Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (Vodder Method)
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
A gentle, rhythmic form of massage designed to increase the movement of lymph in the body. This technique was developed by Dr. Emil and Estrid Vodder in 1932. It is the most well-known manual technique for aiding lymphatic drainage.
The Lymphatic System consists of lymph vessels and several organs, all of which contain lymphatic tissue. It is part of the immune system; it also helps to eliminate toxic or waste material from the body. Some key functions of the lymphatic system are:
- Returns protein and water to the cardiovascular system and helps maintain fluid balance in the body
- Absorbs protein, fat and fat soluble vitamins
- It is part of the body’s immune system and responds to foreign cells, microbes and cancer cells
- The lymphatic system produces white blood cells which are activated by contact with viruses and bacteria, and foreign particles in the lymph fluid. Once activated, they form antibodies and start to defend the body.
The lymphatic system relies on lymphatic vessels to collect and transport lymph fluid to the bloodstream. These vessels are distributed throughout our body even in the brain, as was discovered in a recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2015. Lymph fluid is directed to the lymph nodes where they are filtered. Lymph nodes are found primarily in the neck, the armpits, the abdomen, the groin area, and behind the knees.
General Effects of Manual Lymph Drainage:
- Soothing effect – the light pressure of the strokes promotes a parasympathetic response i.e., takes you out of the fight or flight mode
- Analgesic effect – helps to reduce pain by closing the “gates” which normally allow pain signals to reach the brain
- Decongests the tissues and restores them to normal tissue condition
- It helps accelerate the transportation of bacteria and allergens to the lymph nodes where white blood cells can destroy them and protect the body
- Increase of lymphatic drainage of fluids
Technique:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage encompasses 4 basic techniques with the key technique or stroke being predominantly a circular stretching of the skin. The pressure is generally very light and gentle but can vary depending on the types of tissue being worked on. These techniques are designed to increase the movement of lymph and interstitial fluid and mimic the movement or flow of the lymph. They are performed directly over the skin. The lymphatic system relies on the pumping of the heart and activities such as walking (exercises) to help move lymph. Manual lymph drainage massage creates a pumping effect to help move or direct lymph towards the lymph nodes.
Contraindications:
Despite the many benefits of this modality, there are certain conditions that would not be indicated for receiving this treatment. General contraindications (concerning the entire body) are:
- Acute cellulitis – inflammation of the skin
- Untreated congestive heart failure (cardiac edema)
- Acute untreated deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
- Fever
- Metastatic or malignant disease (Therapist would need to work with treating physician)
Neck Treatments (all general contraindications plus):
- Cardiac arrhythmia (ex. A-V block, a vagal stimulus may cause cardiac arrest)
- Hyperthyroidism (risk of additional thyroid hormones could be introduced into blood circulation)
- Patients with a history of or risk of Arteriosclerosis and clients over 60 (risk of embolism caused by arteriosclerotic plaque)
Abdominal Treatments (All general contraindications plus):
- If trying to get pregnant
- Radiation fibrosis, R. colitis, R. cystitis (R = radiation)
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulitis and diverticulosis (small and large intestines)
- Liver cirrhosis (portal venous hypertension)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (even following surgical repair)
- Unexplained Pain (because we do not know what the underlying problem is)
- Implanted devices (e.g., drains, feeding tubes, colostomy bags, morphine pumps any implanted device, mesh implants, etc.)
- Others (hernias, cysts, inflammation “itis”, etc.)
More precautions are required for the following:
- Renal Dysfunction (kidney disease) – a doctor’s note would be required for MLD treatment
- Chronic inflammation
- Bronchial asthma
- Hypotension
- Diabetes
Consideration for clients with post deep venous thrombosis (DVT):
Clients with a history of DVT and those at risk for an episode will be treated with extra caution. The location and length of time will impact the treatment approach for each client. A physician referral and/or verbal ok should always be obtained and presented to the Massage Therapist prior to the lymphatic massage. If approved by the treating doctor, it is generally safe for a client to receive MLD 6 months after the last acute episode if the DVT was in the lower extremities (i.e., the legs).
If the DVT was in the abdomen, pelvic area, or if an inferior vena cava filter was inserted to trap blood clots, the therapist will avoid deep pressure to the abdomen during MLD.
