Jennifer Roy Registered Massage Therapist/Complex Decongestive Therapist

02/16/2026

How is MLD beneficial before and after surgery?

Because your lymphatic vessels are so close to the surface of your skin, any type of surgical can create temporary damage to the vessels. No need to panic, this is normal, and is very different from having a compromised lymphatic system, which is when you can see major lymphatic conditions that are long term or life long.

Swelling and bruising are a normal part of the healing process and a normal side effect of surgery.
Having pre and post op treatment can help make sure everything is working properly and your lymphatic system is in optimal shape before surgery, while also helping yo reduce and aid in healing.

Here is a great example.

For this patient, we did 3 treatments of the face and head within 2 weeks of the surgery date.
The first 2 pictures are the day of the surgery
The 2 second 2 pictures are 1 week post op, as you can see, there is some very mild swelling and brusing around the eyes and nose.
Picture 5 is 2 weeks post op, looking even better again.
We resumed treatment just under 2.5 weeks after treatments. When the patient was in for the first post op treatment there was very mild bruising around the bridge of the nose, and very minimal swelling around the left cheek, if I hadn't of known the timeline, I would have thought it was closer to 4 weeks post surgery.
The final 2 pictures are on our second post op treatment, which was exactly 3 weeks post op, bruising almost completely gone and the swelling on the left side was down from our previous treatment.

Patient is very happy with the healing process and with the lack of bruising on the face.
Generally I recommend post op to start as soon as the patient is comfortable coming in, we can modify and work around stitches. The 2.5 week wait was more d/t scheduling and wanting to be closer to the 1st post op doctor visit.
If you are having surgery of any type, I definitely recommend a couple pre op and post op treatments to help make your lymphatic is at its healthiest and to help reduce and help with your healing time. Questions, you can send me a message or find me at Reconnect Health Centre Fredericton
🔸️Pics posted with patient consent and permission

01/21/2026

The•one•where•vacation•starts 🌞

I will be on Vacation and returning to the Clinic on Feb 3rd. I apologize for any delay in responses to messages and emails. If there is anything that requires immediate attention, please reach out to the clinic. ♥️

01/03/2026

12/19/2025

My 2026 schedule is now online for booking 🫶

12/19/2025

There is a huge disconnect and lack of understanding of lymphedema within the Healthcare system in NS, and honestly almost every province. As CDT, its heartbreaking and frustrating. Lymphedema isn't fixed in a couple treatments. It's not curable, painful, discouraging and expensive for people that have it. With proper care by a trained professional, it is manageable

(Side note, honored to be friends and colleagues with bad a** CDTs making noise and advocating in NS)

12/04/2025

Breast & Ovarian Cancer Survivor Kathy Bates, 77, Urges Cancer Patients to Discuss Lymphedema Risk and Prevention With Their Doctors
https://www.survivornet.com/articles/cancer-survivor-kathy-bates-ymphedema-risk-prevention/

12/02/2025

2 years at Reconnect Health Centre Fredericton! How did that happen so fast! ??

2 years ago was a scary time, relocated to Fredericton, had to leave my Symmetry Wellness Fam (ok semi leave LOL), and wasn't sure I would find somewhere that would make me as happy as I was (the bar was set pretty high), plus the added stress of having to rebuild a clientele from scratch in a place where there wasnt a CDT therapist and where I wasnt as well known.

I'm beyond happy and extremely greatful to be at a clinic I love, with people I'm excited to work with, and the best patients ever ( ok, maybe i'm a tad biased on that one)

It doesn't feel like work when you're having fun and doing what you love. I cant say thank you enough to my patients that trust me with their care and rehab, you are the reason I love what I do! To my ReConnect fam in Fredericton and Moncton, thank you for making a person always feel welcome and being incredible people to work with

Here's to many more years

PS. For anyone wondering and waiting, my 2026 schedule will be live online soon, stay tuned

🫶💆‍♀️

11/17/2025

We couldnt let Reconnect Health Centre Moncton have all the fun! We channeled our inner Janna, and brought the decorative festive spirit to Reconnect Fredericton

You can also bring an unwrapped toy, gift (gloves, mittens, toiletries, etc) and non perishable food item that we will donate, and have your name entered to win a draw for a free massage in the new year!

🎄🎁🎅🧑‍🎄

11/11/2025

To my Patients, Friends, and Family that have served. Thank you
Lest we Forget

10/15/2025

Self Breast Exams!!

‼️To do a breast self-exam, visually inspect your breasts in a mirror for changes in shape or skin texture, then lie down and use the pads of your fingers to gently but firmly feel for any lumps, thick spots, or other differences throughout the entire breast area, from the collarbone to the armpit, using light, medium, and firm pressure. The goal is to become familiar with your normal breast tissue so you can easily notice any changes, which you should then report to a doctor.

1. Visual Check (Look)
Remove clothing: and stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides.
Observe: your breasts for any differences in size, shape, or the color of your skin, looking for any dimpling or puckering.
Raise your arms: over your head and look for changes, as this can make masses underneath the ni**le more apparent.

2. Tactile Check (Feel)
Lie down: and place a pillow under your right shoulder.
Raise your right arm: behind your head.
Use the pads: of the three middle fingers of your left hand to feel your right breast.

