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Posts in the Lymphatic Drainage category

What is that Lump Under the Skin? What is the Difference Between a Lipoma and Swollen Lymph Node?

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 31 August, 2025 | 0 comments | Read more →
What is that Lump Under the Skin? What is the Difference Between a Lipoma and Swollen Lymph Node?

By Selena Belisle, CE Institute LLC

The human body is made up of hundreds of lymph nodes. They filter harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria from our lymphatic fluid (aka lymph), before it enters the cardiovascular system.  Lymph nodes are an important part of our natural defense system or human immunity.  

Unfortunately, lymph nodes are a common place where cancer spreads as well. That’s why oncologists regularly biopsy a sentinel node in the same region as other cancers, to determine if an existing cancer has metastasized. 

In the medical illustration below, the lymphatic system is represented in red in the human body.  The little bean shaped balls on the lymphatic vessels represent lymph nodes in various regions. Clusters of lymph nodes are commonly found within the joints of the skeletal system:

 

Swollen lymph nodes typically exhibit themselves within lymph node regions, which can be viewed on the following medical illustration of the lymphatic system:

 

Lipomas are fatty lumps that form under the skin and usually over the muscle.  While all abnormal growths are cancers by definition, lipomas are not harmful and do not metastasize like a harmful cancer might.  

 

Telling the difference between a swollen or damaged lymph node versus a lipoma can be difficult, because they are visibly similar in size, shape and texture under the skin. Both could cause an obstruction of circulation, with the swollen lymph node being medically worse of the two, especially if it is a sentinel node.  In some cases, swollen or damaged lymph node(s) can lead to a condition called lymphedema. 

Medical institutions may claim that lipomas are softer and more mobile under the skin than a damaged lymph node; however, with almost 40 years of tactile palpation skills, I can state that it's impossible to determine the difference between the two by viewing or feeling them. They're both usually quite firm or hard, and neither is very mobile under the skin either.

Pressing on either may or may not cause pain, and is ill-advised regardless of what the diagnosis is. It is contraindicated to apply pressure on abnormal growths/cancers or any form of swelling, especially while the skin remains intact. Removing a damaged lymph node or lipoma would require surgery with sterilization methods to prevent infection and other medical problems.

You likely wouldn’t know the difference between a swelling lymph node or lipoma without a client telling you, or a medical diagnosis.  Lipomas often develop slowly over time, while a swollen lymph node might appear more quickly, due to trauma or an acute infection.  

Lymph nodes can also temporarily swell when they’re exposed to harmful viruses, bacteria and other agents, as the immune cells multiply within the nodes to kill the infection. This would be different from a permanent swelling of a lymph node which may appear visually similarly to a lipoma.

Here are some examples of each:

The picture at the top of his article depicts swollen lymph nodes, and here are some more images of swollen lymph nodes below around cervical area:


Here are some images and examples of lipomas:

This woman has a lipoma next to her axillary lymph node region. This lipoma could be easily confused as a swollen lymph node because of the proximity to her axillary nodes plus the tiny surgical incision over it appears similarly to an "old-school" biopsy too: 


Medical practitioners viewing the lipoma in the image above may automatically assume that is a swollen of infected lymph node when one considers the proximity of it to other lymph nodes. The medical illustration below depicts axillary region lymph nodes and vessels with breast cancer:



These lipomas represent an individual with familial lipomatosis:


This is a real life medical image of a lipoma that has been excised from the human body:


Lymph nodes could also swell with cancer of the lymphatic system, otherwise known as lymphoma. Below is a medical image of cancer within a lymph node:



