Cancer Rehab PT

Cancer Rehab PT

@cancerrehabpt • 771K total followers

About

Your trusted resource for cancer rehab, lymphedema care, and lymphatic health. I’m Kelly, a physical therapist sharing simple, science-backed guidance to help you heal, move with confidence, and reclaim your life.

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The #1 question in my DMs:

“What tools should I buy for lymphatic drainage?”

Comment TOOLS to get my complete list!

Here’s what I tell everyone first:

You don’t need to buy anything to support your lymphatic system.

Deep breathing, gentle movement, and simple self-massage are free and effective.

But I also understand that some people want tools - whether for convenience, targeted support, or managing specific symptoms.

And yes, some notice more benefits with these.

And that’s where it gets overwhelming.

Vibration plates, red light panels, rebounders, dry brushes... the options are endless.

So which ones are actually worth it?

Swipe through to see my most trusted lymphatic tools.

After 12 years working with lymphedema patients, I’ve seen what works and what ends up collecting dust.

Your lymphatic system doesn’t need expensive equipment to function well. 💕

But if you’re going to invest?

You deserve to know what actually helps.

Follow me, then comment TOOLS to get my co

The #1 question in my DMs: “What tools should I buy for lymphatic drainage?” Comment TOOLS to get my complete list! Here’s what I tell everyone first: You don’t need to buy anything to support your lymphatic system. Deep breathing, gentle movement, and simple self-massage are free and effective. But I also understand that some people want tools - whether for convenience, targeted support, or managing specific symptoms. And yes, some notice more benefits with these. And that’s where it gets overwhelming. Vibration plates, red light panels, rebounders, dry brushes... the options are endless. So which ones are actually worth it? Swipe through to see my most trusted lymphatic tools. After 12 years working with lymphedema patients, I’ve seen what works and what ends up collecting dust. Your lymphatic system doesn’t need expensive equipment to function well. 💕 But if you’re going to invest? You deserve to know what actually helps. Follow me, then comment TOOLS to get my co

"I just don't know what I'm supposed to be doing."

I hear this every single week from individuals during/after breast cancer treatment trying to navigate recovery alone. 💔

The radiation finished weeks ago, but your shoulder still won't move right. You want to exercise but you're scared you'll hurt something.

Here's what I want you to know: You're not behind. Most people just need help knowing where to start and the right steps in the right order.

After helping thousands over 12 years, I've seen what works (and what doesn’t). More importantly, I've seen what happens when you have confidence in your recovery plan.

You start feeling like *you* again ⭐

It doesn't matter if you're 3 days or 30 years post-surgery - it's NEVER too late to see improvement.

It breaks my heart when I get messages from people who aren't being supported beyond surgery or treatment. But I also see you putting in the effort to heal and get back to doing the things you love. And I feel so proud for you. ❤️‍🩹

"I just don't know what I'm supposed to be doing." I hear this every single week from individuals during/after breast cancer treatment trying to navigate recovery alone. 💔 The radiation finished weeks ago, but your shoulder still won't move right. You want to exercise but you're scared you'll hurt something. Here's what I want you to know: You're not behind. Most people just need help knowing where to start and the right steps in the right order. After helping thousands over 12 years, I've seen what works (and what doesn’t). More importantly, I've seen what happens when you have confidence in your recovery plan. You start feeling like *you* again ⭐ It doesn't matter if you're 3 days or 30 years post-surgery - it's NEVER too late to see improvement. It breaks my heart when I get messages from people who aren't being supported beyond surgery or treatment. But I also see you putting in the effort to heal and get back to doing the things you love. And I feel so proud for you. ❤️‍🩹

Vibration Plate Exercises for Mobility and Muscle Coordination

Does Red Light Therapy Really Help Your Lymphatic System?

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A wonderful woman in our community with chest lymphedema got her lymphatics mapped with dye last week, and she can see her ribs again.

She shared this in our community 🫶🏻, and it’s one of the most hopeful things I’ve seen. She had an ICG lymphography, imaging that maps exactly where her lymph fluid flows and where it pools. Her lymphedema sits mainly in her chest, and the map gave her a personalized drainage plan that brought the swelling down enough to see her ribs for the first time in a long time.

Her arm mapped as draining well, so she was personally advised that the compression sleeve she had worn for three years may not be necessary for her.

