Does anybody here specialize in lymph drainage?

[Pompal 09.]

I am curious about lymph drainage technique. Does anybody here specialize in this? I am interested in the pros and cons of practiing this modality. I am looking at many modalities that ulilize lighter pressure and this is one that I am very interested in.

 

[YooHoo]

Peace - I don't, but I took a weekend class in it, and the teacher specializes in it. She did some work for a plastic surgeon, doing pre- and post-surgery work to prevent fluid retention and aid healing, as well as work with clients who had had mastectomies and struggled with lymphedema. She said the demand for MLD related to surgeries (she also mentioned orthopedic work, such as joint replacements, etc) is growing, but I don't have any specific numbers to support it.

I'm keeping that in the back of my mind as an option to specialize in for "lighter pressure work", but right now, I'm really enjoying working with my seniors!

 

[Elliott N]

Hi Peace,

I have taken the first two Vodder courses. I have the final 14 day course to take before I am certified. I would research the Vodder courses if you have not already. Vodder training is extensive and is well respected training in the world of MLD.

I am not practicing MLD so I cannot comment on the pluses and minuses of practicing.

I will tell you I work at a day spa and have had one request from a woman who had moved from Canada. I was in touch with the spa that she once went to up in Canada before she moved and found that the massage therapist there had started practicing MLD and that it now makes up 50% of her practice.

It is amazing how MLD can of course assist lymphedema, help those with chronic illness deal with lymph sluggishness, etc... however the woman from Canada that I spoke to would use it to help keep her complexion clear and made it a regular practice with her facials. She said the MLD would stop a break out in its tracks.

So interesting. I cannot wait to take my last Vodder course but getting the time off for me is difficult.

Good luck and I hope you get some posts from people who are practicing MLD.

I think the biggest challenge with this work is the education of clients as to the benefits.

 

[Gray area]

Hi there! I specialize in Oncology Massage, but I am in the process of taking advanced classes through Upledger and use LDT all the time! I love it. It helps an amazing array of pathology.

Blisss should chime in soon. Most of her practice is LDT and she is passionate and eloquent about this modality. She's an incredible source of information.

Vita

 

[rockability]

Hi Peace4all,

I specialize in LDT & absolutely love it. I do this modality by itself, and also in combination with traditional massage therapy. LDT has a relaxation effect on the body, so muscle tension simply melts when you combine it with massage. I took my training through Upledger, and I highly recommend their training program:

http://www.iahe.com/html/therapies/ldt.jsp

They teach how to tune into the lymphatic flow, feeling both the rhythm & direction. It makes the work very beautiful to both give & receive, and very effective, since you can feel & correct abnormalities easily.

There are many ways to use this work. Lymphedema is the most common medical use. Pre/post surgery's also wonderful. The same goes for pre/post dental. However, in my practice I focus on more general wellness: detox, immune system boosting, and helping the body heal from a wide range of conditions (eczema, bells palsy, fibromyalgia, arthritis, healing from injuries, chronic sinus congestion, TMJ, etc.) The potential list of applications is endless. Some conditions are healed altogether; for others, the work eliminates much of the pain & discomfort association with chronic conditions.

If you want to simply use it for typical massage goals of pain & tension relief, it works for that too. In LDT 1, you'll learn the basics, and if you start your massages with 15 minutes of LDT, the massage that follows will be so much easier, because a great deal of the tension will already have disappeared. Later, in LDT 3, you'll learn specific techniques for treating trigger points, muscle tension, scars & restricted fascia with LDT. The technique is always gentle, yet so effective it feels like magic.

Can you tell I love it? I hope you will, too!

P.S. Vita, you're a sweetie! Thanks for the compliments!

 

[Irish Girl]

Thanks all! Great information. I am very interested!!

 

[Teresa]

Hi Peace,

I don't specialize in lymphatice drainage, but took LDT1 from Upledger, and highly recommend it. I use the techniques I learned in LDT1 in most of my massages. It is great for reducing inflamation in order to get into the muscles without causing pain. It is also great for reducing sinus congestion and headaches.

I am waiting for LDT2 to come to my area so I can learn more.

 

[scruffycat]

Add me to the list of interested therapists wanting to learn this modality. I was intending on taking Upledger's Lymph Drainage I in my area, a couple of times, but I had to be out of town. It is offered in Sept. in Hartford, and I may try for that one.

Does anyone know about ACOLS (Academy of Lymphatic Studies)? They offer all of the training at once. The above posters seem to lean toward Upledger - just wondering the pros and cons of each.

