Advanced Lymphedema and Post Surgical Swelling Treatments

Understanding Lymphedema

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling, usually in the arms or legs, due to a buildup of lymph fluid. This can happen when the lymphatic system – a part of your immune system that helps clear waste and fluids – isn't working properly.

🎗️ Post-Cancer Treatment Lymphedema

Lymphedema is especially common in people who have undergone cancer treatment, particularly surgeries or radiation involving the lymph nodes. For example:

Breast cancer patients may develop swelling in the arm after lymph nodes are removed or damaged during treatment.
Pelvic or prostate cancer treatments can affect lymph nodes in the groin, leading to swelling in the legs.

This condition might appear weeks, months, or even years after treatment.

✋ How Vodders Manual Lymphatic Therapy Helps – in Simple Terms

Manual Lymphatic Therapy (MLT), also called Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), is a gentle, hands-on massage technique designed to help move lymph fluid out of swollen areas and back into the body’s circulation system.

Imagine This:
Think of your lymphatic system like a series of small drains. If those drains get clogged or damaged (like during cancer treatment), fluid starts to build up – just like water in a blocked sink. MLT is like a gentle nudge to get that water moving again.

What Does It Do?

Reduces swelling: Moves trapped fluid out of the swollen areas.
Eases discomfort: Less pressure means less pain or heaviness.
Improves mobility: When swelling goes down, it’s easier to move the affected limb.
Supports healing and immunity: Keeps your body’s natural cleaning system working.

MLT is typically done by a specially trained therapist and may be combined with compression garments, exercise, and skin care as part of a complete lymphedema management plan.

A complete Lymphedema Management plan usually includes the following:

Manual decongestive therapy (Manual Lymphatic Treatment)
Compression bandages or garments
Mild exercise or home care

Lymphatic Drainage Post Surgery (Cosmetic or Treatment based surgery)

How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Helps After Surgery

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light, gentle massage technique designed to help your body move fluid that's trapped just under the skin. It supports your body’s natural drainage system — called the lymphatic system — which plays a big role in healing and reducing swelling.

Why Does Swelling Happen After Surgery?

Swelling after surgery is normal — your body sends extra fluid and immune cells to help with healing. But if your lymphatic system is slowed down or damaged (especially after procedures involving lymph nodes), that fluid can’t drain properly.

This can cause:

Swelling
Tightness or heaviness
Discomfort or limited movement

How MLD Helps Your Recovery

Think of your lymphatic system like a network of tiny drains that remove waste and extra fluid from your body. After surgery, these drains can get overwhelmed or blocked. MLD helps by:

Using slow, rhythmic hand movements to gently guide fluid away from swollen areas
Encouraging drainage toward healthy lymph nodes
Helping your body flush out waste, reduce swelling, and speed up healing

Benefits of MLD After Surgery

✅ Reduces post-surgical swelling
✅ Eases pain and pressure
✅ Speeds up recovery time
✅ Promotes healthy scar healing
✅ Lowers the risk of infection or complications

A Simple Way to Think About It

If your body is like a garden, your lymphatic system is the drainage system that prevents water from pooling. After surgery, that system might need help — and MLD acts like a gentle hand guiding water back into the soil where it belongs.

About Mona Pour-Saleh RMT / Lymphatic Decongestive Therapist

Mona Pour-Saleh is a dedicated and passionate Registered Massage Therapist with a unique perspective shaped by her journey as a former professional athlete. A competitive bodybuilder since 2010, she turned pro in 2018 and proudly competed on the prestigious Olympia stage in both 2021 and 2022. Her experiences in competition have fueled her commitment to understanding optimal rehabilitation strategies and pain management.

Since graduating, Mona has continued to learn, undergoing extensive training in Vodders Manual Lymphatic Therapy. Since completing her training and being accredited, she is passionately working with lymphedema patients and post-cancer swelling care, creating a complete treatment plan to manage symptoms. Mona is also working towards completing her Osteopathy training.

With a deep appreciation for the body's healing potential, Mona is committed to providing individualized care that addresses each client's unique needs. Her goal is to support clients through pain management and recovery with personalized treatment plans. Mona believes that every session is an opportunity for healing, and her passion for her work shines through in the care she provides.

Always Talk to Your Doctor

If you’ve had cancer treatment and are experiencing swelling or discomfort, don’t wait. Early care can make a big difference.