This is one person’s map. Some people will look similar, others will be different, and that is exactly the point of sharing it. It shows what becomes possible as more people get access to this kind of imaging, and as researchers keep comparing healthy lymphatics to lymphatics disrupted by things like:

- cancer surgery
- lymph node removal

A wonderful woman in our community with chest lymphedema got her lymphatics mapped with dye last week, and she can see her ribs again. She shared this in our community 🫶🏻, and it’s one of the most hopeful things I’ve seen. She had an ICG lymphography, imaging that maps exactly where her lymph fluid flows and where it pools. Her lymphedema sits mainly in her chest, and the map gave her a personalized drainage plan that brought the swelling down enough to see her ribs for the first time in a long time. Her arm mapped as draining well, so she was personally advised that the compression sleeve she had worn for three years may not be necessary for her. This is one person’s map. Some people will look similar, others will be different, and that is exactly the point of sharing it. It shows what becomes possible as more people get access to this kind of imaging, and as researchers keep comparing healthy lymphatics to lymphatics disrupted by things like: - cancer surgery - lymph node removal

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Breast or chest swelling after cancer treatment can cause the lymphatic fluid to not drain the way it used to.

A lot of people don’t realize it could be lymphedema, and may not be making the progress they hoped with lymphatic drainage. The newest imaging is starting to show where breast fluid goes.

Normally, when there’s been no lymphatic disruption, fluid in the breast drains to the lymph nodes in the armpit on the same side.
A small study in Australia used ICG imaging to compare 10 women with breast lymphedema to 10 without. In the women with breast lymphedema, that normal route had changed.

Here’s where the fluid drained instead:
- Breastbone, center of the chest (parasternal): 6 of 10
- Surgery-side armpit: 4 of 10
- Opposite armpit: 4 of 10
- Between the ribs (intercostal): 3 of 10
- Collarbone (clavicle): 2 of 10

One takeaway: normally the breast drains to the surgery-side armpit, but only 4 of 10 still did, which makes sense, since surgery (including breast-conserving surg

Breast or chest swelling after cancer treatment can cause the lymphatic fluid to not drain the way it used to. A lot of people don’t realize it could be lymphedema, and may not be making the progress they hoped with lymphatic drainage. The newest imaging is starting to show where breast fluid goes. Normally, when there’s been no lymphatic disruption, fluid in the breast drains to the lymph nodes in the armpit on the same side. A small study in Australia used ICG imaging to compare 10 women with breast lymphedema to 10 without. In the women with breast lymphedema, that normal route had changed. Here’s where the fluid drained instead: - Breastbone, center of the chest (parasternal): 6 of 10 - Surgery-side armpit: 4 of 10 - Opposite armpit: 4 of 10 - Between the ribs (intercostal): 3 of 10 - Collarbone (clavicle): 2 of 10 One takeaway: normally the breast drains to the surgery-side armpit, but only 4 of 10 still did, which makes sense, since surgery (including breast-conserving surg

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The question filling my comments right now is which way to push your fluid after lymph nodes are removed. I am happy to explain!

For years we taught manual lymphatic drainage for the arm one way only. Move ALL fluid away from the armpit on your surgery side, across to the opposite armpit, and down toward the groin. The idea was that the surgery side lost nodes, so send the fluid elsewhere.

A research group in Australia called ALERT used a green dye (ICG) and imaging to follow where the fluid actually goes in people with arm swelling. This is where it drained:

- Armpit on your surgery side - 80%
- Collarbone - 37%
- Breastbone or sternum, the center of your chest - 11%
- Armpit on the opposite side - 5%
- Shoulder blade, the upper back - 3%
- Groin on your surgery side - 0%

The surprise is at the top and the bottom. The surgery-side armpit, the spot we were taught to ALWAYS move away from, actually still does most of the work. The groin, the spot we were taught to push toward, got e

The question filling my comments right now is which way to push your fluid after lymph nodes are removed. I am happy to explain! For years we taught manual lymphatic drainage for the arm one way only. Move ALL fluid away from the armpit on your surgery side, across to the opposite armpit, and down toward the groin. The idea was that the surgery side lost nodes, so send the fluid elsewhere. A research group in Australia called ALERT used a green dye (ICG) and imaging to follow where the fluid actually goes in people with arm swelling. This is where it drained: - Armpit on your surgery side - 80% - Collarbone - 37% - Breastbone or sternum, the center of your chest - 11% - Armpit on the opposite side - 5% - Shoulder blade, the upper back - 3% - Groin on your surgery side - 0% The surprise is at the top and the bottom. The surgery-side armpit, the spot we were taught to ALWAYS move away from, actually still does most of the work. The groin, the spot we were taught to push toward, got e

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Lymph nodes don't regenerate when they're removed during cancer surgery. Unfortunately, they're gone for good.

