MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
"Moving water makes stagnant water move."
- African Proverb
IF YOU ARE A POST-OP PATIENT AND UNABLE TO FIND A TIME SLOT THROUGH OUR ONLINE BOOKING PLATFORM PLEASE CONTACT THE STUDIO DIRECTLY AND WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SCHEDULE YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. POST-OP MLD MAY BEGIN THE DAY FOLLOWING YOUR PROCEDURE.
The Grove Studio for Natural Healing is pleased to offer both Manual Lymphatic Drainage ("MLD") and Complete Decongestive Therapy (Vodder Technique) as therapeutic services for our clients. On a case-by-case basis, we harmoniously integrate traditional Vodder techniques with the gentle efficacy of clinically supported negative pressure therapy (Lymphatic MediCupping) to proudly ensure and - very safely - achieve outstanding lymphatic drainage results.
Trained at the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS), Nina Dmitrieff (CLT-LANA/MLD-C) is a Lymphology Association of North America Board Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She was educated and double certified in the original Vodder techniques of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT/CLT), and has gone on to earn additional training and certifications in applied Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, including Head & Neck Lymphedema Management (Klose), specialized Pre-and Post-Operative care, Fibrosis and Scar Management (Lisson), MediCupping Therapy through ACE Institute, and both Contemporary Cupping Methods and Facial Rejuvenation through the International Cupping Association.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is safe, gentle (never painful), non-invasive and remarkably effective. We offer MLD/CDT/LDT for:
Pre- and Post-Surgical Patients
Lipedema and Lymphedema
Aesthetics (facial MLD)
Children and adults on the Autism Spectrum.
Postpartum Care
General Wellness and for the support and treatment of many specific conditions (including Allergies, GI Issues, Rotator Cuff Injuries - and more.)
BOOKING GUIDELINES
For Wellness
For all “Wellness” Lymphatic Drainage clients (including Allergies/Congestion, Autism/PANS, Fibromyalgia), we recommend an initial session of 60 minutes. For Postpartum care we recommend a 90 minute initial session, if possible. Following this initial session and consultation we will then, together, create a treatment plan best suited to your individual condition(s), needs and circumstances.
For Post-Operative Care
Please understand that correctly applied Lymphatic Drainage is NOT a massage as there is no kneading or manipulation of muscular tissue, NEVER pushes lymphatic fluid out of incision sites, is NOT painful and does NOT require any pain medications or numbing agents. Fully manual, or combined with gentle Medicupping techniques (which utilize the negative pressure equivalent of 5 grams of manually exerted positive pressure) lymphatic drainage is always a feather light, gentle, slow and soothing skin stretching therapy. This therapy protectively minimizes skin shear forces for post-op clients and is designed to direct lymphatic fluid to the appropriate lymph nodes for drainage, from which the fluid can then naturally be eliminated by the body through urination. When Lymphatic Drainage therapies are applied by an experienced professional therapist, with advanced (CLT) certification, clients will experience a significant reduction in both pain and swelling immediately following their first session.
Post-Op care includes Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Self-Care Education, Compression Guidance, Wound Inspection and Monitoring, Fibrosis Prevention and Treatment, and Scar Mitigation and Treatment. We strongly recommend the following schedule for best outcomes:
Weeks 1 to 6, inclusive: 2 sessions per week
Weeks 7 to 12, inclusive: 1 session per week
After the 12th week (3rd month) we recommend monthly maintenance sessions for at least six months. To avoid causing trauma to any closed incision, we begin manual scar therapies only after 3 months post-op.
Packages are available after the first appointment and consultation. When and if appropriate, pre-paid package clients may enjoy complimentary use of our PBMT/Red Light system which helps to enhance the wound recovery process, reduce the appearance of scarring, and to assist in fibrosis prevention.
Session Scheduling Guidelines (Please contact the Studio with any questions.)