*No deep pressure will be given to clients receiving anticoagulant drugs such as Warfarin (COUMADIN)
BRM Revised Policies & Procedures
At Balsam Rose Massage, our intention is to provide our clients with a professional and therapeutic session. The following revised policies and procedures serve as a guide for all clients of Balsam Rose Massage. The following are the current operating policies:
CLIENT PAYMENT POLICIES
Beginning January 1, 2021, a valid credit card will be required to be on file in order to book your services, no matter the payment method used to purchase the massage services.
A non-refundable deposit of $35 will be required to reserve the appointment. The deposit will be credited toward the service on the day of the appointment. Balance is due on the day service was rendered. IF THE DEPOSIT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 24HRS OF SCHEDULING, THE APPOINTMENT WILL BE CANCELLED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Prepaid Services: All pre-paid services are non-refundable. However, a client may choose to apply the credit towards the use of other services offered.
Payment for service is due at the end of the day on the day of service.
All Events require a 20% deposit to schedule services.
- If paying by ACH draft, the draft must be received 48 hours prior to your scheduled services.
- Late payments for events are subject to a $50 late fee after the first 24 hours, and a $50 fee for every 30 days thereafter.
Acceptable Forms of Payment: Credit Card, Cash, ZellePay, Venmo (@Guinia-Annel), PayPal (Balsam Rose Massage), ApplePay. No Checks Please
ARRIVAL TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please arrive 10-15min before your scheduled appointment. This allows time for a brief consultation with the therapist and ensures you enjoy a relaxed and unhurried experience. If late arrival is inevitable, your service(s) will be shortened to keep on schedule. No full or partial refunds will be given.
LATE ARRIVAL POLICY
To ensure timely service to each client, we will abbreviate or reschedule your service if you arrive 15 minutes or more past your scheduled appointment.
NO SHOW POLICY
Clients who fail to show up for appointments will not be given a refund. It is important that the practitioner be compensated for the reserved time. The credit card on file will be assessed for the full amount of the scheduled service.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
No additional fee will be charged for any service is canceled or modified by the client for inclement weather if the event is rescheduled for a future date. We reserve the right to cancel an event in the case of inclement weather if it jeopardizes the safety of our practitioners.
CANCELLATION/MODIFICATION POLICY
24-Hour advance notice is required for rescheduling and cancellation of services. If 24-hrs advance notice is not given, the deposit will be forfeited and future appointments will require another $35 deposit fee. We are happy to reschedule your appointment and apply your deposit towards a future appointment if 24-hr advance notice is given.
Corporate clients must provide at least 72 hours’ notice to reschedule, cancel, or modify an appointment; weekends do not count toward the 72-hour notice policy.
- If 72-hours advance cancellation notice is not given, but the cancellation notice is given with more than 24 hours advance notice, a 50% fee will be charged to your credit card. Full refunds will not be given.
Cancellations or appointment modifications with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full fee for services. No refunds will be provided for deposits or cancellations received less than 24 hours before a scheduled appointment.
We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals who are showing outward signs of illness, intoxication, or recreational drug use.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
The massage practitioner is a licensed professional and holds to the highest standards of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals for professional massage services.
Massage Therapy is a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.
Massage therapists do not diagnose or prescribe for medical conditions. The massage therapist is required to refer you for diagnosis and to follow the recommendations of your physician.
RESPECT FOR CLIENT NEEDS & BOUNDARIES
The massage therapist will adjust pressure, musical volume, work longer on an area or move on upon request. The client may choose to refuse any massage methods, stop the massage at any time, and is free to leave.
PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
Requests for sexual activity of any kind will not be tolerated, will be viewed as solicitation, and reported to the proper authorities. The client will not be rescheduled if this occurs.
The genital area will not be massaged under any circumstances. A professional distance will be maintained from these areas.
Sexual interaction or discussion of any kind between the client and the practitioner is NEVER appropriate.
CONFIDENTIALITY & CONVERSATION
The discussion between the practitioner and the client is confidential. The client may or may not choose to talk during the session.
We are happy to listen to your conversation and share our professional advice. We prefer to not discuss topics of political, private, or sexual nature.
EXISTING & NEW MEDICAL CONDITIONS
It is the responsibility of the client to keep the practitioner informed of any medical treatment(s) currently being taken and to provide written permission from the physician/surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc., for continued massage treatments.
The client must also keep the massage therapist informed of any changes in their health.