But your lymphatic system has the ability to adapt. It can find new routes and use alternative pathways that were always there but weren't the primary ones before.

We don't always know exactly what those alternatives look like unless someone gets imaging like ICG. But we can use what we know about how primary and secondary pathways typically work to guide treatment.

When I'm working with someone after lymph node removal, I'm considering how many nodes were taken, where they came from, what other damage or treatment happened in that area. Then I change the direction of fluid movement and reroute it toward other major lymph nodes that weren't affected.

We monitor and assess as we go to individualize a treatment plan that reduces swelling, lymphedema risk, and your symptoms.

The alternative pathways exist. We just need to know how to direct the traffic.

Drop a comment if yo

Lymph nodes don't regenerate when they're removed during cancer surgery. Unfortunately, they're gone for good. But your lymphatic system has the ability to adapt. It can find new routes and use alternative pathways that were always there but weren't the primary ones before. We don't always know exactly what those alternatives look like unless someone gets imaging like ICG. But we can use what we know about how primary and secondary pathways typically work to guide treatment. When I'm working with someone after lymph node removal, I'm considering how many nodes were taken, where they came from, what other damage or treatment happened in that area. Then I change the direction of fluid movement and reroute it toward other major lymph nodes that weren't affected. We monitor and assess as we go to individualize a treatment plan that reduces swelling, lymphedema risk, and your symptoms. The alternative pathways exist. We just need to know how to direct the traffic. Drop a comment if yo

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Radiation fibrosis doesn’t always show up right away.

Some people finish treatment feeling good, get back to their routines, and then months later, sometimes over a year later, start noticing tightness, pulling, or pain that wasn’t there before. It can feel like it came out of nowhere.

After radiation, the tissue in that area goes through a healing process. How long that takes, and how the tissue responds, is different for everyone. Genetics play a role. The amount of radiation also plays a role.

And because the timeline varies so much, a lot of people don’t connect what they’re feeling back to their treatment, especially when they felt fine right after.

Showing up later doesn’t mean we can’t help. I work with people a few months out, a few years out, even a few decades out, and they’re still making progress with range of motion and pain.

There are specific techniques I use, and a framework I created and have found success with.

👇 How long after radiation did your symptoms start

Radiation fibrosis doesn’t always show up right away. Some people finish treatment feeling good, get back to their routines, and then months later, sometimes over a year later, start noticing tightness, pulling, or pain that wasn’t there before. It can feel like it came out of nowhere. After radiation, the tissue in that area goes through a healing process. How long that takes, and how the tissue responds, is different for everyone. Genetics play a role. The amount of radiation also plays a role. And because the timeline varies so much, a lot of people don’t connect what they’re feeling back to their treatment, especially when they felt fine right after. Showing up later doesn’t mean we can’t help. I work with people a few months out, a few years out, even a few decades out, and they’re still making progress with range of motion and pain. There are specific techniques I use, and a framework I created and have found success with. 👇 How long after radiation did your symptoms start

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If you have a perfectly healthy lymphatic system, you could sneeze and your lymph would move just fine. 🙃

But if you actually want to stimulate the system (especially with swelling, surgery, radiation, or lymphedema) you ideally use technique that is most effective.

Let me explain a bit more..

Anatomy is regional. Meaning that lymph nodes are clustered in areas across your armpit, neck, and other areas. Although they are in the same general area, they do slightly vary on exact locations on each person.

Two fingers in a small pump is something you may have seen “trending”, but please know that you’re likely missing most of the lymph nodes that you’re trying to reach.

You also want rhythmic skin stretch when working to move lymph. The most effective lymphatic stimulation combines more surface contact with a gentle stretch of the skin itself.

A whole hand gives you the surface area to do that. Two fingers isn’t as efficient.