Sarcomas can also exhibit as a lump under the skin. Sarcomas are a group of cancers that start in soft tissues and the skeletal system. While any new abnormal growth or lump under the skin is often concerning, when a sarcoma is left undiagnosed or untreated, a sarcoma will likely continue to increase in size, beyond how most swollen lymph nodes or lipomas would present.  Below is an image depicting a child with giant cell sarcoma, also known as GCS:
Sarcomas are a fairly rare type of cancer which affects less than 1% of adults. Children are more widely affected by sarcomas. 15% of childhood cancers are said to be sacrcomas.  The image below shows an adult survivor of childhood sarcoma.  The sarcoma and her entire deltoid muscle were surgically removed when she was a teenager, and then treated with radiation.  While we do not have an image of her sacroma before it was surgically removed, this is how she appears over a decade after her successful oncology treatment:
If you are practicing Manual Lymphatic Drainage or any type of massage, bodywork or healthcare service and detect a new lump, especially in an area of swelling, it would be important to discuss this with the client, especially if they are unaware of it.  Seeking a medical diagnose for any new or suspicious lumps with early medical intervention might be life saving in more serious cases like lymphoma, and may provide better medical treatment options with cases such as filariasis, which is a parasitic infection of the lymphatic system, particularly within the lymph nodes.


Learning what the abnormal growth is might change your treatment plan as a licensed massage therapist or medical provider.  Lymphoma with local oncology radiation would receive different local care than a lipoma, etc. 

While all of these lumps could cause circulation impairments, defining/discussing them and then definitely learning what they are through a medical diagnosis will help you provide the correct treatment to your client when they have new or suspicious lumps.




Using Manual Lymphatic Drainage to Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 17 July, 2025 | 2 comments | Read more →
Using Manual Lymphatic Drainage to Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

It was noted in the press on July 17, 2025 that the US sitting president, Donald Trump was diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency which is generally referred to as CVI. Chronic venous insufficiency is one type of disease that could cause swelling over a period of time, usually in the lower extremities. When left untreated, severe cases could result in skin infections, ulcers, infection, sepsis and even death; however, this is regularly averted in countries with modern medical practices such as the US.

While CVI is most often seen in the legs, it can also be diagnosed in the upper extremities or arms.  While the pictures in this article do not depict Trump, they are a fairly good example of what CVI could look like in a younger male subject. Affected individuals during the initial onset of CVI define symptoms as unknown bilateral extremity swelling, the feeling of heaviness in the affected extremities and fatigue. 

The venous stasis which occurs during CVI can also cause the discoloration effect seen in the pictures above and below.  The affected areas can appear darker in color, which is a result of the blood pooling in the veins for prolonged periods of time, which causes swelling, discoloration and other symptoms.


Manual lymphatic drainage has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Studies of successful manual lymphatic drainage applied to chronic venous insufficiency date back as far as nearly 50 years ago! One randomized control study concluded: Short-term MLD treatment ameliorates CVI severity and related edema, symptoms, and pain HRQOL in patients with CVI. 

One of the things that's most important of all is manual lymphatic drainage has not shown to produce any negative side effects to treat CVI, unlike other possible interventions or pharmaceuticals to treat or ameliorate this common disease.

 

 

We teach evidence-based MLD practice here at our school, where manual lymphatic drainage can be provided for a variety of medical disorders and diseases, including CVI. Manual lymphatic drainage utilizes specialized hands-on skills to lightly manipulate the underlying soft tissue to promote drainage wherever acute or chronic edema exists.  The goal in MLD practice is to create a volume reduction to reduce the swelling.  Clients usually feel better plus have greater physical function and range of motion (ROM) with swelling relief.  There is no cure for CVI; however, MLD practice can provide temporary benefits to affected individuals.

To register for our manual lymphatic drainage courses, please visit: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/lymphatics

 

 

 

Professional Evaluation of a 50-minute Manual Lymphatic Drainage Session aka MLD in an Upscale Spa Establishment

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 16 July, 2025 | 0 comments | Read more →
Professional Evaluation of a 50-minute Manual Lymphatic Drainage Session aka MLD in an Upscale Spa Establishment
This is a professional evaluation of a 50-minute lymphatic drainage session at the Four Seasons Hotel, George V in Paris, France.  This is one of my favorite spas in the world, which was refurbished during COVID.  I will write a separate article about this newly updated establishment at a later date.




