- Level 3, 233 Albert St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
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The lymphatic system is an essential system for strong immune function and consists of a network of delicate tubes, vessels and nodes. The lymphatic system collects waste produced by cells, along with bacteria and viruses. These substances pass through the lymphatic system and nodal areas where special cells called lymphocytes attack and kill viruses, bacteria and cancer cells.
Eventually the lymph is emptied back into the bloodstream via the thoracic duct under the collarbone area. It is then filtered by elimination organs such as liver, spleen and kidneys.
Due to various factors sometimes the lymphatic system struggles to drain fluid from the tissues properly. This can result in tissues appearing swollen and puffy. Short term swelling is called oedema. Swelling that lasts for 3 months or more is called Lymphoedema.
The lymphatic system can also become damaged due to surgery, accident, illness or infection. Other factors such as lifestyle choices, diet and exercise can also affect the functioning of this important system.
The Lymphatic System has many functions
managing the fluid levels in the body
Responding to bacteria and viruses
Eliminating cancer cells
Removing cell by products that could confuse the body and create disease including inflammation
absorbing some of the fats in our diet from the intestine
Short term fluid retention (oedema)
As an aid to detox
Cellulite reducer – to improve the appearance of cellulite & tone the skin
Longer term fluid retention – lymphoedema
Lipedema
Lymph node removal
As part of surgery recovery
To support the immune system after illness
Lymphatic Massage (LM) can be a general all over massage or specific areas can be focussed on depending on your goals. LM is excellent if you have had a period of illness, are feeling generally fatigued or stressed, want to boost your overall health or as part of a detox program. It is also beneficial during pregnancy especially in the later stages when oedema may be present. Oedema can cause you to feel sluggish, limbs can feel heavy and ache.
Lymphatic Massage is quite different from Remedial Massage. It is a light massage as the majority of lymph sits just under the surface of the skin. Diaphragmatic breathing is used to pump the lymph and the therapist stimulates the nodes to encourage drainage and then works close to the nodal area, moving away gradually so space is made for fluid to drain into. The treatment is gentle and relaxing and we use corn flour to create glide rather than oil. You will be gently wiped down with warm towels at the end of treatment.
General LDM can be a one off treatment but it is more effective if you have a series of 3 treatments reasonably close together. So over one week to 10 days is ideal. There are also steps you can take in between appointments to make the lymphatic drainage massage most effective. Please read these steps so you get the most out of your appointments.
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To get the most out of your treatments please do the following
The benefits of Lymphatic Massage and Lymphatic Drainage include:
Lymphatic massage is useful to reduce feelings of:
For the best outcomes after liposuction – it is advisable to book in for a full Lymphatic Drainage consultation. This ensures that the hardness has gone and only oedema is left. It is recommended to wait approximately 9 weeks after the procedure before your Lymphatic Drainage Massage treatment to reduce the bruising and numbness.
Glad you asked! General Lymphatic Massage can be used for oedema caused by all sorts of issues from poor diet, lack of movement, surgery etc. It can be a one off massage or a series of treatments that tackle oedema causes. It can also be used for Lymphoedema if you are just requiring a general drain. For example, you may have some Lymphoedema due to node removal and need a drain every now and again when lymph builds up.
Decongestive is for more complicated Lymphoedema issues and can involve compression bandaging, compression garments and a series of treatments. It is used for a more chronic situation that may not have been treated or managed and needs some more intensive treatment to get the size of limbs down and the lymphatic system functioning well again. It may involve taking measurements, before and after photos and a series of treatments. You may also be encouraged to get fitted for a compression garment to help the issue on a day to day basis.
If you have had nodes removed you will probably have Lymphoedema. However it depends on the severity, what you want to gain from a treatment and how you are managing it. We can provide one off treatments that will provide some benefit in the short term, over the long term it helps to have a regular treatment. You may benefit more from a Decongestive Lymphatic Drainage series if the condition is chronic and has not been managed before.
Lymphatic massage Brisbane is a gentle massage style designed to stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid through the body. The pressure must be very light to interact with the lymphatic ducts. Lymphatic massage helps the lymph system to maintain fluid balance (reduces swelling), improves blood circulation and has been scientifically proven to boost the immune system.
Lymphatic massage is a branch off remedial massage therapy. The best practitioners are extensively trained in advanced lymphatic techniques. Knead Massage Brisbane has several Expert Lymphatic Massage Therapists including Senior Lymphatic Therapist – Anna Dawson.
Absolutely! By stimulating the circulation of the blood and enhances flow throughout the body tissues. Lymphatic massage gets rid of the waste, excess fluid and fat through excretion.