Healthy systems are more forgiving. If your lymphatic

If you have a perfectly healthy lymphatic system, you could sneeze and your lymph would move just fine. 🙃 But if you actually want to stimulate the system (especially with swelling, surgery, radiation, or lymphedema) you ideally use technique that is most effective. Let me explain a bit more.. Anatomy is regional. Meaning that lymph nodes are clustered in areas across your armpit, neck, and other areas. Although they are in the same general area, they do slightly vary on exact locations on each person. Two fingers in a small pump is something you may have seen “trending”, but please know that you’re likely missing most of the lymph nodes that you’re trying to reach. You also want rhythmic skin stretch when working to move lymph. The most effective lymphatic stimulation combines more surface contact with a gentle stretch of the skin itself. A whole hand gives you the surface area to do that. Two fingers isn’t as efficient. Healthy systems are more forgiving. If your lymphatic

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Radiation fibrosis responds to a multi-part approach. This is a part of the treatment framework I use. I call it the Gentle Matrix™. Our two big goals are to soften the fibrotic tissue and restore the muscle fiber glide.

First, tissue rolling and tissue mobilization. Two to five minutes in an area at a time with mild to moderate tension, keeping it pain-free.

Then follow up with range of motion, stretching at a low load and mild. Hold for a few seconds at a time, then gradually build up to longer stretches, even thirty seconds to a minute or two as you get more comfortable.

Soften the tissue. Restore the glide. That's the goal 😊

Stay tuned for more in-depth resources to help with fibrosis. 👀🫶🏼

I hope this was helpful! 💕

Save this and
please Share it with someone dealing with radiation fibrosis.

*This is general education, not personalized medical treatment. Please speak with your doctor or CLT regarding your specific needs.*

Radiation fibrosis responds to a multi-part approach. This is a part of the treatment framework I use. I call it the Gentle Matrix™. Our two big goals are to soften the fibrotic tissue and restore the muscle fiber glide. First, tissue rolling and tissue mobilization. Two to five minutes in an area at a time with mild to moderate tension, keeping it pain-free. Then follow up with range of motion, stretching at a low load and mild. Hold for a few seconds at a time, then gradually build up to longer stretches, even thirty seconds to a minute or two as you get more comfortable. Soften the tissue. Restore the glide. That's the goal 😊 Stay tuned for more in-depth resources to help with fibrosis. 👀🫶🏼 I hope this was helpful! 💕 Save this and please Share it with someone dealing with radiation fibrosis. *This is general education, not personalized medical treatment. Please speak with your doctor or CLT regarding your specific needs.*

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Radiation fibrosis is something I see all the time, and honestly it’s the topic I get asked about most. What happens is radiation causes your tissue to produce excess collagen, which creates tightness. It affects the muscles and surrounding tissue. Everything in that area loses its pliability and elasticity.

I’m using shrink-wrap around a pool noodle to show you what I mean. Fresh shrink-wrap has some stretch to it. But when I heat it up to represent radiation, it tightens, hardens, and loses elasticity.

That’s what happens to your tissue. The good news is that staying ahead of this matters. Keeping the tissue moving, stretching, and getting hands-on treatment can help maintain function and reduce how much tightness builds up over time.

Unfortunately it’s not realistic to get rid of fibrosis completely, but our goal is to maximize function, reduce pain, and keep you doing what you love with as little restriction as possible.

Comment YES if you want me to create more treatment techn

Radiation fibrosis is something I see all the time, and honestly it’s the topic I get asked about most. What happens is radiation causes your tissue to produce excess collagen, which creates tightness. It affects the muscles and surrounding tissue. Everything in that area loses its pliability and elasticity. I’m using shrink-wrap around a pool noodle to show you what I mean. Fresh shrink-wrap has some stretch to it. But when I heat it up to represent radiation, it tightens, hardens, and loses elasticity. That’s what happens to your tissue. The good news is that staying ahead of this matters. Keeping the tissue moving, stretching, and getting hands-on treatment can help maintain function and reduce how much tightness builds up over time. Unfortunately it’s not realistic to get rid of fibrosis completely, but our goal is to maximize function, reduce pain, and keep you doing what you love with as little restriction as possible. Comment YES if you want me to create more treatment techn

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Do you know your lymphedema risk level? 📋

It can be confusing to understand what your risk is.

It’s actually a combination of the surgery you had, the treatments you received, and how much your lymphatic system is already managing.

And knowing where you fall can help guide awareness for you and your team on precautions to take and ways to monitor.

Scroll through this carousel to find your awareness score. Add up your points and see if you land in low, moderate, or high risk.

This isn’t a diagnosis. It’s meant as a starting point to give someone a better idea.

When you understand your risk level, you and your care team can actually make a plan, before symptoms start. It can be helpful for someone who wants to be proactive with recovery.