Their manual lymphatic drainage aka MLD was offered as either a 50 or 80 minute service.  Manual lymphatic drainage is typically applied to reduce swelling which can produce various health benefits.  I do not have any swelling or lymphedema, so I simply scheduled a 50-minute service to evaluate their manual application.  What I found is their manual lymphatic drainage strokes and techniques are quite different from what is practiced in the United States, whether it's our evidence-based approach, Chikly, Vodder or other "types" of MLD.  Just because something's different, doesn't mean it's less effective.  Similar results can be achieved with different approaches, and this establishment had a very different approach.

At this spa establishment where MLD is not being offered in a medical setting, they automatically include both facial and body treatment with their lymphatic drainage appointments. In the US, we usually separate MLD application as a facial treatment, body treatment or if a client wants both facial and body MLD treatment, they would have to specify wanting both when scheduling the appointment, so that an appropriate amount of time can be scheduled for the desired services.

The 50-minute lymphatic drainage treatment began with the service provider using hot towels to wipe both the hands and feet in a private treatment room. This is not the customary start for MLD, but it is good for sanitation and a really nice way to open any type of massage or bodywork service.  The lymphatic system work then began with repeatedly pumping of the lymphatic terminus.  Her pumping of the terminus was faster than what we teach.  The pumping was almost as rapid as a heart beat, with on average one pump per second.  I have recently seen greater research that shows this faster pumping technique while we like to teach pumping techniques with client's inhaling and exhaling.



The therapist then moved on to some submandibular work. She worked from the midline laterally on the submandibular area, then moved up to the hairline at the forehead. As she moved onto each new area on the face, she alternated lymphatic terminus pumping in between. Then from the forehead she continued inferiorly along the hairline to work anteriorly to the ears and back to the lymphatic terminus for more pumping. 

Abdominal lymphatic drainage was immediately provided after facial work and repeated pumping of the lymphatic terminus. My breast area was draped by a towel while a sheet covered my lower body to expose the abdomen.  Very light work was started at four corners around my abdomen, as well as some initial sweeping strokes throughout the abdomen.  Then, deeper techniques were applied in the same areas where the lighter techniques at the four corners began.  The intensity of pressure gradually increased and the work was primarily provided towards the navel as the pressure was increased.   All pressure applied was comfortable and tolerable throughout the entire appointment, including the facial and bodywork.  The whole session could be described as light to lightly moderate pressure.

After her finishing strokes on the abdomen, she covered my upper body with the sheet, and then moved to undrape one full lower extremity.  The service provider worked proximal to distal on the leg, which is a fairly standard MLD approach when starting extremity work.  She manually pumped slightly inferior to the inguinal lymph nodes, then continued her MLD manual techniques inferiorly from the hip towards the foot.  She only kept me in supinated position for the entire 50-minute appointment.  Once the anterior lower extremity work was completed, she flexed my knee with my foot flat on the table, and reached underneath my leg, starting MLD techniques at the hamstring attachments of the ischial tuberosity, working inferiorly under the leg towards the popliteal fossa.  She continued pumping techniques in the popliteal fossa and then worked her way down the calf until she reached the foot again.  This was repeated on the other leg.

Once she completed identical work on both legs, she moved back up to my head for more lymphatic terminus pumping and what felt like a general and gentle session closure application.  She finished her treatment with a repeated hot towel wiping of my hands and feet, despite not using any lubricant during this dry hands-on application.  This is very good practice and may be a required business policy to finish every body treatment, so that there's less liability for the client to slip while dismounting the treatment table.  The reason why hands would be wiped is because if the hands are oily and you reach out to prevent a fall, your oily hand may slip on any grabbed surface, so that is why it's good business to wipe both the hands and feet during table dismount.

She washed her hands before starting the hands-on bodywork and again, after she completed it.  The therapist did not include the upper extremities during this 50-minute treatment.  The upper extremities would likely be included if I had scheduled the longer 80-minute MLD session instead.