No – Lymphatic massage is the gentlest form of massage there is. The purpose of lymphatic massage is to help stimulate the lymphatic system and flush the waste to the kidney and liver, which then leaves the body via excretion or through the nasal cavities. In order for Lymphatic massage to work the pressure has to be very light.
Anna Dawson at Knead Massage Brisbane is Senior Lymphatic massage specialist. All of our Lymphatic Massage practitioners are trained and have performed hundreds of lymphatic massage treatments.
Lymphatic massage is only contra-indicated if you are presently suffering from cancer, a bacterial infection, or recovering from a new tattoo (at least 4-6 weeks is needed after the application of ink).
Lymphatic massage has been proven to:
A Lymphatic drainage treatment (different to lymphatic massage) is a more appropriate first treatment after liposuction. Lymphatic Drainage Massage uses wraps and pumping actions to shift the hardness and swelling in the tissue that occurs after Lipo more efficiently then basic lymphatic massage can in the early stages of recovery.
A Lymphatic drainage treatment (different to lymphatic massage) is a more appropriate first treatment after liposuction. Lymphatic Drainage Massage uses wraps and pumping actions to shift the hardness and swelling in the tissue that occurs after Lipo more efficiently then basic lymphatic massage can in the early stages of recovery.
The benefits of Lymphatic Massage and Lymphatic Drainage include:
An expert Lymphatic Massage practitioner has a deep understanding of the anatomy – especially the lymphatic network and is moving the lymph fluid strategically to the lymph nodes and ultimately into the excretory pathways. Lymphatic massage uses very gentle circulating and scooping hand movements that stimulate the lymphatic system to flush waste through the kidney and liver. Waste then leaves the body via excretion or through the nasal cavities.
For the best outcomes after Lipo – it is advisable to book in for a full Lymphatic Drainage consultation. This ensures that the hardness has gone and only oedema is left. It is recommended to wait approximately 9 weeks after the procedure before your Lymphatic Drainage Massage treatment to reduce the bruising and numbness.
Knead Massage Brisbane has a number of Expert Lymphatic Massage Therpaists – including Senior Lymphatic Therapist – Anna Dawson.
Areas that can be treated with Lymphatic Massage include:
Lymphatic Massage will assist to move fluid through the kidneys and liver (and then out of the body). Weight would be reduced when excessive fluid has been excreted.
It is unlikely that you will feel sick if you follow the recommendations of your therapist. It is possible to feel sick after receiving lymph massage. One of the functions of the lymphatic system is the removal of toxins and wastes created from food, pollution and cellular waste of the body. You should consult with a GP if you are on medication for kidney failure before considering Lymphatic Massage or Lymphatic Drainage. if you’re fighting off a cold or flu avoid a lymphatic massage during the first 24-48 hours as it is likely you will feel worse.
Absolutely! By stimulating the circulation of the blood and enhances flow throughout the body tissues. Lymphatic massage gets rid of the waste, excess fluid and fat through excretion.
It is possible to get mild diarrhea as your body after an initial Lymphatic Massage as the body is expelling toxins and waste into the kidneys and liver. This is especially true if you have IBS. It is not common, but not a cause for alarm.
Decongestive Drainage treatments are a specific treatment for people suffering from Lymphoedema or Lipedema. You may have a one off treatment or a series of treatments depending on the severity of your issue and your goals.
Decongestive treatments differ from Lymphatic Massage as there will be a specific area that will be the focus, and treatments may involve the use of a lymphatic pump, compression bandaging, and/or compression stockings. For more serious issues we will take measurements and before and after photos so you can see progression.
Lymphoedema is swelling of the body, especially the limbs and can be either primary or secondary in nature. Primary lymphoedema is something that is hereditary and the cause can often be unknown. It may be present at birth and this is called congenital lymphedema, or it can present in teenage years or in pregnancy and this is attributed to hormonal changes in the body.
Primary lymphedema is not at this stage curable, so the symptoms need to be managed by a Lymphoedema therapist.
Secondary lymphoedema is lymphoedema created by a known cause and the following things can create this condition
Heart attacks and strokes
Post-surgery from an accident
Diabetes
Cancer and node dissection
Chemotherapy
Radiation
There are a lot of questions and some myths around massage therapy and cancer. Oncology Massage is the adaptation of a remedial treatment given to an individual with cancer or a history of cancer. It is a gentle, relaxing and nurturing treatment. Oncology Massage safely addresses the needs of a cancer patient with a specialised therapist who understands the science and pays close attention to the physical, emotional and psychological needs of the client. If you are looking for cancer massage therapy, a trained Oncology therapist is the right choice.
