Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic form of therapeutic bodywork designed to support the body's natural lymphatic flow. Using light, precise, directional movements, MLD encourages the movement of lymphatic fluid and can help you feel lighter, less puffy, more relaxed, and more at ease in your body. MLD May Support: * Healthy lymphatic fluid movement * Reduction of swelling and fluid retention * Recovery following surgery or other periods of healing * Reduction of post-surgical bruising and tissue congestion * Healthy scar healing and tissue mobility * Tissue health and skin elasticity * Recovery following athletic training * Relaxation and nervous system regulation * Digestion and healthy fluid movement * Whole-body wellness and a greater sense of ease MLD may also be supportive for individuals experiencing: * Chronic inflammation or feelings of lymphatic congestion * Migraines or sinus congestion * Eczema and acne * Hormonal or cyclical swelling * Autoimmune conditions * Feelings of heaviness, puffiness, or fluid stagnation * High-stress states or nervous system dysregulation * Recovery following travel or prolonged periods of sitting * General feelings of being “stuck,” sluggish, or disconnected from the body Emerging research is also exploring the relationship between the lymphatic system, brain health, cognition, and neurodegenerative conditions. As an occupational therapist, my approach incorporates nervous system regulation, safety, body awareness, and individualized care. Each session is tailored to your comfort level, health history, and goals. Pre- & Post-Surgical Support MLD can be incorporated into a pre- and post-surgical wellness plan to support the body's preparation, recovery, and fluid management. Before surgery, MLD may help support healthy lymphatic flow and prepare the tissues for the recovery process. After surgery, MLD may help support: * Management of post-surgical swelling and fluid retention * Reduction of bruising and feelings of congestion * Healthy tissue recovery * Scar healing and tissue mobility * A more comfortable recovery experience Post-surgical MLD is only performed when appropriate for the individual's procedure, healing status, and medical history. Your surgeon's instructions and medical clearance always take priority. An MLD Session May Be a Good Fit If You Want To: * Feel lighter or less puffy * Support healthy lymphatic flow * Ease feelings of heaviness or fluid retention * Support recovery after surgery or physical activity * Promote relaxation and nervous system regulation * Support skin and tissue health * Address feelings of congestion or stagnation * Support digestion and overall fluid movement * Feel more grounded and connected to your body * Simply give your body a gentle, restorative reset What to Expect After MLD MLD is a gentle technique, and most people find it deeply relaxing. After a session, you may notice: * Increased relaxation or sleepiness * A feeling of lightness or reduced puffiness * Increased urination or bowel activity * Temporary fatigue * Mild headache * Temporary changes in energy or body sensations * Increased awareness of areas of tension or fluid retention These responses are generally temporary. Staying hydrated, resting when needed, and allowing your body time to adjust can be helpful after your session. If you experience significant pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, unusual swelling, or other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Optional Somatic Regulation Add-On Want to make your MLD session even more restorative? Add a 20-minute Somatic Regulation session before your MLD appointment to help your body and nervous system settle before hands-on work. This gentle add-on may include: * Guided breathwork * Grounding and sensory-based regulation * Slow, supportive fascial techniques * Body awareness strategies * Techniques designed to support a calmer, more regulated state This add-on may be especially helpful if you: * Feel tense, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your body * Have difficulty relaxing during bodywork * Carry a high level of stress or tension * Want a more restorative, whole-body experience * Benefit from additional nervous system support Contraindications For your safety, MLD is not appropriate if you currently have: * Active infection, including cellulitis * Fever or acute illness * Active blood clot or DVT * Uncontrolled or acute heart failure * Kidney failure * Active cancer without appropriate physician authorization * Active pain associated with swelling * Recent injectable treatments * High-risk pregnancy * Open wounds or significantly compromised skin in the area being treated Conditions That May Require Medical Clearance Additional medical clearance may be appropriate with: * Recent surgery * Chronic cardiac conditions * Significant vascular or circulatory concerns * Certain autoimmune conditions or active flares * Other significant medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely receive MLD Your safety is always the priority. Your health history will be reviewed before treatment, and your session may be modified, postponed, or declined if MLD is not appropriate for you at that time.
Myofascial Release THerapy
John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (JFB MFR) is a gentle, hands on approach that works directly with the body’s fascial system — the three dimensional connective tissue network that surrounds and supports every muscle, bone, nerve, organ, and vessel. When fascia becomes restricted through stress, trauma, inflammation, posture, or surgery, it can create significant tension and discomfort throughout the body. JFB MFR uses slow, sustained pressure to soften and release fascial restrictions, allowing the tissue to elongate, decompress, and return to healthy movement. This approach is deeply restorative, calming to the nervous system, and supportive for individuals who feel tight, guarded, or “stuck” in their body. As an occupational therapist, I integrate MFR with a whole body lens — supporting functional movement, sensory awareness, and regulation. Why People Seek Myofascial Release Fascial restrictions can create pressure on pain sensitive structures, contributing to: •chronic tension or tightness •limited mobility •discomfort with movement •headaches or migraines •pelvic or abdominal tightness •neck, shoulder, or back discomfort •stress related holding patterns •difficulty relaxing or “letting go” JFB MFR helps: •reduce fascial adhesions •improve blood flow and tissue mobility •release scar tissue restrictions •ease pain related to fascial tightness •support posture and alignment •calm the nervous system •restore a sense of openness and ease Clients often describe feeling lighter, more open, more aligned, and deeply relaxed after a session. Who Benefits From JFB MFR This approach is supportive for individuals experiencing: •fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue patterns •TMJ tension •chronic pain or tightness •disc related discomfort •migraines or tension headaches •scar tissue restriction •menstrual or pelvic pain •plantar fasciitis •everyday aches, pains, and movement limitations •stress related body holding •difficulty relaxing into traditional massage It is also ideal for anyone wanting a gentle, slow, deeply restorative bodywork experience that helps the body unwind from the inside out. What Clients May Experience Because fascia stores tension, stress, and emotional patterns, releasing fascial restrictions can create temporary detox like symptoms — especially for individuals who are new to bodywork or carry chronic tension. Common post session experiences may include: •brain fog •heavy limbs •digestive changes •emotional swings •headaches •fatigue •irritability •flu like sensations •unexpected tears or mood shifts These responses are normal, and often indicate that the body is processing long held tension and shifting into a new state of balance. How to Support Your Body After MFR To help your system integrate the work: •drink plenty of water •take an Epsom salt bath •rest or journal •allow emotions to move without judgment If symptoms last longer than 72 hours, it’s appropriate to check in with your physician. Optional Somatic Regulation Add On Before your MFR session, you may choose a Somatic Regulation Starter Session to help your nervous system settle and prepare for deeper fascial release. This may include: •breathwork •grounding strategies •sensory based regulation •gentle fascial warm ups Beginning in a regulated state often enhances the effectiveness of MFR and helps your body unwind more fully. Contraindications JFB MFR is gentle, but not appropriate in the following situations- Absolute contraindications: •open wounds, incisions, or unhealed surgical sites •active infection •fever or acute illness •active blood clots / DVT •uncontrolled heart failure •kidney failure •unmanaged thyroid disease •severe circulatory disorders •recent fractures not cleared by a physician Relative contraindications (may require physician clearance): •recent surgery •unmanaged autoimmune flare •pregnancy (depending on positioning needs) •chronic cardiac conditions •vascular insufficiency •cancer history (requires clearance for hands on work) Your safety is always the priority. If any contraindications apply, we will discuss alternatives.