Question 1

Scheduling FAQs

Accepted Answer

I'm a complex case. Who should I see? Leah is the owner, a certified lymphedema therapist, and absolute wizard of the lymphatic system. People fly in from all over the country to see her and she requires a new client visit for your first appointment with her. This is a one-time fee of $450 and includes an extensive intake/outtake process (expect to spend 2 hours with her), a 75-90 min. session, a self care treatment plan, and expert guidance on how to heal using holistic/alternative/out of the box methods that you may not have considered.
No new client visit is required for post-op services or to see any of our other amazing therapists! Our whole team is Vodder Method Certified and are experts in manual lymphatic drainage. We have attended The Academy Of Lymphatic Studies and are always continuing our education! Align Massage + Lymphatics also offers ongoing mentorship and training in advanced techniques and are some the best lymph workers in town!
We are currently an all-female staff and cannot offer a preference for a male therapist at this time.
A credit card is required to secure your appointment but we won't run it until services are rendered.
Full payment is due at time of service. We accept cash, checks & credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express).
We do not accept walk-ins and are by appointment only.
We highly recommend planning ahead and booking your post-op lymphatic drainage appointments in advance. Post-op MLD is time sensitive and requires anywhere from 10-12 appointments and you don't need any additional stress scrambling for aftercare.
We can get pretty darn busy, but the schedule is always changing! If you prefer to book online, check back often to see what's available. There's also an online waiting list for your convenience and we'll give you a call.
We'll ask if you'd like to book your next appointment after each session but shoot us an email or text if you need further assistance booking or want to setup recurring weekly/biweekly/monthly appointments. We're here to help.
You can book online up to 60 days in advance. Do itttttt! It feels really good to have those spots secured.
If you'd like to book us for a special event (public speaking, massage services, private lymphatic drainage classes) please email Corey at: lymphloveclub@gmail.com

Question 2

What's Your Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation: 24 hours notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Failure to cancel appointments at least 24 hours in advance or failure to show up for your appointment will result in a charge of 100% of the scheduled appointment fee which will be processed on the credit card we have on file. 
Late Arrival: If you are late to your appointment you are welcome to receive whatever time is left. Due to our tight booking, we often can't extend your session beyond the original appointment time, but we always give you a 5 minute grace period.

Question 3

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a unique method developed in France in the 1930s. Lymph drainage (MLD) is not "massage" per say. Massage implies kneading and MLD is rather a set of specific hand techniques that use a gentle, skin-stretching (torquing) motion that works directly with the skin to stimulate transport of the lymphatic fluid that sits just below the surface.

MLD has been shown to increase lymphatic flow by up to 20x, and it'll stay elevated for up 24-48 hours. It's so deeply relaxing, nurturing, and *powerful*. We know you'll love it because it's unlike any massage you've ever had. This is a gentle, non-invasive treatment has a powerful effect on the body.  Research in Australia, Europe and North America has proven its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with other therapies.

Breast Tissue/Draping: Your body is a three dimensional matrix and Vodder Method protocols includes breast tissue because the neighboring lymphatic structures drain vital organs such as the lungs and heart! If you'd like to decline treatment to any part of your body,  just let us know. We can still do great work and want you to feel comfortable!

We will keep your breast tissue covered at all times unless there is a clinical need to observe radiated/scar tissue due to breast cancer treatment or other surgical sites.

Question 4

Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Safe For Me?

Accepted Answer

For most individuals, yes, but let's talk contraindications, because an increase in lymph flow may not be beneficial for your body, and could exacerbate your condition or symptoms. We don't want that.

Contraindications are clinical boundaries that ensure the safety of each individual that comes to us for treatment, and lymphatic drainage has a few...

They can either be absolute or relative. We are highly trained experts, so either we (or in more complex cases, your physician) can override relative contraindications for good reason, but the absolute contraindications are a no-go. Safety first and always!

Absolute Contraindications:

Acute Inflammation- Typically caused by bacteria or viruses. Example: streptococcus or staphylococcus causing cellulitis or erysipelas. Tissue that is red, hot, painful, congested, and accompanied by a fever is not suitable to receive this treatment during this time.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)- If you are unmedicated or if edema is due solely to cardiac failure/cardiac edema you are unable to receive MLD.

Renal Failure- This is relative to the severity of your disease. We see clients with compromised kidney function with *written physician approval. MLD is a powerful diuretic and will tax renal function temporarily. Your kidneys must be strong enough to receive treatment safely.

Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)- This is only during the acute phase. MLD is beneficial for post-thrombotic syndrome edema management.

Relative Contraindications/Precautions:  **Disclose to your massage therapist prior to the start of your session.**

Malignant Lymphedema- This is when lymphedema is being caused by active cancer. Lymphedema therapists (that's Leah) routinely treat patients with active cancer however, in such cases, MLD and CLT are considered palliative care and should only be employed as an adjunct to cancer management strategies. Please submit *written physician approval.

Bronchial Asthma- MLD stimulates your vagus nerve and can (rare, but possible) bring on an attack. Bring your inhaler with you to your appointment.

Pregnancy- MLD is great for pregnancy but your session must be tailored to you and baby's needs. Let us know, we got you mama.

Hyperthyroidism- If you're on medication for hyperthyroidism, MLD could metabolize your medication quickly, sending a flood of hormones into your cardiovascular system. We simply need to adjust our treatment to meet your body's needs.

Hypersensitive Carotid Sinus- We want to avoid causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rythmn, all that means is we avoid your carotid sinus. Easy Peasy.

Cardiac Arrhythmia- We'll just avoid your neck, no prob.

Menstration- We just wont work as deeply in your abdomen.

