Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymph fluid between the tissue layers. This presents as swelling or edema. Lymphedema can be present anywhere in the body.
Chronic edema can cause a fibrosis in the tissues. The most common initial complaint is a heavy feeling and/or a pins and needles sensation. Unlike the circulatory system, which uses the pumping of the heart to circulate its blood flow, lymph vessels rely upon hundreds of tiny muscular units called (lymphangions) contracting throughout the body to propel lymph flow. These contractions enable the lymph vessels to transport numerous substances (i.e., proteins, hormones, toxins, fatty acids, white blood cells) to lymph nodes, which can then process them.
When lymph circulation stagnates, toxins accumulate, and cellular functioning is compromised. Secondary lymphedema is caused after lymph vessels are destroyed or lymph nodes are removed. This form of lymphedema manifests through a number of sources: oncology care (including radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery), tumors, infection, compromise of the vascular system, burns, liposuction and general trauma.
MLD is a gentle, light-touch technique designed to move fluid to healthy lymph vessels and back to the circulatory system. MLD stimulates the immune system by increasing lymph function directly and blood circulation indirectly.
Venous circulation is aided by the motion, and edemas can be reduced. In some cases, bandaging is required, followed by a fitted compression garment for the maintenance phase.
It is recommended that one receive a manual lymph drainage treatment about once a month to maintain your health by detoxifying the body.
MLD can also help with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, insomnia, depression, stress, edema due to pregnancy, sinus and ear congestion, scar tissue softening, acne and traumatized tissue. It is also recommended to receive a manual lymph drainage treatment about once a month to maintain your health by detoxifying the body.
Lymphatic massage cleanses nearly every cell in your body. The negative effects of chronic lymph stagnation include but are not limited to:
Frequent cold and flu symptoms
Headache and migraine
Arthritis
Acne
Fatigue
Joint Pain
CelluliteMyalgia
Manual Lymph Drainage removes cell waste, bacteria and impurities, it also increases white blood cell production that increases immunity. Lymph Drainage Therapy can increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times.
Christina M. Mitchell, LMT, MLD/CDP is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She provides a complete manual lymph drainage program as well as skin care, edema specific exercise programs, compression garments and compression bandaging for volume reduction. She offers a complete program of preventative lymphedema care for oncology patients, as well as provide compression garments and stockings.
Christina is a graduate of the Baltimore School of Massage Therapy Training at the Bonita Springs School of Massage and Cosmetology and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Monarch Continuing Education.
She is certified in Manual Lymph Drainage, Complex Complete Decongestive Therapy/Compression, Medical Massage for the Cancer Patient, Oncology Care, Myo-fascial Release, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Body Work, Orthopedic Assessment, Personal Fitness Training, Integrative Reflexology, and Medical Massage. She has training in a variety of healing techniques including:
- Oncology Massage
- Therapeutic Touch
- Reflexology
- Sports Massage
- Chair Massage
- Trager Body Work
- Pregnancy and Infant Massage
- Active and Isolated Stretching
- Oriental Body Work
- Somato Emotional Release
- Zen Thai
- Russian Sports Massage
- Neuromuscular
- Fijian Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Couples Massage and Tandum Massage
- Lymph Drainage Therapy
- Cranio-Sacral Therapy
- Intra-Oral Cranio-Sacral Therapy
- Advanced Lymphedema Techniques
- Rehab Fitness Specialist
- Kinesiology Taping, Manual Therapy & Neuromuscular Re-Activation
- Neuromuscular Therapy for the Shoulder and Thoracic Areas
Anchor Court Medical Professional Offices
822 Anchor Rode Drive
Naples, FL 34103
(239) 293-0960
[email protected]
http://bestbodymassage.com
PFT#128014, NCBTMB #281801-00
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