Complementary Therapies By Greta

03/11/2026

Nutrition and Lipedema

Diet can play an important role in managing lipedema symptoms and supporting overall health. While there is no single diet that works for everyone, some nutritional approaches may help reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, and support lymphatic health.

Some commonly discussed options include:
🥗 Mediterranean / Anti-inflammatory diet
🥑 Ketogenic diet
🌱 RAD (Rare Adipose Disease) diet
⏱ Intermittent fasting
🔎 Elimination diets to identify trigger foods

The most important thing is finding a balanced and sustainable approach that works for your body, lifestyle, and health needs.

Always consider your personal goals, symptoms, and medical history when choosing a nutrition plan.

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03/06/2026

In recognition of World Lymphedema Day, we want to highlight some effective ways to manage lymphedema and support lymphatic health.

Managing lymphedema often requires a combination of therapies designed to reduce swelling and improve the movement of lymph fluid in the body.

Here are some of the most effective treatment options:

✨ Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
A specialized, gentle massage technique that helps move lymph fluid and reduce swelling. It is especially effective in the early stages and can significantly improve lymphatic circulation.

✨ Compression Therapy
Compression garments or bandages apply controlled pressure to the affected areas. This helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and prevent fluid from building up again.

✨ Surgical Options
In more advanced cases, procedures such as lymphovenous bypass (LVA) or vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) may help improve lymph drainage and reduce swelling.

Early treatment and consistent care are key to managing lymphedema and improving quality of life.

If you notice persistent swelling, heaviness, or tightness, seeking professional guidance early can make a big difference.

http://www.complementarytherapies.us/

03/05/2026

Types of Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system cannot properly drain lymph fluid, causing swelling in parts of the body. There are two main types:

🔹 Primary Lymphedema
This type is rare and usually caused by genetic mutations that affect how the lymphatic system develops. It occurs in about 1 in 100,000 people and may appear at birth, during puberty, or later in adulthood.

🔹 Secondary Lymphedema
This is the most common type and happens when the lymphatic system is damaged. It can result from surgery, radiation, cancer treatments, infections, or trauma. Breast cancer treatment accounts for many cases.

Because lymphedema can develop months or even years after treatment, early awareness and proper care are important.

Understanding the signs helps with early detection and better management.

http://www.complementarytherapies.us/

03/05/2026

How the Lymphatic System Works

The lymphatic system is an essential part of your body’s immune and fluid balance system. It is made up of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph fluid.

✨ Lymph vessels contain one-way valves that help move fluid throughout the body.
✨ Lymph nodes act as filters removing waste, toxins, and supporting immune function.
✨ Muscle movement also plays an important role in helping lymph fluid circulate properly.

When the lymphatic system is compromised, fluid can build up and cause swelling (lymphedema).

For example, after breast cancer surgery that involves lymph node removal, up to 30% of patients may develop arm lymphedema.

Understanding how this system works is key to early detection, prevention, and proper care.

If you have questions about lymphatic health or notice persistent swelling, early support makes a difference. 💚

http://www.complementarytherapies.us/

03/03/2026

Swelling is not always “just swelling.”

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing persistent swelling most commonly in the arms or legs, but it can also affect the face and neck, abdomen, ge****ls, and feet due to a buildup of lymph fluid.

👉 The first step is to get informed.
👉 The second is to talk about it openly.

💚 When we raise awareness, we give visibility to what many people live with in silence.

💜 Lymphedema Awareness Matters 💜
Lymphedema often develops after surgery, cancer treatment, or injury and early treatment makes a BIG difference.

If you notice persistent swelling, heaviness, tightness, or skin changes, don’t ignore it. Specialized care such as manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and advanced technologies like Hivamat can help reduce swelling and significantly improve quality of life.

At Complementary Therapies, we are here to support you with expert, compassionate care. 💜

www.complementarytherapies.us/

02/27/2026

Jaw pain? It could be TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint disorder)
If you experience pain when opening your mouth, clicking sounds, facial or neck tension, or frequent headaches, you may be dealing with TMJ issues.