Recent Abdominal Surgeries- We'll opt for some diaphragmatic breathing vs. working deeply in your abdomen.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (AAA)- Current or history or surgical repair, let us know. We can modify.

Clients 60 And Over- We want to be careful about mobilizing any plaque that may have accumulated in your arteries, so we'll work a little differently with you.

Still not sure if MLD is right for you? We're here to answer any questions you may have!

*Please submit written physician's approval to: lymphloveclub@gmail.com

Question 5

Do You Work With Lymphedema Patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Leah is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and someday soon we'll be offering Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)!

Question 6

Do You Do Deep Tissue Massage?

Accepted Answer

It's not how deep we go, but how we go deep. We are highly skilled massage therapists that use their diverse skillset to achieve incredible results but if you're looking to get bulldozed, this is not the place. In fact, our bodywork is rarely painful.

Come to the softer side to find out what's possible. It's legit.

Question 7

Do You Offer Pediatric Lymphatic Drainage?

Accepted Answer

Age Requirements: Leah does pediatric lymphatic drainage but a parent or guardian must accompany your little to their session, sign a minor consent form that's separate from the intake form itself, and remain in the treatment room for the duration of the session. 
TIP: If your child is under the age of 5, nap time is a great time for lymphatic work. Bring their favorite blanket and book!

Question 8

What Can I Expect After MLD Treatment?

Accepted Answer

The lymphatic system pulls things out of the tissues in our body that don’t belong, things that can be contributing to our symptoms. After MLD you may experience a Herxheimer or "Herx" Reaction are a short-term (1 to 2 days) detoxification reaction. As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, fatigue, sweating, chills, nausea, or other symptoms.

While this may sound unpleasant, you should feel so much better on the other side, if you have a reaction at all, some people just feel awesome! 
Make sure to drink lots of water (with electrolytes) and add a little downtime after your lymphatic session. Just like your phone powers down after a software update, take this time to let your body reboot!

The Organs That Detoxify:

Colon- You may see changes to your stool's color, consistency, and/or frequency. Our constipated clients (one bowel movement per day or less) say they have "epic poops" after MLD. We love shit talk around here!

Liver- Your liver function goes way up, which means an increase in bile production. Bilirubin is what gives poop its color, and why you may see changes here. Oh, and the liver is huge and uses a TON of energy, so this may be why you feel fatigued afterwards.

Kidneys- MLD is a powerful diuretic and you may see changes to your urine's color, odor, and/or frequency. Your lymphatics and kidneys work together to maintain the fluid balance in the body. The lymphatics help to remove waste products from the interstitial fluid that surrounds our cells, and our kidneys help get it out of our body. After your session you'll notice frequent urination...HYDRATE.

Lungs- Sometimes with our upper respiratory clients, phlegm can find its way out of the lungs. Lungs detoxify our body with every exhalation but they are surrounded (both inside and out) by lymphatic structures. You may see changes here as they cleanse themselves.

Skin- Such a fun detox organ but the symptoms? Not so much. You may break out with a couple zits or even a rash as your skin detoxifies. You may also smell changes to your sweat. It's normal.

Changes can occur as your body repairs itself. They vary greatly person-to-person but it's important to know that these symptoms are normal and temporary!

Question 9

Any Tips For Minimizing Detox Symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

1. Limit caffeine and alcohol the days leading up to your appointment to minimize mood swings and give your liver a break.

2. Hydrate (with electrolytes) prior to your appointment and keep up the great work afterwards.

3. Prioritize sleep. It's where all the detox magic happens.

4. Incorporate gentle movement before and after your session. Yoga, walking, Qigong, rebounding, vibration plate, or breath work can help stimulate your lymphatic flow and keep things moving nicely.

5. Epsom salt baths are great for aches and pains!

6. Run your errands first. Symptoms can set in within hours after your appointment and you don't want to be at HEB tired, thirsty, and needing the bathroom to pee. Trust us on this one...

7. Bone broth is nutrient dense if you just don't feel like cooking after your appointment. We keep jars of homemade bone broth in our freezer at home!

For High Toxic Burden Clients (MTHFR, Gilbert's Syndrome, BII, Lyme etc.)

1. Take a binder prior to your appointment to assist your liver in detoxification. We personally use/recommend the BioToxin binder by Cellcore. It's very gentle and will not deplete your minerals.

2. Coffee enema (before or after your session). If you're new to coffee enemas, they are incredible for liver detox. The coffee absorbs through the colon walls and travels via the mesenteric vein to your liver. We personally use/recommend the HappyBum Co kit. It's $100 and comes with everything you'll need to support your body and detox.

3. Castor oil packs are a wonderful addition to supporting the liver. We personally use/recommend Queen Of Thrones products. *Source your castor oil from companies that package their product in opaque glass bottles.

Question 10

Do You Accept Insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not accept insurance (at this time) but we can provide you a superbill upon request that has everything your insurance will need for reimbursement.

Note: You must have a prescription for massage or lymphatic work from your physician (with the correct medical codes) in order for us to issue you a superbill. These codes are especially important for clients who are making an MVA insurance claim, and legally we cannot treat body parts outside of the perimeters of the rx.

Please email Corey a copy of your doctor's note/rx to: lymphloveclub@gmail.com

*Don't forget to include your legal name, address, date of birth, telephone, and the last 4 digits of the card you use(d) to pay for your appointment.

Question 11

Do You Sell Giftcards?

Accepted Answer

Gift cards may be purchased (both in person and online) for any value amount and are redeemable for massage services only, no cash value. Gift cards expire 1 year from date of purchase. We're not responsible for lost, stolen, unauthorized card use or damaged cards. 
Here's a link if you want to buy one!
Align Gift Cards

Frequently asked questions