 

[northernredneck65]

I did a paper on MLD while in school. My friend Margie - RN & therapist with over 20 years experience in massage actually worked with Dr. Chikly on MLD in Florida. In comparing Vodder & Chikly's documentation, I prefer Chikly's. He authored a very comprehensive text book and has DVD's also available (the DVD's are dissection). I have the Vodder text as well. The Vodder text was not nearly as comprehensive and orderly. The illustrations in Chikly's text were more like a medical journal - Vodder - comic book like.

I am taking the Upledger/Chikly method next week in Burlington, VT. I have been waiting for it to come to the New England for about a year. I have already taken a 16 hour introductory MLD class while in school. It was the method of a Chiropractor from Hudson, NH - Dr. Berube.

I went to the website of the school where you can take the entire class at once. I am not able to be gone that long. Too many resoponsibilities for that. I did not pursue further.

 

[Juanito Ice]

I am taking the Upledger/Chikly method next week in Burlington, VT. I have been waiting for it to come to the New England for about a year.

I was supposed to be Assisting the CranioSacral I class that is also happening that weekend. Alas, the universe (and my car) have different plans for me. So, I just cancelled my TA assignment yesterday. :

When you were looking for classes did you see the class last year in 'Boston' (it's actually Peabody, MA)? There's an LDTII in December in Peabody.

 

[No Bull!]

They originally had it listed as Boston, MA. I called and they told me it was not actually Boston. I can't stand the traffic. I would rather take it in Portland, ME or Burlington, VT. I remember it was in Portland, ME a couple of years ago. I wanted to take it there, but was in the midst of Shiatsu class. Lots of homework, study for that one!

I am hoping LDT II will be in Burlington, VT or Portland, ME soon.

 

[Madz]

They originally had it listed as Boston, MA. I called and they told me it was not actually Boston. I can't stand the traffic. I would rather take it in Portland, ME or Burlington, VT. I remember it was in Portland, ME a couple of years ago. I wanted to take it there, but was in the midst of Shiatsu class. Lots of homework, study for that one!

I am hoping LDT II will be in Burlington, VT or Portland, ME soon.

David Tomlinson has been working hard to get more classes in Burlington. It's been a while since they have offered anything other than CST.

The reason I bring up the Boston/Peabody topic is that Peabody is a half hour north of Boston. So coming from NH you wouldn't have to go near Boston traffic. And if you were commuting every day (which I don't recommend anyway) You would take 93 south to 95 north and very few people are commuting north in the morning.

Just something to think about. The class doesn't come around often (as you know) and I'm not sure if the Burlington classes are booking as easily as hoped.

 

[babyface28]

Jane,

I agree with Brian. I have a home in Gilford which I use a lot in the summer (and winter, actually) and I use Rte. 93 all the time. If you can travel "off" hours, you won't hit much traffic at all. (I hate traffic, too).

You could go also go Rte. 95S and Peabody is on Rte. 95 (aka Route 1). You would have to decide depending on your location in Manchester. I believe the class is at the Sheraton in Peabody because I inquired.

 

[[//anti * twilight//]]

Thanks for the tips. I will keep my eyes open for LDT 2. I would love to attend one in Portland, ME. It's fun to walk around there. Lots of neat art, etc.

 

[Abby M.]

LDT1 was awesome! I pre-registered for LDT2 before class ended. Have to practice, practice so I can take level 2 soon. It is supposed to be in the Boston area in December '08. I might have to go to that one. Although the group in Burlington, VT was outstanding.

 

[Ashley:)]

I believe the class is at the Sheraton in Peabody because I inquired.

I believe that the Institute decided to go with the Holiday Inn on Newbury Street in Peabody. I think it was a cost issue.

LDT1 was awesome! I pre-registered for LDT2 before class ended. Have to practice, practice so I can take level 2 soon. It is supposed to be in the Boston area in December '08. I might have to go to that one. Although the group in Burlington, VT was outstanding.

Glad you had a great time. It is one of my favorite locations to TA and I am very sad that I could not make it this year. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of your LDT1 classmates ended up in Peabody in December as well. I see that a lot with CSTI & II. I'll TA a CSTI class somewhere in New England and see many familiar faces at the next CSTII class. It's nice as a TA to already know some of the students and it's great as a student to know some fellow classmates.

I have several friends/colleagues who I have taken several classes with and it's a very special bond we share when we get together for a weekend class. Some of my best experiences on and off the table are with these friends.

Congrats on finishing LDT1, good luck with your practice and have fun exploring the work!!!