If you land in moderate or high risk, it’s not a reason to panic. It’s a signal that your lymphatic system has less reserve capacity than average, and that having a plan with your medical team and CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist) could genui

Do you know your lymphedema risk level? 📋 It can be confusing to understand what your risk is. It’s actually a combination of the surgery you had, the treatments you received, and how much your lymphatic system is already managing. And knowing where you fall can help guide awareness for you and your team on precautions to take and ways to monitor. Scroll through this carousel to find your awareness score. Add up your points and see if you land in low, moderate, or high risk. This isn’t a diagnosis. It’s meant as a starting point to give someone a better idea. When you understand your risk level, you and your care team can actually make a plan, before symptoms start. It can be helpful for someone who wants to be proactive with recovery. If you land in moderate or high risk, it’s not a reason to panic. It’s a signal that your lymphatic system has less reserve capacity than average, and that having a plan with your medical team and CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist) could genui

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Fibrosis needs more than lymphatic drainage.

To break that cycle we talked about, we have to soften the fibrosis first. Lymphatic drainage alone isn’t going to get into that dense, woody tissue the way we need it to.

So we do hands-on work. Tissue rolling, tissue mobilization, kneading in different directions. When someone isn’t able to do that themselves, we have tools in the clinic to help soften some of those surface level areas.

We also use various levels of compression bandaging, compression garments, compression paddings, chipped foams, and more to help address fibrosis from the outside in.

It takes consistency and it takes more than one approach. But softening that fibrosis is what starts to break the cycle.

More resources and treatment techniques are coming on this, so stay tuned.

I hope this was helpful! 💕

Save this and share it with someone managing lymphedema fibrosis.

This is general education, not personalized medical treatment. Please speak with your doctor or CLT

Fibrosis needs more than lymphatic drainage. To break that cycle we talked about, we have to soften the fibrosis first. Lymphatic drainage alone isn’t going to get into that dense, woody tissue the way we need it to. So we do hands-on work. Tissue rolling, tissue mobilization, kneading in different directions. When someone isn’t able to do that themselves, we have tools in the clinic to help soften some of those surface level areas. We also use various levels of compression bandaging, compression garments, compression paddings, chipped foams, and more to help address fibrosis from the outside in. It takes consistency and it takes more than one approach. But softening that fibrosis is what starts to break the cycle. More resources and treatment techniques are coming on this, so stay tuned. I hope this was helpful! 💕 Save this and share it with someone managing lymphedema fibrosis. This is general education, not personalized medical treatment. Please speak with your doctor or CLT

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Early stage lymphedema versus fibrosis : they’re completely different.

Early stage lymphedema is pliable. It moves. The fluid fluctuates day to day. You can change the volume of your arm or leg with compression and lymphatic drainage. It’s reversible in that way.

Fibrosis is hard, dense, woody. It barely pits. It doesn’t fluctuate or change form the way early lymphedema does. When fibrosis is sitting there, general compression and lymphatic drainage alone isn’t enough. You can’t drain a brick.

What is annoying is that fibrosis creates a cycle. The more fibrosis you have, the more fluid backs up and clogs. And that extra fluid over time creates more fibrosis. It keeps building.

Breaking that cycle as early as possible is the goal and takes more consistency with treatments.

Want to learn more on how to get rid of and treat fibrosis? Stay tuned because I have some exciting resources coming to help with managing fibrosis.

I hope this was helpful (I had fun creating this one. ha)! 💕

Early stage lymphedema versus fibrosis : they’re completely different. Early stage lymphedema is pliable. It moves. The fluid fluctuates day to day. You can change the volume of your arm or leg with compression and lymphatic drainage. It’s reversible in that way. Fibrosis is hard, dense, woody. It barely pits. It doesn’t fluctuate or change form the way early lymphedema does. When fibrosis is sitting there, general compression and lymphatic drainage alone isn’t enough. You can’t drain a brick. What is annoying is that fibrosis creates a cycle. The more fibrosis you have, the more fluid backs up and clogs. And that extra fluid over time creates more fibrosis. It keeps building. Breaking that cycle as early as possible is the goal and takes more consistency with treatments. Want to learn more on how to get rid of and treat fibrosis? Stay tuned because I have some exciting resources coming to help with managing fibrosis. I hope this was helpful (I had fun creating this one. ha)! 💕

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That tight, pulling feeling after breast surgery? It might not be what you think.

Scar tissue doesn’t just sit on the surface. Underneath, it can attach to deeper structures:
- muscle
- fascia
- ribs
- lymphatic vessels

and create internal anchors that pull every time you reach, lift, or stretch.

Think of it like an iceberg.