After washing her hands, the table was inclined electrically at the superior end which is more good practice, to allow a client to reestablish normal blood pressure in a seated upright position instead of attempting to go from fully supinated to standing after an hour of relaxation, which could end in orthostatic hypotension, which would put a client at other risk during table dismount. 



While this MLD session was extremely different from anything I've received before, I wouldn't be able to attest to its effectiveness due to the fact that I do not have any swelling.  What I can attest to is that it felt wonderful and was very sanitary and relaxing.

Despite the alternative approach to what we practice or teach for MLD in the US, there was one error made with this MLD service.  I had asked the therapist to elevate my legs while supinated on the treatment table, and she initially refused saying that would negatively affect drainage. Unfortunately we shared a language barrier where I was unable to explain that elevating the legs would actually improve drainage instead of hurt it as she had implied.  When she did eventually use the electrical table to lift my knees, she further showed that the drainage on my lower legs was now opposite of where we needed it to drain. She is correct that lifting the knees during MLD would promote drainage towards the ankles which is undesired. However, this can be EASILY improved by placing a pillow under the ankles which will create extremely desirable postural drainage for the entire leg.  So in this establishment , they are not applying postural drainage techniques that should be used with MLD to make the treatment more effective and achieve greater drainage.  Lifting the legs while a client is supinated also has the added benefit of relieving stress on the low back as well.




Overall, aside from not providing appropriate positional drainage with the MLD appointment, in addition to the fact that it was quite different from any MLD I have experienced in the past, I still found it to be an excellent application by a highly skilled practitioner which was enjoyable and quite nice.

Local, Hybrid & Full Body Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Applications

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 08 June, 2024 | 8 comments | Read more →
Local, Hybrid & Full Body Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Applications

Providing MLD services to a client can be different, depending on the client's needs.  Are you attempting to performing a full detoxification, reduce unilateral extremity lymphedema or did the client show up for a full body massage with a severely swollen knee sprain?

Because there are so many different situations that can be treated with MLD, we recommend breaking MLD treatments down into 3 different categories:

  1. LOCAL MLD: Only work on the affected area of swelling. This appointment could be as short as 10-minutes or as long 30-minutes or more. Practitioners can work as long as agreed and as long as you do no harm.
  1. HYBRID MLD: Provide regular services (i.e., full body massage), and then provide MLD to only the affected area of swelling while the rest of the body receives its normal course of treatment. In full body massage, if the therapist spends 10-minutes massaging one leg, then the therapist would spend 10-minutes on the opposite leg with MLD.  The goal is to keep the appointment session fluid and even between the swollen and normal areas of the bodywork.
  1. FULL BODY MLD: Full Body Lymphatic Drainage (i.e., detox treatment). Full body sessions on average take 90-minutes, but like almost any other bodywork, practitioners can modify the session to make it shorter or longer time.

To learn more about manual lymphatic drainage applications, please register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

 

 

Understanding (or the Misunderstanding) of the Lymphatic System

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 08 June, 2024 | 6 comments | Read more →
Understanding (or the Misunderstanding) of the Lymphatic System

There is still some conflicting Information about the lymphatic system, and some unknowns as well.  We are still LEARNING more about the lymphatic system every year as science and research continues to advance.  For example, we still do not know why 75% of lymph is drained through the left side of the body to the cardiovascular system and 25% of lymph is drained through the right, as depicted in this infographic (pictured right).  There are many theories why there is such uneven distribution of lymph collection and redistribution to the cardiovascular system, but none of these theories have been scientifically proven to be factually correct.

