Frequently Asked Questions

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Before Your Appointment

Choose Post-Surgical Lymphatic Care if you are recovering from surgery and your main concerns are swelling, discomfort, scar mobility, or tissue changes.

Choose a Lymflow Integrative Session if you are looking for gentle support for the lymphatic and nervous systems, persistent swelling, complex chronic illness, ongoing stress, or restorative care.

Manual Lymph Drainage is also available for clients living with medically diagnosed lymphedema. When you are unsure which service is appropriate, schedule a free consultation before booking.
No. A consultation is optional for most clients.

A free 15-minute consultation is available when you have questions, are unsure which service to select, or would like to discuss your health history before scheduling.
Medical clearance may be required depending on your procedure, diagnosis, symptoms, and stage of recovery.

Post-surgical clients should follow their surgeon’s recommendations. Approval is especially important following oncology-related procedures, when complications are present, or when your medical provider has placed restrictions on treatment.
The appropriate time to begin Manual Lymph Drainage varies by procedure and surgeon. Some clients are cleared to begin within the first week, while others are advised to wait longer.

Please follow the instructions from your surgical team. Treatment may be postponed when there are wound concerns, signs of infection, or other complications.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to change in and out of. Depending on the area being treated, you may remain partially clothed or be appropriately draped during the session. Your comfort and privacy will always be respected.

Booking and Appointments

Appointments can be scheduled through the online booking system.

Not sure which service to choose? You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and ask questions before booking.

For a brief question, you may also text 510-350-6268. I will respond as soon as I am available.
Your intake and consent forms will be sent electronically after your appointment is booked. Please complete them before arriving so I can review your health history and prepare for your session.

Contact me before your appointment if you have difficulty accessing the forms. 510-350-6268 is the number to text or call.

About the Sessions

Manual Lymph Drainage uses slow, rhythmic movements and gentle stretching of the skin. The pressure is light, but it is not simply a feather touch. Many clients find the repetitive rhythm calming and relaxing.
No. Manual Lymph Drainage is a specialized technique that uses a specific sequence, direction, rhythm, and pressure to work with the lymphatic system.

It does not use kneading, deep compression, or the stronger pressure commonly associated with traditional massage.
No. Deep or aggressive pressure is not used during Manual Lymph Drainage or post-surgical lymphatic care.

Other gentle hands-on techniques may be incorporated when appropriate, but all work is adjusted to your comfort, tissue condition, and stage of recovery.
A Lymflow Integrative Session is a gentle, lymphatic-focused treatment that may combine Dr. Vodder–based Manual Lymph Drainage, the Perrin Technique, and other hands-on approaches.

The session is shaped around your health history, current needs, tolerance, and how your body is presenting that day.
No, I do not perform spinal manipulation. My sessions focus on gentle lymphatic, craniosacral, and soft-tissue techniques within the scope of massage therapy.
No. LymphaTouch is not appropriate or necessary during every session.

It may be incorporated during later stages of recovery when the tissues are ready and when it is appropriate for scar mobility, tissue restriction, or lingering swelling. It is not used over open wounds or when contraindications are present.
Responses vary. Many clients feel relaxed, calmer, lighter, or more comfortable after a session.

Some people, particularly those with complex illness or sensitive nervous systems, may temporarily feel tired or need additional rest. Sessions are adjusted to your tolerance, and creating a strong reaction is never the goal.

Lymphedema and Medical Concerns

No. I provide Dr. Vodder–based Manual Lymph Drainage for clients living with medically diagnosed primary or secondary lymphedema.

I do not provide compression bandaging, compression-garment fitting, or full Complete Decongestive Therapy. Clients should continue following the care plan provided by their physician or lymphedema healthcare team.
No. Sudden, new, or unexplained swelling should be medically evaluated before receiving Manual Lymph Drainage. I do not diagnose the cause of swelling. Medical clearance may be required before scheduling.
Please contact your medical provider before your appointment if you experience:

Fever or signs of illness

Sudden or significant swelling

Unexplained redness or warmth

Severe or worsening pain

Shortness of breath

Active wound complications

A known or suspected blood clot or DVT

Signs of infection

Urgent or severe symptoms require prompt medical attention.
No. I do not remove surgical drains, express fluid through incisions, or work directly over open or infected wounds.

Post-surgical treatment remains gentle and is performed within your surgeon’s guidelines and my professional scope of practice.
No. Manual Lymph Drainage provides supportive hands-on care and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, physical therapy, or follow-up with your healthcare team.

Please continue following the recommendations of your physician, surgeon, or other medical provider.

Booking and Payment

I do not bill insurance directly.

Upon request, I can provide an invoice that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Please contact your insurance provider in advance to confirm your benefits and documentation requirements.
Yes. FSA and HSA payments are accepted. Because individual plans vary, please confirm eligibility with your plan administrator when needed.
Yes. Packages are available for 60- and 90-minute sessions:

Three-session package: 5% off

Five-session package: 10% off

Packages may be helpful for post-surgical recovery or other situations in which a series of sessions is appropriate.
Packages may be purchased after your first appointment. This allows us to determine whether continued sessions are appropriate and which session length best fits your needs.
Appointments require advance notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged according to the cancellation policy shown during online booking.

Replace this answer with your exact cancellation window and fee, such as 24 hours or 48 hours, before publishing.
No. Gratuity is not expected. Your session price includes gratuity, so there is no need to add a tip.