What you can see and feel on the surface is only part of what’s going on.

When a scar is tethered like this, stretching your arm or leg just pulls on the whole knot without releasing anything.

That’s why standard stretching can feel like it’s not working because for a tethered scar, it often isn’t.

I use what I call the Compass Test as a simple way to check in with your own tissue.

Your skin should glide in all four directions over the structures underneath it.

If it snags or stops somewhere, that’s information worth paying attention to.

The good news: scar tissue responds with some treatments.
With the right techniques, those deeper layers can st

That tight, pulling feeling after breast surgery? It might not be what you think. Scar tissue doesn’t just sit on the surface. Underneath, it can attach to deeper structures: - muscle - fascia - ribs - lymphatic vessels and create internal anchors that pull every time you reach, lift, or stretch. Think of it like an iceberg. What you can see and feel on the surface is only part of what’s going on. When a scar is tethered like this, stretching your arm or leg just pulls on the whole knot without releasing anything. That’s why standard stretching can feel like it’s not working because for a tethered scar, it often isn’t. I use what I call the Compass Test as a simple way to check in with your own tissue. Your skin should glide in all four directions over the structures underneath it. If it snags or stops somewhere, that’s information worth paying attention to. The good news: scar tissue responds with some treatments. With the right techniques, those deeper layers can st

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There are three ways we assess for breast and chest swelling after cancer treatment

and most people only know about one.

And catching it early makes a MAJOR difference.

Breast and chest lymphedema is one of the most common side effects after breast surgery and radiation.
The earlier we identify it, the easier it is to manage and treat.

Here’s how we assess for it in the clinic:

🔸 What we see
Skin texture changes, asymmetry, pitting, fullness.
Visual changes are always our first clue, but they don’t always show up right away.

🔸 What we measure.
In the clinic I use tools like the @delfintechnologies LymphScanner, which measures tissue water content under the skin.
Fluid can be shifting at the tissue level before anything looks visibly swollen.
This is considered early detection: and it’s a game changer!

🔸 What you tell us
Heaviness. Tightness. A bra fitting differently. Something just feeling off.
Your symptoms are clinical information.
Healthcare providers should take them serio

There are three ways we assess for breast and chest swelling after cancer treatment and most people only know about one. And catching it early makes a MAJOR difference. Breast and chest lymphedema is one of the most common side effects after breast surgery and radiation. The earlier we identify it, the easier it is to manage and treat. Here’s how we assess for it in the clinic: 🔸 What we see Skin texture changes, asymmetry, pitting, fullness. Visual changes are always our first clue, but they don’t always show up right away. 🔸 What we measure. In the clinic I use tools like the @delfintechnologies LymphScanner, which measures tissue water content under the skin. Fluid can be shifting at the tissue level before anything looks visibly swollen. This is considered early detection: and it’s a game changer! 🔸 What you tell us Heaviness. Tightness. A bra fitting differently. Something just feeling off. Your symptoms are clinical information. Healthcare providers should take them serio

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Red light panels and low level laser therapy are NOT the same thing.

If you’ve tried a red light panel and didn’t notice much difference with your fibrosis or scar tissue, this is likely why.

I have both in my clinic.
They serve completely different purposes.

Red light panels work closer to the surface.
They’re great for general wellness, skin health, and surface-level inflammation.
And I do think they have value, especially for at-home use between sessions.

But the medical-grade low level laser we use in clinic?
It reaches deeper tissue.
We’re talking fibrosis, scar tissue, deeper inflammation, and overall tissue healing after just about any injury.
The device, the wavelength, and the dosing are all specific to what your tissue actually needs.

That’s the difference.

At-home options are lower powered for obvious safety and regulation reasons.
They aren’t designed to do what a clinical laser does, and that’s okay.
They have their place.

But if you’re dealing with fibrosis, scar

Red light panels and low level laser therapy are NOT the same thing. If you’ve tried a red light panel and didn’t notice much difference with your fibrosis or scar tissue, this is likely why. I have both in my clinic. They serve completely different purposes. Red light panels work closer to the surface. They’re great for general wellness, skin health, and surface-level inflammation. And I do think they have value, especially for at-home use between sessions. But the medical-grade low level laser we use in clinic? It reaches deeper tissue. We’re talking fibrosis, scar tissue, deeper inflammation, and overall tissue healing after just about any injury. The device, the wavelength, and the dosing are all specific to what your tissue actually needs. That’s the difference. At-home options are lower powered for obvious safety and regulation reasons. They aren’t designed to do what a clinical laser does, and that’s okay. They have their place. But if you’re dealing with fibrosis, scar

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Not all swelling after breast cancer treatment is the same.

