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FULL CIRCLE VITALITY
VALERIE DUPREE, LMT, CLT, CMLDT, CFT
Licenced Massage Therapist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A light skin stretching technique that stimulates the lymphatic system.
Compression Therapy: Layered bandaging with foam or specially fitted garments that support the area to control swelling.
Exercises: With compression, special exercises will help to pump lymph out of the swollen area.
Skin and Nail Care: Keeping the skin and nail clean will help prevent infections that often can happen with lymphedema particularly in those with lymph node dissection or removal, causing lower immune defence system, therefore more prone to acquiring infections. It is important to keep skin moisturised to protect the integumentary system and prevent the risk of developing infections such as cellulitis or fungal infections.
Self-Care Management and Training: Learning how to manage lymphedema at home including self bandaging or self MLD (as needed), thorough review of infection control practices, skin and nail care protocols, donning and doffing of compression garments, exercises, importance of follow-up/review visits[3].
Other support services: counselling, nutritional advice.
Compression Therapy: Layered bandaging with foam or specially fitted garments that support the area to control swelling.
Exercises: With compression, special exercises will help to pump lymph out of the swollen area.
Skin and Nail Care: Keeping the skin and nail clean will help prevent infections that often can happen with lymphedema particularly in those with lymph node dissection or removal, causing lower immune defence system, therefore more prone to acquiring infections. It is important to keep skin moisturised to protect the integumentary system and prevent the risk of developing infections such as cellulitis or fungal infections.
Self-Care Management and Training: Learning how to manage lymphedema at home including self bandaging or self MLD (as needed), thorough review of infection control practices, skin and nail care protocols, donning and doffing of compression garments, exercises, importance of follow-up/review visits[3].
Other support services: counselling, nutritional advice.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels. Swelling is reduced by channeling excess fluid through the lymphatic system where the patient being treated will then later urinate out the excess fluid. Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be an exceptional therapy pre & post-op to aid in the removal of swelling caused by excess fluid in the interstitial tissues. The effectiveness of lymphatic massage may be augmented when coupled with essential oils, vibration and hydrotherapy. Popular for BBL, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction and oncology surgeries, both before and after your procedure. Incredible for those suffering with Lymphedema. If you have had any liposuction procedure, please also view the description on fibrosis, as this may meed to be incorporated into your MLD session. Please further discuss your goals with Valerie to customize your MLD session!
Deep Tissue Therapy
Deep tissue massage techniques are used to physically break down scar tissue, adhesions and fibrosed tissue that can disrupt flow, cause pain, limit range of motion and inflame the area. Not everyone can withstand a true deep tissue massage. Pressure can always be adjusted based on your pain tolerance level and therapy goals.
Trigger Point Therapy
Active trigger points are painful and tight areas within muscles that can cause a decline or restriction in the biomechanics. Myofascial trigger points can be found anywhere on the body and are one of the most common causes for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Incorporating trigger point therapy within your session time may help to alleviate pain arising from these activated points.
Scar Tissue Therapy
Assistance to newly formed scars can be implemented to ensure the proper laying down of new fibers. A simple, repetitive technique is used at this time, specific to new scars only. A more rigorous, deep approach is reserved for when scar tissue has formed from old, chronic issues.
Fibrosis Therapy
Fibrosis, also known as fibrotic scarring, is a pathological wound healing in which connective tissue replaces normal parenchymal tissue to the extent that it goes unchecked, leading to considerable tissue remodeling and the formation of permanent scar tissue. If detected early, fibrosis can quite easily be eliminated. Techniques are used throughout your session to break up this tougher tissue, however, this is not traditional deep tissue work. Fibrosis massage is employed during post-op recovery if fibrosis has occurred. Valerie has been trained & certified in fibrosis massage specific to successful post-op recovery.
Heal
Adhesions Breakdown
Breaking down adhesions is a common benefit with massage of specific techniques. Scar tissue is comprised of collagen fibers, or fibrous connective tissues. These fibers are laid down for the repair of damaged tissue within the body. Scar tissue can become very restrictive as the elasticity of the tissues is shorter than the body's natural muscular tissues. Valerie breaks down adhesions using a variety of techniques and modalities aiding in decreasing pain, increasing range of movement and relieving restrictions.
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