Marie-Anne Hisem RMT, CLT

04/14/2026

Cupping & Surgical Incisions: What You Need to Know

After surgery, healing isn’t just about the surface—it’s about restoring lymphatic flow and fascia mobility underneath.

When an incision forms, scar tissue can create restrictions in the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding everything in your body).

These restrictions may:
• Slow down lymphatic drainage
• Lead to swelling or fluid buildup
• Cause tightness or pulling sensations
• Limit proper movement and healing

💡 This is where cupping therapy can help—when used correctly.

I use a gentle, therapeutic cupping technique that:
✔ Lifts the skin and fascia (instead of pushing down)
✔ Encourages healthy lymphatic flow
✔ Helps reduce swelling and congestion
✔ Improves mobility around scar tissue

🚫 No fire used
🚫 No big circular bruises

This is NOT the aggressive style of cupping you may have seen online. My approach is controlled, targeted, and designed specifically for post-surgical and lymphatic clients.

⚠️ Important: Cupping is never applied directly on a fresh incision. Once healed, working around the area can safely support recovery and improve outcomes.

Healing is more than closing a wound—it’s about restoring movement, flow, and function.

💬 Have questions about swelling, scars, or recovery?

Send me a message. I’m happy to help.

03/27/2026

After a mastectomy, healing doesn’t always mean everything is moving the way it should internally.

Scar tissue can act like a roadblock.

Lymphatic fluid is meant to flow freely, but when it meets a dense, restricted scar, it can slow down or even get redirected. Over time, this can contribute to swelling and increase the risk of lymphedema.

This is something many women aren’t told.

As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, one of the key areas I assess is scar mobility. A scar that looks “healed” on the surface may still be tight and adhered underneath—impacting lymphatic flow.

Treatment focuses on:
🌟 Gentle myofascial stretching to soften and mobilize the scar
🌟 Improving tissue glide so fluid can move more efficiently
🌟 Supporting the lymphatic system with targeted Manual Lymphatic Drainage
🌟 Education on self-care to maintain results at home

This work is gentle, but powerful.

If you’ve had breast surgery and notice heaviness, tightness, or swelling—don’t ignore it. Early intervention matters.

Your body is always communicating, let’s make sure nothing is getting “stuck” along the way 💛

03/19/2026

I had such a full circle moment today while on vacation in Orlando.

Two years ago, I graduated as a Lymphedema Therapist, and today I had the opportunity to visit my teacher’s clinic and observe her in action. Watching her treat patients again reminded me exactly why I chose this path. Her skill, precision, and the way she connects with each patient is truly something special.

What stood out even more was hearing her patients speak about her, more than once I heard, “she’s the best therapist around.” And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
As a former student, it’s incredibly inspiring to see the level of care and expertise she continues to bring to her practice. Experiences like this reinforce my passion for what I do and the standard of care I strive to provide to my own patients every day.

Grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best💛

03/16/2026

⚠️ Cellulitis & Lymphedema: Know the Warning Signs ⚠️
If you live with lymphedema, it’s important to be aware of the risk of cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that can develop quickly and may become serious if not treated promptly.

💡 Why it matters:
Lymphedema causes swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid. This can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection in the affected area, making the skin more vulnerable to bacteria.

🚨 Common warning signs of cellulitis include:
• Sudden increase in swelling
• Redness or warmth of the skin
• Pain or tenderness
• Fever or chills
• Skin that feels tight or looks shiny
• Red streaking or spreading redness

❗ What to do:
If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Early treatment with antibiotics is essential to prevent complications and worsening of lymphedema.

🛡️ Prevention tips for those with lymphedema:
✔ Keep skin clean and well moisturized
✔ Treat cuts, scratches, or insect bites promptly
✔ Avoid skin injuries when possible
✔ Wear properly fitted compression garments
✔ Monitor your limb daily for changes

Your skin is your first line of defense. Staying aware of the signs of cellulitis can help you act quickly and protect your lymphatic health.

💬 If you live with lymphedema and have questions about prevention or management, speak with a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT).

03/07/2026

Did You Know? 🤔
Your lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump like the heart does.
Instead, it relies on movement, muscle contractions, breathing, and manual therapies to help circulate lymph fluid throughout the body.

That means everyday activities like:
✔️ Walking
✔️ Stretching
✔️ Deep breathing
✔️ Gentle exercise
✔️ Manual Lymphatic Drainage

…all help support your lymphatic flow and overall immune health.

For people living with swelling conditions like Lymphedema, movement becomes an essential part of managing symptoms and supporting the lymphatic system.

💡 Small movements can make a big difference.

CancerRehab RMT LymphedemaTherapy

03/05/2026

03/03/2026

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month 💛

As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, I work with individuals experiencing swelling after cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, or due to primary lymphedema.

What I wish more people knew:

✨ Lymphedema is chronic but manageable
✨ Early treatment matters
✨ Compression is not optional — it’s essential
✨ Education empowers patients

My goal is always to educate, problem-solve, and create individualized plans that help my clients feel confident managing their condition long-term.

If you’ve been told “it’s just swelling,” let’s have a conversation.

Early intervention makes a huge difference.
If you or someone you love is living with persistent swelling, know that help is available. You deserve proper assessment and care.

Let’s raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those living with lymphedema 💛

💛

02/08/2026

I consider all my clients my family and so I am pleased to tell you all I am open on FAMILY DAY, Monday Feb 16th.

01/17/2026

Easy Face and Neck Lymphatic Drainage Routine
Complete Decongestive Therapy for Head and Neck Lymphedema.

This routine can also be helpful when you have a head cold or sinus congestion

01/04/2026

Happy New Year!

12/18/2025

12/12/2025

❗Illegal Practitioner Advisory: Sikatema Lishomwa, 36, of Toronto, is falsely posing as a Registered Massage Therapist/Massage Therapist (RMT/MT) using stolen identities. She is wanted by the Toronto Police Service on 69 criminal charges, including identity theft, fraud, forgery, and assault.

She is not registered with CMTO and is not authorized to practise Massage Therapy in Ontario. If you have encountered this individual, recognize her, or have information on her whereabouts, contact Toronto Police immediately at 416-808-5100.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rNWyd7