An oncology massage is performed in a similar way to any other remedial massage treatment. The session will run for approximately 60 minutes and during this time the therapist will ask you a series of questions specifically related to your experience with massage therapy and cancer and cancer treatment.
A massage and cancer treatment plan will be devised for you and performed in a manner that suits your current needs. The massage is lighter in pressure than a remedial treatment and focuses on creating a supporting and nurturing environment for the client.
Oncology massage is of benefit to anyone currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis at any stage. This includes a patient who is receiving chemo or radiation therapy, who has recently had surgery or seeking adjunct psychological support through touch therapy.
The benefits of this cancer massage therapy also continue post-cancer. It is particularly helpful in the prevention of lymphoedema if nodes have been removed, as well as being an effective treatment for lymphoedema.
Even though the focus of this form of cancer massage is cancer therapy, anyone who is quite ill, frail or low in vitality would benefit from its nurturing techniques. It is a beneficial treatment for the elderly.
Yes, our Senior Remedial Therapist Jo Lynagh has completed training through Oncology Massage Training which is a registered charity and not for profit. They are dedicated to training qualified massage therapists to safely and effectively perform cancer massage therapy and treat individuals with a diagnosis or history of cancer. The aim of this training body is to ensure national benchmarks and standards of care are met by its graduates.
The four-module program is based on a program that has been running for more than 10 years in the United States. This training provides therapists with the awareness and expertise to modify a typical remedial massage taking into consideration the client’s health history and contra-indications.
To find out more, visit their website:
Senior Remedial, Oncology and Lymphatic Therapist
| Jo Lynagh | 30 mins |
45 mins |
60 mins |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60 | $80 | $98 |
Book your 60 min appointment online now
Step 1 – Go to Mindbody (insert button) and either login to your existing account or create an account.
Step 2 – Choose Oncology Massage under the Appointments Tab & book your preferred day and time
Step 3 – Return to this page and complete our Oncology Client Intake Form
Please complete your form prior to your appointment. This way your therapist will be aware of any special needs you have and be able to prepare appropriately. They may wish to call you to discuss your needs prior to your appointment. You can also call us on 3003 0801.
Research shows that cancer massage therapy is effective for symptom management and improving the quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer or with a history of cancer diagnosis. It helps to reduce side effects experienced from conventional treatment as well as symptoms produced by the disease process itself.
Cassileth and Vickers, 2004 state that the following symptoms improved following oncology massage:
The 60-minute specialised cancer massage therapy costs $98 and is available to claim on your Private Health Insurance as a Remedial Massage as it is an adapted remedial treatment. As long as you have Remedial Massage as part of your extras cover you will be able to claim. To find out how much you will get back please call your health fund and check.
If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation we ask that you gain permission from your GP, RN or your specialist. If you are not undergoing treatment then you don’t need to do this.
Yes, cancer massage therapy can be performed at any stage of your cancer diagnosis and will be adjusted to suit your specific needs at the time.
It is not necessary, however useful information would be: type of cancer; surgeries; treatment; date of diagnosis and timeline of treatment.
Whilst there are similarities between Oncology Massage and LDM the aim of the treatment is not to focus only on the lymphatic system, instead it is to provide a holistic massage. Oncology massage focuses not only on the physiology of the client but also on the psychology. An Oncology therapist will have done specific training for this modality which is more advanced than a general LDM therapist. However once you have passed the treatment stage and if nodes have been removed you could also see a Decongestive Lymphatic Therapist if you need very specific lymphatic drainage treatment.
Yes, treatment can be performed at any stage of your cancer diagnosis and will be adjusted to suit your specific needs at the time. If you have a port, colostomy bag or sensitive skin please inform us prior to your visit.
Sweet Almond Oil is used as part of our massages, however if you do have an allergy to nuts we have alternatives such as coconut oil, premax or cornstarch. Please advise of any allergies BEFORE coming to treatment.
This safe, painless and extremely effective treatment gives you the chance to create the same kind of results you would expect from expensive skin treatments in beauty salons at home for a fraction of the cost.
Galvanic current was discovered by the 18th-century Bolognese electrical pioneer Luigi Galvani. Galvanic current is a low-level, continuous current that flows in one direction, known as direct current (DC), it’s used to electrically infuse medication into the skin as well as draw out impurities.
