Sunday Close :Health Rebates Available via HICAPS (Excludes HCF) Complimentary Consultation at First Visit ;Advance Booking Required
🎗 Lymphedema Is More Than “Weight Gain”—It’s a Condition Worth Understanding
Many women notice a fuller lower body—hips and legs that feel heavy, sore, or bruise easily Without knowing why, they often assume it’s just stubborn weight. But this may be Lipedema—a chronic lymphatic condition affecting up to 11% of women worldwide
✨ Common symptoms include:
• Swelling in legs, arms, or torso—often one-sided
• Pain, heaviness, and easy bruising
• No reduction in size despite exercise or a healthy diet
✨ What is your body trying to tell you?
Lipedema results from fluid building up between cells due to poor lymphatic drainage Symptoms develop gradually, and over 70% of affected women don’t realize they have it
🧘♀️ Relief is possible Gentle lymphatic drainage massage and proper diagnosis can ease discomfort and restore wellbeing
At Olivia Massage Doreen, we approach every body with safety, compassion, and deep understanding Because every woman deserves comfort, balance, and care that truly listens
When energy feels stuck, listen deeper. Lipedema is a lymphatic imbalance often mistaken for fat—ignored by diet, overlooked by fitness. At Olivia Massage Doreen, we bridge East & West to restore flow and balance.
45 MIN : $100 (Post - Operative Supports)
60 MIN : $130 (Focus MLD Therapy)
Style: This technique uses a gentle stroking massage.(light or medium pressure stroking)
to stimulate the lymphatic vessels superficial area under the skin. This creates a connection between the clogged area and the area that has good circulation.
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique designed to stimulate lymph circulation and detoxify the body, while strengthening the immune system. It is performed with the fingers and the palms of the hands on the whole body, following the direction of the lymphatic circulation, creating a lymph pumping effect, and varying the pressure.
Lymphatic drainage was initially developed in the 1930s by Danish physicians Emil and Estrid Vodder as a treatment for lymphedema (a condition marked by swelling and the buildup of lymph in the body's soft tissues, usually as the result of infection, injury, cancer treatment, surgery, or genetic disorders affecting the lymph system). Lymphedema can cause a range of symptoms, such as leg or arm heaviness, weakness, and pain. One common use of lymphatic drainage is in the treatment of lymphedema resulting from the removal of lymph nodes as part of breast cancer surgery.
Without a heart, blood cannot pump around the human body.
Without lymph nodes, the human body cannot effectively fight against diseases. Lymph nodes can be thought of as the little hearts of the human body’s lymphatic system. We have 600-1000 of them all over the human body to try to ensure that disease can be eliminated.
Tired, listless and exhausted? This is often related to our habits, environmental toxin substances, food additives, stress, hectic pace and much more put a strain on the organs. Everything that cannot be completely broken down by the body is deposited in the passive tissue and binds additional fat. As a result of that our skin, immune system, metabolism and health suffer.
What is a detox massage?
A detox massage is a type of massage that specializes in supporting the lymphatic system, achieving healthy functioning of immune mechanisms and blood circulation, and maintaining the body's fluid balance.
Fibromyalgia: Lymphatic drainage shows promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia, suggests a report published in Manual Therapy in 2015. For the report, researchers reviewed 10 previously published clinical trials on the effects of massage on symptoms and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. While the myofascial release was found to have large, positive effects on pain, manual lymphatic drainage was found to be better than connective tissue massage for stiffness, depression
Lymphedema signs and symptoms include:
-Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes
-A feeling of heaviness or tightness
-Restricted range of motion
-Recurring infections
-Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
Signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Lymphedema caused by cancer treatment may not occur until months or years after treatment.
The lymph circulates in the lymphatic vessels and the nodes which filter the waste produced by the body. This lymph is not activated by the heart and therefore must rely on breathing and body movement to eliminate wastes and toxins.
You can also improve your lymphatic system function yourself and help remove more waste products and toxins from the body by observing the following:
drinking plenty of water for toxins out
staying physically active and mild stretching regularly
limiting the intake of processed foods, alcohol and caffeine
The organs liver, kidneys, intestines, bladder and skin are of central importance for successful detoxification and purification. Where our body cannot rid itself of harmful substances on its own, detox treatments come into play.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid between the tissue layers. This presents as swelling, or oedema It may also occur in the face, the trunk, the abdomen or the genital area. Lymphedema is the result of an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated. Once present, this chronic and progressive condition will hardly disappear.
What causes of lymphedema?
Caused by blocked lymphatic drainage
• Interstitial fluids accumulate
• Affected area becomes swollen and distended
There are 2 types of lymphedema.
1. Primary Lymphedema, or from birth. This is a congenital form of lymphedema caused by a malformation of the lymph vessels or nodes. It may present itself at birth, or later in life. Often it occurs in puberty or during pregnancy. Primary forms usually affect the lower extremities but may also be present in upper extremities.
2.Lymphedema is caused secondary to lymph vessel destruction, or lymph node removal secondary to a disease process or a surgery. The common cause of lymphedema include post-surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, after infection, blood clots, tumors, or chronic venous insufficiency (Zuther, Lymphedema Management & Foldi, Foldi’s Textbook of Lymphology). Lymphedema does not necessarily develop right after surgery. It can develop decades later!