🔸️Apply three levels of pressure: light for tissue near the skin, medium for deeper tissue, and firm to feel the tissue closest to your chest.
Use a pattern: such as a circular or up-and-down motion to cover the entire breast.
🔸️Extend your search: to the armpit to check the lymph nodes.
Repeat: this process for your left breast.

‼️What to Look For

Be vigilant for any new lumps, thick spots, skin changes (dimpling, puckering, redness), changes in ni**le direction, or discharge from the ni**le.

What to Do if You Find a Change❓️❓️

If you notice any new changes or anything that feels different, don't panic. It doesn't necessarily mean cancer, but you should call your doctor promptly to get the change evaluated.

🔸️Tips for Success
Know your breasts: The most important aspect is developing breast self-awareness to quickly recognize what is normal for you.

🔸️Choose a consistent time: If you get your period, it's best to do the exam a few days after your period ends when your breasts are less tender and swollen.

🔸️Be thorough: Ensure you examine the entire breast area, including up to the collarbone and under the armpit.

Put your breast foot forward and get to know your body! Early Detection is key, and being aware of your your breasts feel and look can make it easier to spot changes and have them checked out

10/07/2025

🧠 Why Does Your Brain Swell When Your Lymphatic System Is Blocked?

We often associate the lymphatic system with body swelling, immunity, or detox — but did you know it plays a vital role in clearing waste from your brain?

When your lymphatic system is blocked, your brain may actually start to swell — not just emotionally with stress, but physically with fluid, inflammation, and pressure. And this can silently affect your memory, focus, mood, and even your risk for neurological disease.

Let’s break it down.

1. Your Brain Has Its Own Drainage System

Just like your body, your brain accumulates cellular waste every day — including amyloid beta, tau proteins, and other byproducts of thinking, moving, and even healing. If this waste isn’t cleared, it builds up and creates inflammation that affects how you think and feel.

Enter the glymphatic system — a recently discovered brain-cleaning pathway that works alongside your lymphatic system. It becomes active mostly during deep sleep and uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to wash toxins out of the brain and into nearby cervical lymphatic vessels in the neck.

2. Blocked Lymph = Blocked Brain Drain

If your neck lymph nodes are swollen, congested, or chronically inflamed, the exit pathways for brain waste become clogged. This can happen due to:
• Poor posture and forward head tilt
• Chronic sinus infections or congestion
• High cortisol and adrenal stress
• Head or neck trauma
• Poor hydration and sleep quality

When the “exit pipes” are blocked, brain pressure rises and toxins remain in the brain — triggering symptoms.

3. What Does This Feel Like?

Many people silently experience symptoms of brain lymphatic stagnation without ever realizing it. You may notice:
• 🔁 Brain fog or mental fatigue
• 💥 Pressure headaches, especially behind the eyes or base of the skull
• 🧊 Puffy face and neck in the morning
• 😵‍💫 Vertigo or balance issues
• 😔 Depression, irritability, or anxiety
• 💤 Waking up tired despite “sleeping”

In more advanced cases, glymphatic dysfunction has even been linked to Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and neuroinflammation.

4. The Healing Starts at the Neck

Supporting your brain’s lymphatic drainage doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these science-backed steps:

✅ Sleep on your side

This position improves glymphatic flow up to 4x compared to sleeping on your back.

✅ Gentle Manual Lymphatic Drainage

A qualified therapist can help stimulate drainage through the deep cervical nodes, allowing CSF and brain waste to exit.

✅ Stay hydrated with electrolytes

Brain fluid balance relies on proper sodium-potassium channels. Hydration + minerals = better flow.

✅ Neck mobility exercises

Releasing tight neck and jaw muscles (including the scalenes and sternocleidomastoid) frees up lymph vessels.

✅ Lower inflammation

Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet and stress-reducing practices like breathwork, prayer, or gentle movement.

🌿 Bottom Line: Your Brain Needs to Drain

The brain is not just protected by bone — it’s protected by flow. When lymph stagnates, the brain swells. When lymph moves, the brain heals.

If you’re experiencing mystery brain fog, head pressure, or fatigue that doesn’t go away, it may be time to look beyond blood tests and into your lymphatic health.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

©️

10/07/2025

‼️Why Self-Breast Awareness is Important

🔸️Early Detection:
Knowing your body's normal state helps you spot subtle changes, such as a new lump or a change in skin texture, which could be signs of breast cancer.

🔸️Improved Outcomes:
When breast cancer is found early and hasn't spread, the survival rate is very high.

🔸️Empowerment:
Understanding what is normal for your breasts allows you to take an active role in your breast health.

🔸️Prompt Action:
Early reporting of changes to a doctor can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving your life.
What to Look For

🔸️During self-awareness, be aware of any new or persistent changes, including:

• A new lump or thickened area.
• Changes in breast size or shape.
• Skin dimpling, puckering, or redness.
• Changes in a ni**le, such as a new inversion or discharge.
• New tenderness or pain in the breast or armpit.

What to Do if You Notice a Change

🔸️Report It:
If you find anything unusual, contact your doctor or healthcare professional right away.

🔸️Don't Panic:
Not every lump or change is cancerous; many are benign. However, it's important to have it checked by a professional.

🔸️Follow Up:
Persistent changes should be discussed with a doctor to determine the cause.

I can't stress enough the importance of being familiar with how your body feels. This goes a long way in early detection for serious illness.

Lets all put our breast foot forward!

📷 From John Hopkins University