Galvanic treatments employ this low-level direct current to achieve many benefits to the skin, such as:
The Galvanic Current is delivered through a hand held device and is used in conjunction with specific gels or creams that are polarized to deliver specific outcomes for the body area being treated. This means that the ingredients are either pulled into or repelled from the skin depending on the polarization of the gels or creams being used. By using Galvanic Current you can create a deep cleanse for the skin and also deliver essential nutrients and key anti aging ingredients deep into the epidermis.
We use two different Galvanic Current Devices, the Galvanic Face Spa for the face and neck and Galvanic Body Spa for the rest of the body. Both devices have specific products that provide the best outcomes for each area. For the face deep cleansing and the delivery of ingredients to firm, plump and smooth the skin and for the body ingredients to inhibit fat production, firm and smooth skin, aid in lymphatic drainage and the appearance of cellulite.
When you use the Face Spa the first step is to remove old cells, clean out debris and excess oil preparing the skin for the delivery of nutrients. The second gel delivers age defying ingredients to increase firmness, stimulate cells, increase hydration and stimulate the epidermis.
The result is more radiant, firmer skin with a decrease in the depth and appearance of lines and wrinkles, a decrease in puffiness and redness, and firmer younger looking skin. This effect will only be achieved with regular at home use of at least 3 times per week for a minimum of 6 weeks and using the gels and skin care designed specifically for these devices.
We are more than happy to do a demonstration session for you, and can experience both the facial spa and body spa. However these devices need to be used for at least 12 treatments over a period of weeks to have optimal results, and then used for maintenance sessions thereafter. It is more cost effective to purchase the devices for home use.
Should you book a demonstration session and then purchase a device the session will be free.
A Galvanic Face Spa treatment will cost $60.00 and take 30 Minutes to perform and includes the following.
The Galvanic Body Spa can decrease the appearance of skin dimpling and cellulite, smooth and tone skin and create firmer looking skin. These results are best achieved by performing a combination of dry skin brushing, the application of the device 3 times a week and the application of the appropriate creams as instructed for a minimum of six weeks.
We use Galvanic Body Spa as part of all of our Detox Packages and incorporate it at the end of each Lymphatic Drainage Treatment provided in a Detox Package. Galvanic Body Spa can also be included as an add on to a Lymphatic Drainage Massage for a cost of $20.
These results were achieved with a minimum of 3 treatments a week over a 6 week period.
A Galvanic Body Spa treatment will cost $60.00 and take 30 Minutes to perform and includes the following.
Should you choose to purchase a Galvanic Body Spa to take home the cost of the treatment will be free.
If you have any skin allergies, heart conditions, pacemaker then you will not be able to receive this treatment. It is safe for rosacea.
To book your Galvanic Spa demonstration go here
Life can get busy and an accumulation of stress, lack of exercise, poor diet can leave us feeling lethargic, anxious, depressed or just not as enthusiastic as we used to be. Sometimes we get to the point where we need to take some time out to focus on getting ourselves back on track, we need to hit the reset button.
A gentle detox and Recovery Package could be just what you need.
Our Recovery package is a great beginning if you have been through a period of illness, surgery or are feeling very fatigued. This is a gentle way to help support your lymphatics, cleanse waste and help boost your immune system. This is a basic level of Detox designed to support Lymphatics and for you to be able to do through your normal working week.
Includes:
Lymphatic Drainage treatments drain the lymphatic system transporting cellular waste and supporting immune function. Dry skin brushing each day increases the effectiveness of the LDM treatments as does the Epsom Salt baths and Detox tea. Galvanic Spa helps in the drainage process and provides tone and nutrients to the skin.
Detox tea is a wonderful mix of 8 herbs specifically chosen for their ability to support the detoxification pathways of our bodies such as the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal system.
Epsom Salts aid the body in flushing toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Dry skin brushing stimulates the lymphatics, tones and exfoliates the skin,
Gentle self-drainage massage each day in the shower helps drain the lymph that you have stimulated via dry skin brushing. We will demonstrate how to perform dry skin brushing and self-lymphatic drainage massage in between treatments. You will get the most out of your program by having your treatments within 7 – 10 days of each other, not drinking alcohol, having lemon water to help support the liver and eating a predominantly vegetarian diet and performing the skin brushing and self-drainage we show you.
You will also benefit by reading and following our instructions on how to prepare for your Lymphatic Drainage Treatments.
We recommend checking with your GP before beginning any detox programs
Clinic Hours:
Mon - Fri: 7.30 am - 8.00pm
Sat & Sun: 9am - 6pm
Reception Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 6.30pm
Level 3, 233 Albert Street, Brisbane Qld 4000
T: 07 3003 0801
Book Online
07 3003 0801