If you have any questions about this information, please contact Balsam Rose Massage at 972-837-5260.
Body Sculpting with WoodSculpt
WoodSculpt or Wood Therapy is a non-invasive, painless, body sculpting technique in which wooden tools are used to contour the body. There are many forms of Wood Therapy. It was developed in Asia and used for therapeutic purposes. The technique was adopted by Columbian beauty professionals who went on to create different types of wood therapy tools and techniques. WoodSculpt, as performed at Balsam Rose Massage, is the trademark of PureSculpt Beauty and is derived from Wood Therapy.
WoodSculpt activates the production of elastin or collagen, thereby toning and firming the skin. Each wooden instrument has a specific function and its application is particular to the area of the body being worked (such as the arms, legs, abdomen, etc). For example, the barrel roller stimulates circulation and activates the lymphatic system. It allows for intensive work on the hypodermis, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite; whereas the paddle roller warms up the tissue and is perfect for small areas like the waist, hips, and legs, etc. WoodSculpt helps diminish cellulite while toning the body and face. It activates the lymphatic system and smooths out unwanted bulges, leaving the skin smooth. Clients are able to see visible improvements after one session.
Contraindications for Wood Therapy:
- Medical diuretics, hernias, pregnancy (ok after 6 weeks post-delivery), breastfeeding (Wood Therapy can spike milk production or decrease it as well)
After the treatment, clients may experience the following:
- Some redness of the skin due to the increased blood flow to the area(s) worked during the session
- Frequent urination, bowel movement
- Symptoms of detox such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, bloating, cramping, gas, and soreness
- Clients will also experience reduced pain, inflammation, and increased energy levels
Balsam Rose Health & Safety Protocol
Please read carefully!
Personal Protective Equipment
Everyone is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) upon entry into the building and during the entirety of the massage session. If you forgot to bring one, please call or text me and I will provide one to you. Hand sanitizer will be available at the elevator as well as inside the treatment room. Your therapist will be wearing a face mask and face shield. *Gloves are available for use if a client prefers to be massaged with gloves*
Infection Prevention
The office is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Housekeeping vacuums the space and changes the trash at the end of each day. I will be disinfecting the room, hard surfaces, and equipment with Lysol (wipes & spray for the air) and Alcohol. High-touch surfaces will be disinfected after every session. The massage table, face cradle, and pillows are covered with waterproof covers that will be sanitized after each session. All linens used during a massage session will be placed in the laundry bin for washing. Fresh linens, including blankets, will be used for each massage appointment. The therapist performing the massage will wear a clean apron for each session. A no-touch thermometer will be used to measure client temperatures. An Intake will be conducted on the day of the massage appointment that includes COVID-19 questions prior to the massage appointment.
Air Quality
A new HEPA Air Purifier has been placed in the office to clean the air. It will clean the air in this size office within 30min. Lysol Disinfecting spray will also be on hand to help clean the air.
Health Screening
All clients are advised to take their temperature in the morning prior to coming in for their scheduled massage. If there is a change in your health status please cancel or reschedule the massage session, no cancellation fee will be assessed. Temperatures will be taken with a touchless thermometer during the health screening prior to beginning the session. Services will not be provided to anyone presenting a fever (99.6+). Clients will be required to wash their hands prior to the massage session.
Clinic Appointments will be spaced 30 minutes apart to allow for proper cleaning and sanitizing between sessions. The office has two waiting areas. Upon arrival, clients will be greeted by the receptionist and shown to a waiting area. The receptionist will notify me of your arrival, and I will come to collect each client for their session. Clients may choose to notify me of their arrival and wait in their vehicle until their scheduled appointment time. I will let them know when I am ready to receive them for their session so there is no wait time in the waiting areas. I recommend this option to minimize contact with others.
Acceptable Methods of Payment
To comply with state and local guidance standards regarding COVID-19, Balsam Rose Massage is requiring contactless payments and paperwork to be digitally submitted to encourage minimal contact. The following are acceptable forms of payment:
Square Contactless Card Reader (in-house)
Venmo (@Guinia-Annel)
ZellePay (guinia@balsamrose.com)
ApplePay (972-837-5260)
PayPal (guinia@balsamrose.com) or paypal.me/BalsamRoseMassage
If you have a massage membership, your account will be deducted according to the agreed schedule from your card on file. Any gratuity can be sent via the payment options above.