New research studies are providing new information and updates about the lymphatic system every year.  In past MLD classes prior to 2015, it was regularly taught that there is no lymphatic tissue or intervention within the cranium or central nervous system.  We now know that theory was wrong. [i]   

One research study reported prior to 2015, that “The brain...has been thought to lack lymphatic vessels, as they’ve never been found….These vessels may have gone undiscovered until now due to their hidden location. The method the team used to prepare the meninges kept these layers intact. The researchers found similar structures in autopsy specimens of human meninges. Organization of the vessels in the human central nervous system will now need to be determined.” [ii]

Lymphatic vessels in the brains of mice were only recently discovered through use of new high-powered microscopes. Prior to 2015, we thought that the lymphatic system and central nervous system were two completely separate systems without intervention.

The cranial lymphatics (aka glymphatics) is a perfect example of a major discovery that was only made a few years ago.

Despite not having a total understanding of the lymphatic system, we have learned enough to know how to manipulate it to reduce swelling, with services such as manual lymphatic drainage.

To learn more about manual lymphatic drainage or the lymphatic system, please register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

[i] Louveau A;Smirnov I;Keyes TJ;Eccles JD;Rouhani SJ;Peske JD;Derecki NC;Castle D;Mandell JW;Lee KS;Harris TH;Kipnis J; “Structural and Functional Features of Central Nervous System Lymphatic Vessels.” Nature, 16 July 2015, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26030524/.

[ii] “Lymphatic Vessels Discovered in Central Nervous System.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 14 Dec. 2021, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lymphatic-vessels-discovered-central-nervous-system.

 

 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post-Abdominoplasty

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 23 January, 2023 | 4 comments | Read more →
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post-Abdominoplasty

We have many manual lymphatic drainage students who wish to practice MLD techniques post-abdominoplasty procedure.

On April 5, 2022, the Journal of American Society of Plastic Surgeons published an article called: Changes in the Pattern of Superficial Lymphatic Drainage of the Abdomen after Abdominoplasty https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35383695/

This published research states: "A significant change in lymphatic drainage pathway occurred in the infraumbilical region after abdominoplasty. The axillary drainage path was predominant after the operation, in contrast to the inguinal path observed in the preoperative period."

There is a LOT to learn to accurately and efficiently applied MLD techniques with the lastest research, proven methods and adverse complications, such as this one. We teach about this and much more in our manual lymphatic drainage classes. For the latest, evidence-based methods in manual lymphatic drainage training, please register with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/collections/lymphatics

#liposuction #abdominoplasty #MLD #manuallymphaticdrainage #lymphaticdrainage #bodywork #bodyworker #massage #massagetherapist #mt #LMT #lymphedema #postsurgical #cosmeticsurgery #plasticsurgery #swelling #edema #chronicswelling #lmt #licensemassagetherapist #massagetherapist #physicaltherapist 

 

 

 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Extremity Bolstering for Arms & Legs: MLD INSTRUCTOR DEMONSTRATION

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 16 January, 2023 | 4 comments | Read more →
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Extremity Bolstering for Arms & Legs: MLD INSTRUCTOR DEMONSTRATION

Greater research studies are showing the efficacy of bolstering clients with swelling, particularly during the practice of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).

Manual lymphatic drainage utilizes light-pressure manual manipulation of the skin and underlying tissues to promote the movement of lymphatic fluid, usually from one area to another towards lymphatic node regions. MLD is not to be confused with a traditional massage, especially given the pressure and work directions can be quite different in MLD. 

To learn more, specifically in how to apply manual lymphatic drainage, please register for one of our MLD classes at:  https://ceinstitute.com/collections/lymphatics.  Home study classes are immediately available 24/7, until your course access expires.

In this training video, we will show you the order in which to bolster extremities (both arms and legs) during MLD practice: 

#bolstering #bolsteringtechniques #orthopedics #orthopedicsurgery #MLD #manuallymphaticdrainage #lymphaticdrainage #bodywork #bodyworker #massage #massagetherapist #mt #LMT #lymphedema #postsurgical #cosmeticsurgery #plasticsurgery #swelling #edema #chronicswelling #lmt #licensemassagetherapist #massagetherapist #physicaltherapist

 

 

 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD Abdominal, Belly or Tummy Pumping Hands-on Instructor Demonstration

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 16 January, 2023 | 5 comments | Read more →
Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD Abdominal, Belly or Tummy Pumping Hands-on Instructor Demonstration

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is NOT A MASSAGE. In massage therapy, we primarily work with muscle and other soft tissue structures. In Manual Lymphatic Drainage, we primarily work with FLUID.

