As a Remedial Massage & specialist Lymphatic therapist for over 20 years I can help you to become healthier and more resilient in the face of life's stresses.
SERVICES
Welcome to Sue Fraser
I have been practising massage since 1985 having done my initial training in Swedish and Soft Tissue Massage here in Adelaide at the Massage Study Centre. Since then I have trained in Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Trager, Myofascial Release, Trigger point therapy, Acupressure, and most importantly for myself and my clients Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage, Kinesiotaping and Ortho-bionomy.
I use all of these techniques along with Therapeutic Massage in particular to help people to maintain their health, to deal with acute symptoms (for example perhaps you spent too much time in the garden and hurt your lower back), and also with the symptoms of work and/or emotional stress (for example headaches, neck and shoulder pain or discomfort, low energy).
Therapeutic Massage
This form of massage helps you to relax from whatever it is that may be keeping your muscles tight. It may be gentle or deep depending on what you find comfortable or relaxing. This technique also helps your circulation and other aspects of your health such as your memory, your flexibility, and your resilience and processing of change.
Health Maintenance is my overall aim for both you (and myself!).
Ortho-Bionomy
This is a technique which is sometimes known as Positional Release and it uses the body’s own remarkable self-correcting mechanisms to bring about change. Your body is taken in to a position of comfort and lets go – this is putting it very simply but this is the basic idea.
Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
The lymphatic system is involved in the health of all body tissues. It acts to cleanse and assist in the regeneration of connective tissue, keeping it free of irritants, removing by-products of metabolism and foreign particles. The lymphatic system also helps to maintain blood volume, circulates proteins, transports large fat molecules and is inextricably integrated with the proper functioning of the immune system.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD®) is a gentle, soothing, non-invasive technique, which significantly improves the activity of the lymph vessels. Its effectiveness lies in its subtlety, precision and focus.
Estrid and Emil Vodder developed their technique during the 1930’s and later worked with other lymphatic pioneers to develop a unique and highly effective treatment. The Dr Vodder method of MLD® is the most extensively researched and widely taught manual drainage technique.
Unlike regular massage, MLD® does not increase the movement of fluids from the blood vessels into the tissues and therefore does not increase tissue congestion. In fact research shows that MLD® significantly reduces tissue congestion and oedema.
As well as being highly effective in the treatment of a broad range of acute and chronic conditions, MLD can be used as part of a health maintenance programme to clear toxins from the body and generally aid the circulation of the lymph.
MLD has an effect on
- The nervous system
- The immune system
- Smooth muscle
- Tissue drainage
The effects of MLD®
Nervous System
Calming
The light, slow rhythmic and repetitive movements act on the autonomic nervous system to reduce sympathetic activity, allowing the parasympathetic nervous system to function fully. This is excellent for stress and sleep disorders.
Analgesic
Alternating light pressure acts on the mechanoreceptors (light touch receptors) which can inhibit pain pathways. Because the method is so gentle, it can be used immediately to reduce the pain of recent traumatic injury. It will also reduce swelling and bruising and assist in the healing process. MLD® is also valuable in the treatment of chronic pain, fibrositis, arthritic pain, rheumatoid pain, headache and migraines, whiplash, muscle tears and all sports injuries.
Immune System
The lymph system is a site of production of antibodies and lymphocyte reproduction. These elements of the immune system act to destroy and remove pathogens and foreign cells. MLD® can be used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions (when the immune system is depleted), ulcers and other conditions.
Smooth Muscle and Drainage
Stretching the lymph vessels stimulates contraction in the smooth muscle in the walls of the vessels thereby increasing lymph flow in the vessels and increased removal of wastes and toxins from the tissues. The action of MLD® on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dilates the pre-capillary sphincter which increases blood flow through the capillary without increasing blood pressure or tissue congestion. The action of MLD® in the SNS indirectly allows for increased digestion function.
Benefits of MLD
- MLD assists the lymph system to remove metabolic wastes, excess water, toxins, bacteria, large protein molecules and foreign substances from body tissues.
- MLD, through its gentle, rhythmical and precise hand movements, alleviates pain by greatly reducing the pain signals sent to the brain.
- MLD affects the sympathetic nervous system and helps to relieve stress.
- MLD supports the action of the immune system.
- MLD helps the body to heal more quickly from injuries, surgical trauma and chronic conditions.
- MLD helps to minimize scar formation and can be used to soften scar contracture.
Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
There are many reasons for choosing to have treatment with MLD, from relaxation to the management or possible prevention of lymphoedema.
- Relaxation
- Pain relief
- Oedema reduction
- Scar reduction
- Lymphoedema management
- Lymphoedema prevention
The Vodder MLD treatment method stimulates and supports the healthy functioning of existing lymph vessels. There is evidence that this results in a healthier and more robust lymphatic system.
MLD is not only an effective part of total lymphoedema management but is also an excellent treatment which may help to prevent the development of secondary lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema Care:
What are the risk factors for Lymphoedema?
When people have surgery for breast cancer, cervical cancer, bowel and prostate cancer amongst others they often have lymph nodes removed which can interfere with the normal flow of lymph.
Lymphoedema can be caused by damage to the lymphatics due to injury, burns, infection, radiation, and surgery associated with breast or other cancers. This is classified as secondary lymphoedema (damaged lymphatic vessels). Some people are born with an inadequate lymphatic system, this is classified as Primary lymphoedema (lack of lymphatic function).
The lymphatic system is just as important as the arteries and veins in your body. The blood carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells and carries the wastes away, the lymphatic system removes fluid and any wastes from the tissues eg: muscles. Lymph nodes are filtering stations which play an important role in our immune response particularly to infections.
If the lymph nodes are removed or damaged by radiotherapy, fluid may build up in the tissues of the arm, elbow, hand, breast, and in the case of lower body treatment leg, knee, foot, groin, and abdomen. This is known as lymphoedema and if left untreated may become difficult to control.
Does everyone develop lymphoedema?
The good news is no, however some do and early detection and treatment will help the lymphoedema to stay within a manageable range. Generally after surgery there will be some swelling and discomfort associated with the healing process. If this persists or becomes worse this may be an early warning sign that lymphoedema is developing.
What are some early symptoms?
- On the side of the operation, swelling of the arm or breast, a feeling of discomfort, heaviness, tightness and perhaps odd sensations such as pins and needles, numbness, temperature changes and aches in the limb and shoulder.
- Lower body trauma any swelling in the legs, a feeling of discomfort, heaviness, tightness and perhaps odd sensations such as pins and needles, numbness, temperature changes and aches in the limb and pelvic area.
- A feeling of heat or a bursting sensation in the limb.
- Redness (red patches may indicate an infection – see your doctor immediately. This may also cause/indicate the onset of lymphoedema).
- Puffiness
- Pitting of the skin when pressed with the thumb
- An aching/limb/shoulder particularly the back of the shoulder area in the afternoon
Combined Decongestive Therapy
The ultimate aim of this management regime is to bring the body back to as stable and normal a situation as possible.
This approach to the management of lymphoedema consists of:
- Manual Lymph Drainage
- Bandaging
- Exercise
- Skin Care
There are two phases to the treatment plan for existing or long-term lymphoedema:
Intensive
- Frequent MLD sessions with bandaging.
- Exercise and skin care to be practised at home
Maintenance
- Wearing pressure garments as prescribed.
- Continuing exercise programme and skin care.
- MLD sessions as required
Service Categories
Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release Therapy, Pregnancy Massage, Remedial Massage, Remedial Therapies, Swedish Relaxation Massage
|
|
 |