And Googling it will not give you a clear answer, I know.
So let me explain the difference to try and help.

**Post-op swelling** is part of normal healing.
After surgery, your body sends fluid to the area as part of the inflammatory response.
It’s expected but it’s temporary. For most people, it gradually resolves on its own.

**Lymphedema** is different.
It happens when the lymphatic system itself is damaged. That may be from lymph node removal, radiation, or even something one was born with.
When those nodes are gone or no longer functioning, the body loses its ability to drain fluid from that area the way it should.
Lymphedema is chronic.
It’s managed, and not yet cured. ugh.

The treatment for each can look similar in the early stages.
But they need to be addressed differently long term.

And knowing which one you’re dealing with can help us guide the BEST treatment for you.

Here’s what I want you to watch for:

🔸 Swell

Not all swelling after breast cancer treatment is the same. And Googling it will not give you a clear answer, I know. So let me explain the difference to try and help. **Post-op swelling** is part of normal healing. After surgery, your body sends fluid to the area as part of the inflammatory response. It’s expected but it’s temporary. For most people, it gradually resolves on its own. **Lymphedema** is different. It happens when the lymphatic system itself is damaged. That may be from lymph node removal, radiation, or even something one was born with. When those nodes are gone or no longer functioning, the body loses its ability to drain fluid from that area the way it should. Lymphedema is chronic. It’s managed, and not yet cured. ugh. The treatment for each can look similar in the early stages. But they need to be addressed differently long term. And knowing which one you’re dealing with can help us guide the BEST treatment for you. Here’s what I want you to watch for: 🔸 Swell

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To be fully transparent:

90% of the population doesn’t need to buy anything to support their lymphatic system.

Deep breathing, gentle movement, hydration, and simple self-MLD are free and effective.

But I also understand that some people want tools - whether for convenience, targeted support, or managing specific symptoms.

And yes, some notice more benefits with these.

So I am happy to share my thoughts!

Comment TOOLS to get my complete list!

Swipe through to see my most trusted lymphatic tools.

and if you’re going to invest, I hope this helps.

Follow me, then comment TOOLS to get my complete list and the links!

*Clinicians- my clinic’s low level laser isn’t on this list, but feel free to reach out for a rep contact

**disclaimer: please speak with your doctor or CLT regarding any medical concerns, as this is not personalized treatment, but rather general education

To be fully transparent: 90% of the population doesn’t need to buy anything to support their lymphatic system. Deep breathing, gentle movement, hydration, and simple self-MLD are free and effective. But I also understand that some people want tools - whether for convenience, targeted support, or managing specific symptoms. And yes, some notice more benefits with these. So I am happy to share my thoughts! Comment TOOLS to get my complete list! Swipe through to see my most trusted lymphatic tools. and if you’re going to invest, I hope this helps. Follow me, then comment TOOLS to get my complete list and the links! *Clinicians- my clinic’s low level laser isn’t on this list, but feel free to reach out for a rep contact **disclaimer: please speak with your doctor or CLT regarding any medical concerns, as this is not personalized treatment, but rather general education

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Part 2.

Getting compression stockings on shouldn't be a workout in itself.

If you or someone you love struggles with donning compression stockings you are not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations I hear from patients. They are snug, which definitely makes them hard to get on (And off!)

This is a series on some of my patient’s favorite donning aids and tools to help get compression socks on.

The Medi Butler is up! This tool holds the stocking open so you can step in and pull up without the twisting, tugging, and frustration. It works especially well for those with limited hand strength, shoulder restrictions, or difficulty bending.

If you have been skipping your compression because getting it on feels like too much, this is worth looking into. Wearing compression consistently is one of the most important things you can do to manage lymphedema or venous conditions. The right tools make that so much more achievable.

📺 Watch my full YouTube video breaking down all 6 don

Part 2. Getting compression stockings on shouldn't be a workout in itself. If you or someone you love struggles with donning compression stockings you are not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations I hear from patients. They are snug, which definitely makes them hard to get on (And off!) This is a series on some of my patient’s favorite donning aids and tools to help get compression socks on. The Medi Butler is up! This tool holds the stocking open so you can step in and pull up without the twisting, tugging, and frustration. It works especially well for those with limited hand strength, shoulder restrictions, or difficulty bending. If you have been skipping your compression because getting it on feels like too much, this is worth looking into. Wearing compression consistently is one of the most important things you can do to manage lymphedema or venous conditions. The right tools make that so much more achievable. 📺 Watch my full YouTube video breaking down all 6 don

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If you have axillary cording after breast surgery, try these two movements.