Any procedure or surgery above the neck: 60 minutes
Breast Augmentation/Reduction: 60 minutes
Any procedure involving the arms: 60 minutes
Tummy Tuck with or without lipo: 60 minutes
BBL with any lipo: 60 minutes
C-Section/Postpartum Care: 60 to 90 minutes
Mommy Makeover with no lipo: 60 minutes
Mommy Makeover with lipo to the flanks only: 60 minutes
Mommy Makeover with 360 Lipo: 90 minutes
Any procedure involving the legs: 90 minute to two hours
Linked below are just some of the research supported conditions known to benefit from MLD therapy. Please see our Research & News page for many, many more:
“Nina is one of the most professional and skilled practitioners I have ever come across. She is extremely knowledgeable in techniques required to assist the body to reduce swelling and normalize the lymphatic system post surgery, and her methods have been tremendously helpful in my healing from three different surgeries. My doctors are convinced that her MLD treatments have helped me to heal faster and more thoroughly than other patients. I am forever grateful that I found such a genuine, kind and compassionate therapist to help me in my recoveries.”
S.C., Roswell, via Google Reviews
Theodore Roosevelt
"Nina is such a blessing! Not only is she patient and very thorough throughout each and every session, but she is extremely knowledgeable on the body and lymphatic system. I wish I came to her after my first round.
If you have any issues with fibrosis (past and present), you must schedule an appointment with Nina. With her knowledge and specialized skills, she will help reduce/remove your fibrosis and help you achieve the body that you want."
S.B., Roswell (via Google Reviews)
Clinical Experience of Integrative Autism Treatment with Manual Lymphatic Drainage
"Based on the cases described in this report and on our ongoing research, we are convinced that this type of inexpensive, harmless and easy-to-implement approach of manual lymphatic drainage can be beneficial to autistic patients and represents a new and promising treatment. We expect that the described protocol will play a central role in future treatments for autism, both alone and in combination with other therapies such as behavioral therapies or nutritional interventions.”
Source: EC Neurology
"My surgeon recommended that I see Nina after my mommy makeover. I came to the first session bruised, swollen and in so much pain and was able to stand pain free and straight right after that session. Nina helped me to understand compression and how to take care of my scar and patiently supported me through the challenging recovery process. Four months later I am delighted with the results and know that Nina’s gentle and skillfull care helped to produce this outcome."
A Client, Roswell
ABOUT THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The lymphatic system, consisting of lymph vessels, ducts and nodes, has sometimes been referred to as the body’s “sanitation system.” A critical component of our immune system, the lymphatic system serves to clear the body of accumulated interstitial fluid (96% water) that transports cellular debris (the by-products of metabolism), illness causing pathogens, and environmental toxins.
The lymphatic system runs parallel to the circulatory system, and - while it has no pumping “heart” of its own - the contraction of lymphatic vessels and the healthy flow of lymphatic fluid, is ordinarily encouraged by venous return, muscular movement and exercise.
A sedentary lifestyle, chronic illness, surgical procedures and other physical trauma, poor diet, weight concerns and heightened toxin exposure can all contribute to stress upon - and reduced function of - the lymphatic system. This results in an accumulated lymphatic load that, in turn, contributes to compromised immune function, fatigue, swelling and pain.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a non-invasive manual technique, first developed by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930s, uses light therapeutic pressure coupled with repetitive rhythmic strokes to enhance lymph formation, stimulate and encourage the natural contraction of the lymphatic vessels, and promote the draining of lymphatic fluid and waste from both the superficial and deep systems of the lymph vascular network.
Typical MLD sessions may run between 60 and 90 minutes long, and we recommend a series of at least 5 sessions (depending on the area and condition being treated), and - when indicated - supportive compression garments and other self-care techniques between sessions, to achieve optimal results.
Please be very aware that Manual Lymphatic Drainage is safe, gentle and effective, and a professionally trained MLD therapist will NEVER open a healing wound, nor force the flow of lymphatic fluid from any incision site.
Please contact the Studio if you would like to learn how Manual Lymphatic Drainage and how it may help you.
"I have terrible allergies and sinus issues. Recently I have had several allergic reactions and have ended up swollen in my face. Nina did some lymphatic drainage and I felt the results almost instantly. I am able to fully breathe out of my nose for the first time in weeks! Thank you so much Nina!"
S.W., Roswell (Via Google Reviews)
"The idea is that flowing water never goes stale. So keep it flowing."