For your safety it is highly recommended to get a clearance certificate from your G.P. after any major surgery to get a massage therapy.
Lymphatic Swelling
Lymph fluid is rich in protein making the edematous area very thick and heavy feeling. Treatment is necessary to not only move the fluid and protein out of the area. If it is not treated, over time, the lymphatic vessels will stretch out permanently and external compression and treatment will be necessary for a lifetime to maintain proper pressure in the valves to move fluid more normally.
This is a condition of chronic nature, and therefore patients are at risk for infections such as cellulitis due to the oedema exerting pressure on the tissues and causing cracks, allowing bacteria in, or compromising skin when bumped or scraped.
Why do we need to treat oedemas?
Forms of Treatment for Lymphedema
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): this gentle manual treatment technique increases the activity of lymph vessels and lymph nodes and manually moves interstitial fluid. Applied correctly, a series of MLD treatments decreases the volume of the affected extremity to a normal or near normal size.
2. Compression Therapy: the elastic fibres in the skin are damaged in lymphedema. In order to prevent deaccumulations of fluid it is necessary to apply sufficient compression to the affected extremity.
3. Exercises: a customized exercise program is designed by the therapist for each patient. These decongestive exercises aid the effects of the joint and muscle pumps and should be performed by the patient wearing the compression bandage or garment.
4. Skin care: the skin in lymphedema is very susceptible to infections and usually dry. A low-pH lotion, free of alcohol and fragrances, should be used to maintain the moisture of the skin and to avoid infections. You should consult your physician if there are any fungal infections present in your affected extremity.
Help reduce swelling after lymph nodes are taken out.
Helps reduce migraine headaches. Chronic fatigue syndrome, Stress and anxiety symptoms ,Allergies
Reduce clogged acne.
Reduce the accumulation of fluid and cellulite.
Fluid retention in joints and tissues
Help reduce lymphatic edema.
Cleans the body
Accelerates healing
Helps with after Surgical Healing
Useful for treating problems related to blood and lymphatic circulation – varicose veins, cellulitis and venous insufficiency
Relieves heavy legs
Facilitates sleep
Relieves intestinal bloating and constipation
Reduces for inflammation, fibromyalgia, Lymphedema skin disorders
Chronic fatigue, insomnia stress
Skin cancer ,Blood cancer , All types of lymphoma
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Heart failure
Carotid sinus sclerosis
Phlebitis, thrombosis
Fever
Acute phase inflammation
Large painful varicose veins
bronchial asthma
Renal failure
Epilepsy
Hepatitis
Infections and acute infections
Sores or skin problems (paronychia, infected cut, abscess and severe acne).
Uncontrolled diabetes
Treatment phase infection, tuberculosis, malignant or AIDS.
MLD with cold jade stone therapy
We use cold stones to promote circulation, reduce inflamed swelling, decrease muscle spasms, and acts as a powerful decongestant for the body. Some of the most common benefits of cold stone massage include:
Improve blood circulation
Decrease swelling/inflammation
Balance temperatures the body
Stimulate the function of the lymphatic and circulatory system.
Facial skin tightening
Helps with Surgical Healing
Reduces Stress and promote relaxation
Improves Sleep
Improve overall wellbeing
The frequency of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) sessions can vary greatly depending on the individual’s specific needs, goals, and underlying health conditions. Here are some general guidelines:
For Wellness and Detoxification: For individuals seeking MLD for general wellness, detoxification, or stress relief, a session once a month can be beneficial. This frequency helps maintain the fluid balance in the body, supports the immune system, and promotes relaxation.
Post-Surgical Recovery: In the context of post-operative care, MLD might be recommended more frequently, possibly starting within the first few days after surgery and continuing with sessions 2-3 times per week for a few weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s healing process.
Lymphedema Management: For managing lymphedema, the initial phase of treatment (often referred to as the intensive phase) may require daily sessions (5 days a week) for 2-4 weeks. After the intensive phase, a maintenance phase begins, where the frequency of MLD sessions is reduced and combined with other management strategies like compression garments and self-care techniques.
Chronic Conditions: For chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic venous insufficiencies, MLD might be recommended 1-2 times per week initially, with adjustments based on individual response and symptom relief.
Acute Injuries or Conditions: For acute swelling due to injuries, MLD might be beneficial 2-3 times a week until the acute phase is resolved.
At Olivia Massage Doreen, we believe your body speaks gently when it needs support — and your lymphatic system is no exception.
Lymphatic drainage massage may be helpful if your body feels a little “stuck” or sluggish. You might notice signs like:
Persistent bloating or puffiness
Brain fog or feeling mentally cloudy
Ongoing sinus congestion or infections
Fatigue that doesn’t seem to lift
Headaches or heaviness in the head
Swollen ankles, hands, or under the eyes
Skin changes like dryness, acne, or rashes
Tender or swollen lymph nodes around the neck
These are gentle signals that your lymph system may need a little extra care. Our signature lymphatic massage is designed to support your body’s natural flow — helping you feel clearer, lighter, and more balanced.
If any of these sound familiar, we’re here to help you feel your best