The key with both of these movements is the same concept: flossing the cord. On tension, then off tension. Gentle and controlled, but never forcing it.

1. **Chest Opener with Tension**

Lie on your back.

Place your hand or a piece of dycem gently on the skin where the cord feels most bound down. This creates a light downward traction (not pressure) just gentle tension on the skin.

Bring your elbow up with your hand behind your head. If you can’t get there yet, go only as high as is comfortable.

From that position, slowly open your elbow out and then close it back in. Open. Close. Open. Close.

That movement creates on and off tension through the cord. Gentle flossing, and avoid aggressive stretching.

2. **Bye Bye Waves**

Standing or sitting.

Same setup. place your hand or dycem gently on the skin where the cord feels most bound down.

Slowly raise your arm straight up, then back down. As you do, flex a

If you have axillary cording after breast surgery, try these two movements. The key with both of these movements is the same concept: flossing the cord. On tension, then off tension. Gentle and controlled, but never forcing it. 1. **Chest Opener with Tension** Lie on your back. Place your hand or a piece of dycem gently on the skin where the cord feels most bound down. This creates a light downward traction (not pressure) just gentle tension on the skin. Bring your elbow up with your hand behind your head. If you can’t get there yet, go only as high as is comfortable. From that position, slowly open your elbow out and then close it back in. Open. Close. Open. Close. That movement creates on and off tension through the cord. Gentle flossing, and avoid aggressive stretching. 2. **Bye Bye Waves** Standing or sitting. Same setup. place your hand or dycem gently on the skin where the cord feels most bound down. Slowly raise your arm straight up, then back down. As you do, flex a

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Part 1.

Compression socks on and off, with LESS struggle.

The Sigvaris Donn N' Doffer handles both putting compression stockings on and taking them off.

It’s truly a unique tool.

I have been sharing some of my favorite donning aids this month, and this one from Sigvaris covers both ends of the day.

The Sigvaris Donn N' Doffer comes with two pieces: a cone to help open and guide the stocking onto the rolly, and the rolly can then help slide it up (or down) the leg.

Together they work to get your stocking on without the twisting and tugging. And when you are done for the day, use it to take them off too. Simple, reliable, and effective.

Wearing compression consistently is one of the most important things you can do to manage lymphedema or venous conditions. The right tools make that so much more achievable.

📺 Watch my full YouTube video breaking down all 6 donning aids, comment: DONNING

I hope this was helpful! 💕

SAVE this so you have it when you need it. 🔖

SHARE it with som

Part 1. Compression socks on and off, with LESS struggle. The Sigvaris Donn N' Doffer handles both putting compression stockings on and taking them off. It’s truly a unique tool. I have been sharing some of my favorite donning aids this month, and this one from Sigvaris covers both ends of the day. The Sigvaris Donn N' Doffer comes with two pieces: a cone to help open and guide the stocking onto the rolly, and the rolly can then help slide it up (or down) the leg. Together they work to get your stocking on without the twisting and tugging. And when you are done for the day, use it to take them off too. Simple, reliable, and effective. Wearing compression consistently is one of the most important things you can do to manage lymphedema or venous conditions. The right tools make that so much more achievable. 📺 Watch my full YouTube video breaking down all 6 donning aids, comment: DONNING I hope this was helpful! 💕 SAVE this so you have it when you need it. 🔖 SHARE it with som

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When one first hears "Lymphedema" they may have a picture in their mind of what was referred to as "Elephantitis". So if someone is diagnosed with lymphedema, does it mean that is the size their arm, leg, or another part of the body is going to get? No, it's rare to get to that severe of stage, especially if treatment for lymphedema is done. Lymphedema ranges from stage 0, where someone is at risk but doesn't have the symptoms, all the way to stage 3, which can be severe. It's important to note their are different staging systems as well, so some may hear stage 4 or 5, which is similar to stage 3 in the way that I am explaining it. Looking for a way to help with Leg Lymphedema? My Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab Program goes in-depth for all the best treatment options that someone can do at home. Link in bio #cancerrehabpt #cancerrehab #lymphedema #lymphoedema #lymphaticdrainage #lymphaticsystem

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