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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a massage technique used to relieve swelling that occurs when the lymphatic system becomes overwhelmed due to medical treatment or illness that blocks the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently stretching and manipulating specific areas of the body to help lymph fluid move away from an area of swelling to an area with more efficient lymph flow.

MLD is most often used to address a condition known a lymphedema.  Lymphedema is accumulation of protein-rich fluid within a specific body part.  It is most often associated with the removal of lymph nodes in the armpit, neck, or abdomen due to cancer surgery. Lymphedema can also be the result of swelling (usually in the legs) due to poor circulation.

Other conditions that can benefit from manual lymphatic drainage include:

• Arthritis:  This chronic condition results in joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

• Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain.

• Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI):  This happens when the leg veins aren't working effectively, making it hard for blood to return to the heart from your legs.  Advanced CVI results in leg swelling and discoloration

• Lipedema:  This is a genetic condition in which excess fat accumulates in the body, blocking the lymphatic pathways and causing painful and disproportionate swelling, usually in the legs and hips.   

• Swelling due to recent surgery:  All surgeries cause inflammation as the body works to heal itself. Lymphatic drainage can help speed up this process to reduce swelling and improve surgical outcomes.

Scar mobilization is a massage technique that helps loosen and lengthen scar tissue that is causing pain and movement restriction.  Scar mobilization helps relieve the following conditions:

Adhesion:  Scar mobilization helps loosen scars, which are firmly attached to underlying or surrounding tissues

Pain, hypersensitivity, and itch:  Scar massage may help reduce nerve sensitivity within and around an established scar

Tightness:  Scar tissue manipulation may soften scars and increase pliability and elasticity, thereby improving rang of motion

Bulk:  Scar massage may help flatten certain bulky scars.

It is important to  note that scar massage is not recommended immediately after surgery.  Tissues need to heal thoroughly before beginning manipulation.  Please consult with your surgeon before beginning treatment for scars. 

Fibrosis massage is a specific type of massage therapy designed to target and reduce thickening and hardening of the skin.  Fibrous tissue is a tough, connective tissue that helps repair injuries and provides structure to organs and tissues. However, sometimes too much fibrous tissue can build up, leading to stiffness, pain, and restricted movement.

Fibrosis massage is most commonly used after liposuction surgery to address scar tissue and unevenness in the treated areas. It can also be beneficial for treating fibrosis caused by other conditions, such as injury, inflammation, or radiation therapy.

How fibrosis massage works

Fibrosis massage uses a variety of techniques to break down scar tissue and improve circulation in the affected area. These techniques may include:

• Deep tissue massage

• Myofascial release

• Compression therapy

• Gua sha scraping

The massage therapist will use firm pressure to manipulate the scar tissue and surrounding tissues. This can help to loosen the adhesions that are causing stiffness and pain. The therapist may also use tools, such as gua sha stones or foam rollers, to further break down the scar tissue.

Benefits of fibrosis massage

Fibrosis massage can offer a number of benefits, including:

• Reduced pain and stiffness

• Improved flexibility and range of motion

• Improved circulation

• Reduced scar tissue formation

• A more even appearance of the skin

It is important to note that fibrosis massage is not a cure for fibrosis. However, it can be a helpful tool in managing the symptoms of the condition.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about fibrosis massage:

• Fibrosis massage can be uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. However, the discomfort should gradually improve with regular treatments.

• It is important to find a qualified massage therapist who is experienced in performing fibrosis massage.

• Fibrosis massage is not appropriate for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or open wounds, should not get fibrosis massage.

If you are considering fibrosis massage, it is important to talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. This causes decompression in soft tissues using vacuum suction, unlike most forms of massage that compress the tissues.  During cupping, the cup gently lifts to your skin and fascia into the cup allowing for tissue lengthening and improved circulation.

Almost anyone can benefit from cupping.  At Nurture, it is used in combination with gentle massage to treat lack of mobility, tight muscles, scars, pain, and many diagnoses like headaches, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, release of trigger points, and lymphedema.  We do not perform fire cupping or wet cupping.

After cupping therapy, mild soreness is to be expected due to release of lactic acid in the muscle tissue.  Skin discoloration similar to bruising is to be expected and can last up to a week.  Heavy physical exertion and heat are not recommended after the treatment. 

Trigger points are tight, painful spots in your muscles that may also be called knots or spasms. These knots are sensitive to the touch and when pressure is applied it may cause pain that radiates to another area of the body.  Trigger points can result in restricted movement, poor posture, and resting pain.  A trigger point massage will help to work out these spasms to improve comfort and create length in the associated muscle.

During trigger point therapy your therapist will apply various levels of pressure to muscle knots, and then stretch and massage the affected areas and surrounding muscle tissue.  You may experience both discomfort and relief throughout the massage. After your massage, you may feel tired and have some soreness for a day or two due to lactic acid release. This is perfectly normal and the majority of clients feel significant improvement within a couple of days. 

Relaxation massage consists of a smooth, gentle, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, relieves muscle tension, and improves circulation and movement range.  Your therapist will aim to relax, revive, and rejuvenate you at a massage depth that does not cause discomfort.