Assessment First Massage and Lymphatics

03/14/2026

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT), Dermoneuromodulation (DNM) — all different gentle and amazing techniques that respect and sometimes reset your nervous system and let you enjoy pain reduction. Downtown Salmon Arm. Book your appointment online www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

03/13/2026

This explains my work day sometimes. Chronic pain is such a beast and it is sometimes overwhelming when you realize you are not alone in the journey to wellness. Appointments available at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

03/09/2026

March is National Lymphedema Month, so I thought it was a good idea to review the Lymphatic system! Lymphatic drainage treatment can help you even if your system isn’t “damaged or missing parts” like it is with Lymphedema. If you have swelling, you have some lymphatic fluid stuck in the tissue! Why? Well — that’s what a thorough health history, LDT and massage may help you figure out. Is it an OLD scar you’ve never treated with scar tissue release? A trauma that didn’t leave a scar, just clogged muscles, tissue & vessels? There are as many possibilities as there are people and pain. We are all unique. Appointments are available! Book online at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

03/07/2026

Oooo. Another great explanation!! Appointments open Monday to Friday. Book online at www.asseasmentfirstmassage.com

03/06/2026

Today is National Lymphedema Awareness Day. According to the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, “Lymphedema affects approximately 1.25 million Canadians—that’s 1 in 33 people.” That statistic surprises me! I am a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. I received my training through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. In addition, I perform regular massage, Myofascial Cupping, Dermoneuromodulation (DNM), and Pain Science, and I have many other tools in my training. Let’s talk and see if I can help you feel better. Book your appointment now online at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

03/05/2026

THIS! So much THIS!! It’s a bit of a read, but explains compression and lymphatic flow very well!
We can discuss this more in my clinic room if you want to! Appointments open for lymphatic drainage and massage. Maybe it’s the combo you need to help ease chronic pain? Book online
www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

COMPRESSION OR NO COMPRESSION?
Let’s clear the lymph confusion once and for all 🧦

This question comes up all the time — and it’s a really important one.

Some people are told compression helps lymph.
Others hear tight clothing blocks lymph.

So which is it?

The answer is: it depends on the type of compression, the purpose, and where it’s applied.

Let’s break it down simply 👇

First, how lymph flow actually works

Your lymphatic system has no pump of its own.
It depends on:
• movement
• muscle contractions
• breathing (especially the diaphragm)
• gentle pressure changes
• open, uncompressed pathways

Lymph vessels are thin and delicate. They are very easy to compress — which is why how pressure is applied matters so much.

When compression CAN be helpful

Medical compression garments are very specific. They are:
• graduated (firmer lower down, lighter as they move up)
• designed to support upward fluid movement
• fitted correctly
• used intentionally, often together with movement

When used for the right reasons, medical compression can:
• reduce swelling
• prevent fluid pooling
• support lymph and venous return
• improve comfort during activity

This is therapeutic compression — not random tightness.

When “compression” becomes a problem

Tight everyday clothing is NOT medical compression.

This includes:
• tight bras cutting into underarms
• tight waistbands or shapewear
• skinny jeans compressing the groin
• very tight leggings with firm waistbands

These areas are not random — they are major lymph drainage zones:
• underarms drain breasts, chest and arms
• abdomen drains gut, liver and deep lymph
• groin drains legs and pelvis

When these zones are compressed:
• lymph cannot drain properly
• fluid backs up below the tight area
• swelling increases
• lymph nodes may become tender or reactive

This is blockage, not support.

Why tight clothing feels different from medical compression

Tight clothing:
• applies pressure in the wrong places
• creates sharp, localised restriction
• often limits breathing and diaphragm movement
• is worn for long periods while sitting

Medical compression:
• supports flow direction
• works with movement
• is planned, fitted and purposeful

They may both feel “tight”, but they do very different things in the body.

An important piece most people miss: breathing

Tight clothing often restricts deep belly breathing.

Shallow breathing means:
• less diaphragm movement
• reduced thoracic duct drainage
• slower lymph flow overall

So even if compression is used on the legs, tight clothing around the waist or chest can still slow lymph centrally.

Lymph flow is a full-body process — not just a leg issue.

So… should you use compression or not?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Better questions to ask are:
• Do I have a medical reason for compression?
• Is it properly fitted?
• Can I breathe deeply in it?
• Does my swelling worsen above or below tight areas?

For many people, lymph flow improves significantly with:
• gentle movement
• deep breathing
• looser clothing over lymph hubs
• targeted lymphatic support

Final takeaway 🌿

Compression is not “good” or “bad”.

Uninformed compression can block lymph.
Intentional medical compression can support lymph.

Your lymphatic system doesn’t need force.
It needs space, rhythm, movement, breath, and respect.

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 health routine.

02/27/2026

Now THIS is exciting news! Big question is how long before this is tried with humans? Such cool research.

Engineered Lymph Nodes Offer a Possible Cure for Lymphedema
https://scienceblog.com/engineered-lymph-nodes-offer-a-possible-for-lymphedema/

02/18/2026

Throw fascia and muscles and bones into the mix with nerves and lymphatic — and maybe that’s why you’re feeling tension & pain!! Let’s discuss - let’s try something new — let’s have you leave an appointment feeling way better than when you walked in. Appointments available next week. New clients, please book 90-minutes so we can have time to try to figure out past health history and what its impact may be on your current pain levels. Book online www.assessmentfirstmassage.com — FB message or call if online booking isn’t your thing!

02/15/2026

This is why assessment through health history is so important !! Book your appointment online at www.assessmentfirstmassage.com

👉🏼 Scar Tissue and Lymphedema: What You Need to Know

🥼 Scar tissue can form anywhere there has been surgery, injury, or trauma. While scars are a natural part of healing, they can sometimes interfere with the normal flow of lymph fluid. When lymph can’t move freely, fluid can build up, leading to swelling and increasing the risk of lymphedema.

👀 Even small or “invisible” scars can affect lymphatic circulation. That’s why early recognition, careful monitoring, and preventative care—like compression garments, gentle massage, or targeted exercises—are important.

🏥 Understanding how scar tissue affects your lymph system empowers you to protect your health and take action before swelling becomes severe.

Key Takeaway: Lymphedema isn’t always caused by weight, illness, or genetics alone. Physical changes like scar tissue can play a significant role. Awareness is your first step to prevention. 🩵🦋

02/11/2026

It’s a worthy cause

Just a reminder, if you need any information (patterns, yarn list, drop off centres, mailing address, how to make a donation etc) you can find that information on our website at www.knittedknockerscanada.com😇💕😇💕😇💕😇💕😇💕

02/11/2026

Self-care education can play an important role in breast health and recovery.

My colleague Pam Fichtner, RMT, who specializes in breast and chest massage therapy, oncology support, lymphatic drainage, and scar-tissue treatment, is offering an online Breast Massage Self-Care Workshop this Sunday, February 15 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM (Pacific Time).

Participants will learn breast self-exam techniques, gentle lymphatic drainage, and circulatory massage movements in a supportive online environment.

Registration: 306-230-7407Website: sephirahealing.caSuggested fee: $50Workshop materials will be provided.

Please contact Pam directly for details or to register.

02/05/2026

Ooooo! I like this!! Really good advise for my lymphatic drainage clients—well honestly, for everyone!
Please note - I am away this week, but there are appointments open as of next Tuesday, Feb 10th. Book online
www.assessmentfirstmassage.com