While the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems both transport fluid throughout the body, the lymphatic system is thought to be a “less robust” system than the cardiovascular system, in-part, because the lymphatic system does NOT have a PUMP. The cardiovascular system's pump is our human heart and cardiac muscle.

Interstitial Fluid

In manual lymphatic drainage, we are trying to absorb and propel a milky white and often colorless fluid that bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.  It contains: water, proteins, cells, toxins, fats, waste, bacteria, viruses, etc.[i]

“The only difference between lymph and interstitial fluid is its location. If the milky white fluid is found in the spaces between body tissues, it is called interstitial fluid. If it is found in the lymphatic system, it is called lymph.”[2]

To learn more, please register for training at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/lymphatics

Here is an instructor demonstration of belly pumping, which is thought to promote stagnant lymph to propel superiorly towards the subclavian veins to be "dumped" in the cardiovascular system for appropriate filtering and/or elimination: 

#MLD #manuallymphaticdrainage #lymphaticdrainage #bodywork #bodyworker #massage #massagetherapist #mt #LMT #lymphedema #postsurgical #cosmeticsurgery #plasticsurgery #swelling #edema #chronicswelling #lmt #licensemassagetherapist #massagetherapist #physicaltherapist 

[i] Reference.com IAC Publishing Labs Company, found online June 24, 2016,

https://www. reference. com/science/lymph-differ-interstitial-fluid-cbe413fad52593d

[2] Reference.com IAC Publishing Labs Company, found online June 24, 2016, https://www. reference. com/science/lymph-differ-interstitial-fluid-cbe413fad52593d

 

 

Learn Why MLD & Massage Therapy Over Fillers & Implants is Contraindicated - As Seen Published in Massage Magazine

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 15 January, 2023 | 5 comments | Read more →
Learn Why MLD & Massage Therapy Over Fillers & Implants is Contraindicated - As Seen Published in Massage Magazine

Plastic surgeons often refers patients for post-surgical manual lymphatic drainage to relieve pain and swelling, or they may prescribe deep tissue massage for new muscular contracture over an implant or filler, or more.

Even with a doctor’s written prescription and direction, shifting or migration of fillers and implants could happen or be blamed on the therapist's manual therapy, and shifting could have already occurred, hence the referral.

It's important for massage therapists to remember that working over fillers or implants is contraindicated.  Shifting and migration could occur with the manual therapy, and it is not worth the risk to try to achieve the benefit, especially given the lack of certainty with both.  Therapists, clients and doctors cannot always control shifting and migration issues within the human body. This is one of many reasons why working over foreign materials implanted in the body is a massage and bodywork contraindication.

Migration and shifting are terms used to describe when a foreign material has moved away from its original placement site. This can also be called displacement.

Migration is the term commonly referenced when a foreign material has migrated to places such as the client’s bloodstream. Shifting is the term commonly referenced when a foreign material has shifted away from its original placement site, such as instances with physical force, capsular contraction or aging.

Migration and shifting issues of foreign materials within the body can cause physical disfigurement, swelling, pain, obstruction of circulation and even death in some cases.

Shifting of foreign materials can also occur over time and for other various reasons. Skin thickness, gravity, muscular contractures and more could all cause undesirable shifting issues.

While temporary fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane are considered safer than a permanent filler, there is still concern that shifting or migration could occur with any foreign material, regardless if the foreign material is considered temporary, permanent, synthetic, or living tissue including fat.

MTs Cannot Reliably Control Foreign Material Shifting

Sometimes, massage or bodywork will be prescribed by a physician in an attempt to purposely influence foreign material shifting. The problem is, a practitioner cannot always control where the foreign material will shift to with their hands-on work, and sometimes shifting can result in an undesirable placement.

