Valerie practices Manual Lymph Drainage in Hillsboro, OR. Valerie received her certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (2022) with training in the Vodder Technique. In January 2024, Valerie completed a Neurolymphatic Drainage course. In 2025, Valerie completed Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Oncology including course work for Post-Operative care.

What is the Lymph System in the Body?

The lymphatic system is a part of your circulatory system in your body. Unlike the closed cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is open-ended with no central pump (like the heart). Instead, the lymphatic system is moving fluid via muscle movement, helping manage body fluid levels, removing excess fluids from tissues, removing waste products and cell metabolism,  and aiding immune function by filtering through lymph nodes and lymph organs (ex: spleen).

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, light touch, hands-on treatment aimed at reducing inflammation accumulation, increasing lymph production and movement, promoting venous return, and providing soothing and potentially analgesic effects.

After assessing your medical background, Valerie tailors treatments, sometimes combining MLD with other therapeutic massage techniques to meet specific goals.

What is the difference between an MLD-C and a CLT?

While MLD-C therapists address inflammation, Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLTs) specialize in lymphedema treatment, including wound care and garment fitting. Valerie recommends consulting a medical practitioner for lymphedema. To find a lymph edema specialist you can visit LANA (Lymphology Association of North America) – http://www.clt-Lana.org

What conditions could potentially benefit from Lymphatic Drainage?

According to the Academy of Lymphatic Studies:

  • Anyone wanting a gentle, light pressure, relaxing session with the purpose of attempting to improve the functionality of the lymphatic system.
  • Active Cancer Care and Post-Cancer Care
  • Sore/Swollen breasts including pregnancy and nursing
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Cellulite – Lipedema
  • Post-traumatic (example: Motor Vehicle Accident, slip and fall, blunt trauma)
  • Post-surgery (After doctor’s approval. Valerie can also work on the incision scars during treatment to soften the tissues and decrease the inflammation at the site)

Who should not receive an MLD Treatment?

When Valerie discusses your medical background with you, please inform her if you have any of the following diagnoses/situations.

  • Someone with:
    • An acute (short-term) infection (example; bronchitis)
    • Cellulitis
    • Renal Failure
    • Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • MLD for the neck – someone with:
    • A recent (within the last year) surgery in the neck
    • Carotid Endoarteroectomy
    • Stroke (Cerebral Vascular Accident or reoccurring Transient Ischemic Attacks)
    • Cardiac Arrhythmia
  • MLD for the abdomen – someone with:
    • Unexplained pain in the abdomen
    • Children under 12 years old
    • Menstrual Cramps
    • Pregnancy
    • Inflammatory conditions of the large and/or small. Intestines (example: Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
    • recent surgery (in less than a year)) in the abdomen region
    • Chronic Heart Failure
    • Ileus (paralyzed section of the small intestines)
    • Diverticulosis/ Diverticulitis (Weakening of intestinal walls or pockets/cysts in the walls of the colon)
    • Aortic Aneurysm in the abdomen region
    • Radiation Fibrosis and/or Radiation Cystitis
    • A current or previous history of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Reference Articles/Studies