Expert Lymphatic Care for Swelling, Fluid Retention & Chronic Lymphatic Conditions
Whether you're experiencing persistent swelling, heaviness, discomfort, or have been diagnosed with lymphedema or lipedema, our therapists provide personalized lymphatic care designed to improve comfort through our signature Cohesive Therapy approach
Understanding the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is one of the body's most important healing and immune systems. It helps transport excess fluid, remove cellular waste, support immune function, and maintain healthy circulation throughout the body. When this system becomes overwhelmed or damaged, fluid can accumulate within the tissues, leading to swelling, discomfort, inflammation, and changes in the skin over time.
Many people experience lymphatic congestion for different reasons. Some notice swelling after surgery or injury, while others live with chronic conditions such as lymphedema or lipedema. Others simply struggle with persistent fluid retention, feelings of heaviness, or inflammation that never seems to fully resolve. Our goal is not simply to reduce swelling during a single appointment. We focus on improving the overall function of the lymphatic system while supporting your body's natural ability to heal.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that develops when lymph fluid cannot move efficiently through the lymphatic system. This causes fluid to collect within the tissues, resulting in persistent swelling that most commonly affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
For many individuals, lymphedema develops following cancer treatment when lymph nodes have been removed or damaged through surgery or radiation. Others develop lymphedema following injury, infection, trauma, or due to congenital differences within the lymphatic system
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic connective tissue disorder that primarily affects women and is often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema. It causes abnormal fat accumulation, most commonly in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and legs, while the feet typically remain unaffected.
Unlike ordinary weight gain, lipedema tissue is often painful, bruises easily, and does not significantly improve through diet and exercise alone. As the condition progresses, additional fluid accumulation may occur, placing greater strain on the lymphatic system.
How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Can Help
Instead of only performing manual lymphatic drainage, our treatments combine multiple therapeutic techniques that work together to encourage healthy lymphatic movement while supporting the nervous system and surrounding soft tissues.
Your care may include gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage, our signature Cohesive Massage Therapy techniques, fascial work, therapeutic massage, diaphragmatic breathing, movement education, dry brushing, and individualized home care recommendations. Depending on your needs, treatments may also incorporate hot stones to encourage relaxation, our signature essential oil blend, compression recommendations when appropriate, and supportive recovery therapies available within our clinic. Every treatment is adapted to your current presentation, medical history, and treatment goals.
Our Cohesive Therapy Approach
At Cohesive Therapy, we believe successful lymphatic care extends beyond reducing swelling during a single session.
Our therapists consider the entire body. This includes circulation, nervous system regulation, mobility, fascial restrictions, breathing mechanics, stress, and daily habits to create a personalized treatment plan that supports lasting results. Your visit may include education on self-care techniques, breathing exercises that stimulate the body's natural lymphatic pump, movement strategies, hydration guidance, and recommendations designed to help you maintain progress between appointments. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all treatment, we develop an individualized plan that evolves alongside your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lymphedema is a condition caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid when the lymphatic system is damaged or not functioning properly. It often develops after surgery, radiation treatment, infection, or injury, but can also be present from birth. Lipedema is a chronic connective tissue disorder that causes an abnormal buildup of fatty tissue, typically affecting the hips, thighs, legs, and sometimes the arms. While they are different conditions, some individuals with lipedema may also develop secondary lymphedema as the lymphatic system becomes overwhelmed.
Manual lymphatic drainage is widely used as part of conservative lymphedema management. Gentle, specialized techniques encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid toward healthy lymph nodes, which may help reduce swelling, improve comfort, support mobility, and decrease feelings of heaviness. Results vary from person to person, and treatment is often most effective when combined with a personalized care plan that may include movement, compression, skin care, and home self-care.
While lymphatic drainage massage does not remove lipedema tissue or cure the condition, it can help manage many of the symptoms associated with lipedema. Many clients experience reduced swelling, less heaviness, improved comfort, and greater ease of movement. Our therapists develop individualized treatment plans designed to support your lymphatic system while helping you manage symptoms over time.
No. Manual lymphatic drainage uses slow, gentle, rhythmic movements that work just beneath the surface of the skin. Most clients find the treatment deeply relaxing, and many report feeling lighter and more comfortable afterward.
Your first visit begins with a comprehensive consultation to review your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Your therapist will then perform a personalized lymphatic drainage treatment using the Cohesive Therapy approach, which may incorporate manual lymphatic drainage, therapeutic massage techniques, breathing education, movement recommendations, and individualized self-care guidance.
Many individuals receive lymphatic drainage massage after cancer treatment, particularly when managing swelling related to lymph node removal or radiation therapy. Treatment should always be tailored to your medical history and current health status. If you have recently completed cancer treatment or are currently undergoing treatment, we recommend discussing massage therapy with your healthcare team before scheduling.
At Cohesive Therapy, we take a whole-body approach to lymphatic wellness. Rather than focusing only on swelling, we consider how the lymphatic, circulatory, fascial, and nervous systems work together. Our personalized treatments may incorporate manual lymphatic drainage, therapeutic massage, diaphragmatic breathing, movement education, dry brushing, our signature essential oil blend, hot stone therapy, and practical self-care strategies to support your progress both in and outside the treatment room.