What is important to remember is the client’s wish to change their physical appearance is met by having a foreign material placed at a specific site in their body. That physical appearance can be drastically changed or undesirable when the foreign material shifts away from its intended placement site.

Permanent Silicone Injectables

Silicone injectables are an example of fillers used that are not approved by the FDA because they are permanent and remain within the body. The FDA warns, “It can move throughout the body and cause serious health consequences, including death. In fact, when injected into areas with many blood vessels, such as the buttocks (butt), silicone can travel through those vessels to other parts of the body and block blood vessels in the lungs, heart, or brain. This can cause a stroke or even death.”

The FDA’s warning of foreign material migration is a huge concern for massage practice. Massage should not be applied over foreign materials; it is simply ill-advised.

It should be noted that whole and intact silicone implants used for cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation would not apply to this referenced FDA migration warning. While silicone implants have their own worrisome concerns such as they can shift away from their original placement site with incorrect placement or when they are too large for the area and more, this FDA warning is about silicone injectables.

To learn more, please register for quality affordable professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

Please click HERE if you would like to read our article on Massage Magazine's website.

#massage #lmt #mt #mld #manuallymphaticdrainage #bbl #brazilianbuttlift #bodywork #contraindicated #serviceprecaution #implant #filler #breastimplant #injection #cosmetic #plasticsurgery #cosmeticprocedure #surgery

 

 

 

Read How Consistent Opening Practices Can Help Your Biz - As Seen at Massage Magazine!

Posted by CE Institute LLC on 15 January, 2023 | 7 comments | Read more →
Read How Consistent Opening Practices Can Help Your Biz - As Seen at Massage Magazine!

Establishing consistent opening rituals could prove to be beneficial, especially in group practice. Spending one minute or more with anything that feels familiar at the start of any session could feel comforting when an old client quickly reconnects with familiar touch.  Many clients could instantly relax when they recognize what they are feeling and receiving.

In this article, we focused mostly on opening rituals, and added in a few common closing rituals as well. We provided sample and common rituals for the following massage therapy and soft tissue bodywork applications: 

  • Abhyanga & Ayurvedic Massage
  • Aromatherapy Massage
  • Craniosacral Therapy
  • Chair Massage
  • Cupping Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Geriatric Massage
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • Ice Massage
  • Lomi Lomi Massage
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  • Myofascial Release
  • Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Oncology Massage 
  • Post-Surgical Bodywork
  • Prenatal Massage
  • Reflexology
  • Reiki
  • Sports Event Massage
  • Swedish Massage
  • Thai Massage
  • Trigger Point Therapy

Here is a list of common closing rituals that can be commonly practiced amongst all modalities: 

  • Thank the client for their time.
  • Express wishful thoughts silently or aloud for the client.
  • Apply a hold with static placement of their hands on the client’s body.
  • Ask the client to take some deep breaths.
  • Perform body brushing techniques.
  • Use a towel to remove massage medium from the client’s skin.
  • Assist a client off the treatment table with select services or customers.
  • Turn up any dim lighting so the client has greater visibility and acclimation back to reality.

Of course, no one has to follow these lists and practitioners can make up their own opening and closing practices as well!  What's most important is allowing your client to feel comfortable and instantly relax in your work area.

To learn more, please register for quality affordable professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

You can read this article in full at Massage Magazine by clicking HERE.

 #Abhyanga #Ayurvedic Massage #AromatherapyMassage #CraniosacralTherapy #ChairMassage #CuppingMassage #DeepTissueMassage #GeriatricMassage #HotStoneMassage #IceMassage #ManualLymphaticDrainage #MyofascialRelease #NeuromuscularTherapy #OncologyMassage #Post-SurgicalBodywork #PrenatalMassage #Reflexology #Reiki #SportsMassage #SwedishMassage #ThaiMassage #TriggerPointTherapy #lomilomi

 

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