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Relative Contraindications/Precautions:  **Disclose prior to the start of your session

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• Malignant Lymphedema- This is when lymphedema is being caused by active cancer. Lymphedema therapists routinely treat patients with active cancer however, in such cases, MLD and CLT are considered palliative care and should only be employed as an adjunct to cancer management strategies. Please submit *written physician approval.

• Bronchial Asthma- MLD stimulates your vagus nerve and can (rare, but possible) bring on an attack. Bring your inhaler with you to your appointment.​

• Pregnancy- MLD is great for pregnancy but your session must be tailored to you and baby's needs. 

• Hyperthyroidism- If you're on medication for hyperthyroidism, MLD could metabolize your medication quickly, sending a flood of hormones into your cardiovascular system. We simply need to adjust our treatment to meet your body's needs.

• Hypersensitive Carotid Sinus- We want to avoid causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rhythm. We will just avoid your carotid sinus.

• Cardiac Arrhythmia- I'll just avoid your neck

• Menstruation- I just wont work as deeply in your abdomen.

• Recent Abdominal Surgeries- We'll opt for some diaphragmatic breathing vs. working deeply in your abdomen.​​​​

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA)- Current or history or surgical repair, let me know. We can modify.​​

• Clients 60 And Over- We want to be careful about mobilizing any plaque that may have accumulated in your arteries, so I will be gentle around your neck.

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​  Still not sure if MLD is right for you? I'm here to answer any questions you may have!

 

*Please submit written physician's approval to: opalmassageandwellness@gmail.com

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The Lymphatic System (a brief lesson)

 

Between the pathways, tissues, and organs that make up the lymphatic system, it touches nearly EVERY other system in your body. It really is the coolest and most important system you’ve got, and for good reason! It rids the body of intercellular waste, fights off disease and viruses, and helps to maintain balanced hydration levels throughout. It’s basically your immune system, and it’s great at recycling. Once lymph (the clear fluid that flows through the system) has been cleaned and filtered, it’s returned to the cardiovascular system as plasma, the liquid component of your blood. From there, waste can be processed through the liver and kidneys and excreted from the body via urine or feces.

 

Your lymphatic system has no central pump, not like the heart has for the cardiovascular system. That task is left to muscle activation from our daily movements and breath, the neighboring pulses of arteries and veins, and special muscles that line the walls of your lymphatic pathways. Along with a few key organs like the spleen and tonsils, the lymphatic system is armed with approximately 600-700 lymph nodes stationed around the body, often found in clusters near major joints like the shoulders, hips, and knees. These nodes filter the lymphatic fluid and create cells to fight off disease. If your lymph system is slow or obstructed, it impacts how you feel throughout the day.

 

What is Lymphedema?

 

The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting protein-rich lymph fluid back into the circulatory system. When lymph vessels are unable to transport this fluid properly, a build-up occurs, resulting in swelling and the thickening of the skin.

Lymphedema is a highly under-diagnosed disease that affects the lymphatic vessels. 

 

Primary lymphedema is genetic, resulting from lymph nodes or vessels that either aren't adequately developed or are missing altogether. If you have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation treatment, lymph node removal, surgeries, infections, trauma or chronic venous insufficiency to your limbs, you may be at risk for developing secondary lymphedema. Lymphedema is a life long condition that can be managed through MLD, compression garments/bandaging, compression pumps, and exercises.

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