How can Myofascial Release or Therapeutic Massage help?
These techniques work on the muscles and fascia around the jaw, neck, and shoulders to:
✔️ Release deep tension
✔️ Reduce pain and stiffness
✔️ Improve jaw mobility
✔️ Decrease headaches and facial tension
✔️ Promote relaxation and long-lasting relief

Many clients notice relief from the first sessions 🙌
If you clench your jaw, grind your teeth, or feel frequent facial tension, your body may be asking for support.

📍 At Complementary Therapies, we help you release tension and restore your well-being.

📩 Message us to book your session.
www.complementarytherapies.us

02/25/2026

Improve Flexibility & Relieve Pain with Thai Massage

Thai Massage is a full-body, assisted stretching therapy that helps your body feel more open, mobile, and relaxed.
During a 90-minute or 2-hour session, your therapist gently stretches, mobilizes your joints, and moves your body in ways that release deep tension. Many clients describe it as feeling “reset” — like a week’s worth of stiffness melts away in one session.

Benefits of Thai Massage:
• Increases flexibility and joint mobility
• Relieves aches and pains (back, SI joint, knees, shoulders, neck, sciatica)
• Improves circulation of blood and lymph
• Boosts energy levels
• Supports the body’s natural healing process
• Helps release physical and emotional tension

Greta and Phil are experienced Thai Massage practitioners ready to support your mobility and pain relief goals.

📩 Message us to book your session this week and feel the difference!

www.complementarytherapies.us

02/19/2026

Knee Pain? Let’s Help You Feel Better.

Knee pain can show up for many reasons:
✔️ overuse
✔️ past injuries
✔️ inflammation
✔️ tight muscles or fascia
✔️ post-surgery recovery

If your knees hurt when you walk, exercise, go up/down stairs, or even at rest your body is asking for support.

How complementary therapy can help:
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve circulation and lymphatic flow
• Release tight fascia and muscles around the knee
• Support recovery after injury or surgery
• Improve mobility and comfort

At Complementary Therapies, we take a whole-body approach. Knee pain is often connected to hips, ankles, fascia, and lymphatic circulation so we don’t just treat the symptom, we look at the root cause.

💬 Don’t ignore knee pain. Early care can prevent long-term issues.

📅 Message us to schedule your session or consultation.

www.complementarytherapies.us

02/17/2026

Burn scars are not only a surface concern. They can affect deeper layers of tissue, creating restrictions in the fascia and altering lymphatic flow.

Over time, this may lead to:
• Tightness
• Limited range of motion
• Sensitivity or discomfort
• Swelling or heaviness in the area

✔️ Myofascial release helps address fascial restrictions by gently restoring tissue mobility.

✔️ Manual lymphatic drainage supports lymph flow, reduces swelling, and supports tissue health.

When applied with proper training and a trauma-informed approach, these techniques can be valuable tools in post-burn rehabilitation and long-term tissue care. At complementary therapies we offer individualized, compassionate care.

www.complementarytherapies.us

02/14/2026

Sharing this information about the stages of lipedema in picture, from Dr. Dennis Wolf.

Here's a few examples of how lipoedema can look at different stages.

Source:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Stages-and-features-of-lipedema-a-to-f-Front-and-back-pictures-of-women-with_fig1_351974707

02/11/2026

Do you suffer from low back pain? You’re not alone. Low back pain is one of the most common conditions today, often caused by stress, poor posture, long hours of sitting, muscle overuse, or daily tension.

How can massage therapy help?
✔️ Reduces muscle tension
✔️ Improves circulation
✔️ Decreases stiffness and inflammation
✔️ Helps relieve both acute and chronic pain
✔️ Promotes relaxation and overall well-being

At Complementary Therapies, we are seasoned professionals and our treatments are designed for each client’s needs, using many modalities and advanced techniques to decrease pain, and restore balance naturally.

💆‍♀️ Therapeutic massage can make a real difference.

Learn more or to schedule your session. www.complementarytherapies.us

02/09/2026

Feeling bloated, puffy, or constantly tired?
It might be your lymphatic system asking for support. Your lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like your heart — it needs movement and stimulation.

Lymphatic drainage can help:
✔️ Flush toxins
✔️ Reduce water retention
✔️ Improve circulation
✔️ Support immunity
✔️ Sculpt + de-puff the body

That’s why it’s amazing for:
• Post-surgery recovery
• Water retention
• Inflammation
• Stress + fatigue

LymphaticDrainage Soft touch, powerful results 🤍