Supplemental Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Lymphedema Maintenance
Have you completed a course of lymphedema treatment but wish you could continue receiving manual lymphatic drainage?
Are you looking for additional hands-on support alongside the care you already receive?
Perhaps you've been discharged from your lymphedema therapist but miss the hands-on component of treatment. Maybe you're currently working with a lymphedema therapist and would appreciate additional MLD sessions between appointments. You may have established a self-management routine but want occasional hands-on support, or you may be curious about experiencing different approaches to manual lymphatic drainage. Perhaps your experience with lymphedema has also sparked a broader interest in your lymphatic system and lymphatic health.
Whatever brings you here, you may appreciate working with someone who has specialized training and experience in lymphedema and can bring that knowledge to your supplemental manual therapy sessions.
At Ripple Wellness, I offer individualized, cash-pay manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for people who want additional hands-on care alongside their established lymphedema management plan. These sessions provide an opportunity to continue receiving manual therapy outside your regularly scheduled medical care, whether you're interested in occasional maintenance sessions, additional hands-on support, or experiencing a different approach to lymphatic manual therapy.
Specialized Knowledge, Individualized Hands-On Care
My background as an occupational therapist and LANA-certified lymphedema therapist informs my understanding of lymphatic anatomy and manual therapy. My training includes several approaches to lymphatic manual therapy, including Vodder, D'Ambrosio, and the Chikly Method. I also have training in manual lymphatic mapping, which uses gentle palpation to explore the direction of superficial lymphatic flow and identify potential drainage pathways.
Different manual therapy approaches offer different ways of thinking about the lymphatic system and approaching hands-on care. Depending on your individual circumstances, goals, and the techniques appropriate for you, I may draw from different approaches to personalize your session. If you've received MLD before and are curious about experiencing a different approach, we can discuss your previous experience and what you're hoping to explore.
Why I Offer Supplemental Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Throughout my work as a lymphedema therapist, the hands-on manual therapy component of complete decongestive therapy was always my favorite part of the treatment process. I loved the opportunity to slow down, focus on the individual, and devote time to the nuanced work of manual therapy.
I also encountered people who wanted to continue receiving MLD after completing a course of treatment or who wanted additional sessions beyond what their insurance covered. I found myself referring people elsewhere for the very part of treatment I most enjoyed providing, simply because their desire for continued hands-on care didn't always fit within the structure of traditional, medically directed treatment or the scope of my role as an occupational therapist in a hospital system.
Eventually, I realized I could create another option. That realization helped inspire Ripple Wellness: a practice where I could dedicate more time to individualized manual therapy and offer supplemental MLD to people who want additional hands-on support alongside their established lymphedema management plan.
An Important Distinction: What This Service Is—and Isn't
Ripple Wellness is not a lymphedema clinic. This service does not provide comprehensive or medically directed lymphedema management. Instead, supplemental MLD is a cash-pay wellness service for people seeking additional hands-on manual therapy alongside their existing care.
These sessions do not replace medical assessment, complete decongestive therapy when indicated, prescribed compression, garment fitting, clinical monitoring, or treatment of lymphedema-related complications. If you're currently receiving lymphedema care, I encourage you to continue working with your healthcare providers and following your established management plan.
Appointments are offered separately from medically directed lymphedema care. Payment is due at the time of service, and sessions are not billed to health insurance.
For your safety, new or worsening swelling, signs of infection, open wounds, or other unexplained medical concerns should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare provider before pursuing supplemental manual therapy. We'll discuss your relevant health history, current management routine, and goals before scheduling to determine whether this service is an appropriate fit.
Is Supplemental MLD Right for You?
Whether you're looking to continue receiving hands-on care after completing treatment, explore different approaches to manual lymphatic drainage, or simply have another option for supplemental support, I'd be happy to talk with you.
If you're ready to schedule a session, you can view availability and book your lymphatic drainage appointment online. If you'd like to learn more before scheduling, you're welcome to book a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation to ask questions, discuss your goals, and determine whether Ripple Wellness is the right fit for your needs.
Additional hands-on care, thoughtfully provided, alongside the care you already receive.