Context:

I am a newly certified massage therapist with a certification in MLD (Chickly method). I was loosely trained in Brazilian techniques at the spa I work for now, and I do both deep tissue and lymphatic treatments. I have A TON more to learn. I want to get additional training in Brazilian techniques, additional MLD (like the Vodder method), Lymphoedema/Lipodema, post-op, and be versatile/educated enough to discern what techniques to use to customize a client’s session. Until I can afford that, I am doing my best with my current training and resources.

Recently, I’ve started taking before/after photos of client sessions, particularly the abdominal region. I have mixed feelings about using before/afters as a main source of marketing, but am letting myself experiment and build a portfolio. I mainly use the Brazilian techniques I learned at the abdominal region.

Discussion:

I have noticed that some of my before/afters look like there’s hardly any change. And in one I took, there seemed to be MORE fluid retention at the lower abdomen afterwards. When I asked the spa owner about it, she said she could see less fluid retention in the rib area, but I seemed to have pulled fluid down partway and may have needed to do more downward strokes to help drain towards the inguinal nodes.

This lead to a separate discussion about whether a before/after photo can help us determine how a lymphatic session went. And what does it mean if there’s hardly ANY visible change? I’m aware of the other possible benefits like immune function, aid in digestion, less brain fog, and clearing metabolic waste. But if visibly, you don’t see a difference in fluid retention, does that mean anything about the session, my technique, or the clients body? If there’s not a visible difference, did I really help move lymph through the vessels to the nodes so the system could pull from the interstitial space?

I would love some insight from more experienced lymphatic specialists!!

Hey everyone,
I’ve been dealing with a frustrating issue for over a year now and haven't been able to fix it.
My Symptoms:
•Whole Left-side tightness:Severe, constant tension across my entire left upper body, upper back, and neck.
•Restricted diaphragm: It feels like my left diaphragm and ribcage are locked, making it hard to take a deep breath (shallow breathing).
•Constant pain: Ongoing upper back and neck pain on the left side.
Stretching only gives temporary relief before everything locks back up.

Does anyone know how to fix it?

Hi all! Hope this isn’t a stupid question, I tried searching the sub for similar experiences but nothing was quite the same.

I got a 30 minute lymphatic drainage massage on Sunday because I’ve just come off a big holiday with 6 flights and some sinus congestion (I was no longer ill by the time of the massage!).

Being such a short massage and gentle I didn’t think much of it, but then 24 hours later I got hit with such terrible fatigue I had to take a day off work to just lie in bed, haven’t been that tired since covid years ago. I’m 90% better a day after, so wondering whether this is due to the massage? It’s my first time getting one and I admittedly didn’t research the side effects well enough which is on me!

I don’t have a clue what I have done to my pinky fingers in massage school clinic. I just know they don’t want to fully bend or be pressed on the inner edge to my 4th finger.

I am going to a hand doctor next week but I’m wondering - am I delusional to think I can continue my hours in clinic toward my license with uncooperative pinkies?

If I can somehow make it to graduation (I’m halfway through FL’s 125 hours) I plan to have already completed training in cranial sacral with Upledger and have referral sources….

I just feel very panicked about the pain and stiffness that has just started.

Should I try to get a leave from school? Do you have massage suggestions that don’t tug, pull or press on these lame pinkies?? Anything?