The Alexandra Clinic

04/08/2025

Quick reminder....we have a meeting on Thursday 7th at 6.30 - 8pm.

Holiday Inn Warmsworth. All welcome

04/08/2025

Happy Monday!!!
I'm back in clinic this week, after taking some time off to spend with my daughter and new grandson. I love being a mama!! 🩵

Clinic hours...
Monday..........9.30 - 6pm
Tuesday......... 9.30 - 6pm
Wednesday....CLOSED
Thursday........9 - 6pm
Friday..............9.30 - 5pm.
Weekends....CLOSED.

Please get in touch if you would like any information on the treatments I offer or to book an appointment.
Contact...01302 738 449

Have a smiley week..

24/07/2025

Oh yes!!!

🌌 The Secret Symphony Between Your Fascia, Emotions, and Lymphatic Flow 🎻

What if your body’s emotional memory wasn’t just stored in your brain — but in your fascia?

Welcome to a revolutionary understanding of how your connective tissue, your feelings, and your fluid flow are in a constant, beautiful dance — and how healing your lymphatic system might just help you heal your heart.

💡 Fascia: The Body’s Hidden Conductor

Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that wraps around every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ. It holds the structure of your body — but it does much more than that.

According to research from Harvard Medical School and the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, fascia has mechanosensory and emotional memory capabilities. Yes — your fascia feels.

When trauma, stress, or suppressed emotion occur, fascia can tighten, harden, and hold. This causes stagnation not only in muscles or joints — but in your lymphatic flow.

💧 Stagnant Emotions = Stagnant Lymph

The lymphatic system relies on the mobility of fascia and muscle contraction to move lymph. If your fascia is restricted from old trauma, surgery, or chronic emotional stress, your lymph slows down, detox backs up, and inflammation can quietly rise.

Imagine unresolved grief from years ago living not just in your heart — but in your hips, chest, and even your gut fascia, causing chronic puffiness, digestive issues, and fatigue.

🧠 The Vagus Nerve Connection

Your vagus nerve, the major highway between brain and body, winds through fascia-rich territories. Emotional restriction in fascial areas — particularly the neck, chest, and diaphragm — can impair vagus function, leading to:
• Anxiety
• Gut imbalances
• Poor sleep
• Lymphatic congestion in the head and neck

When you release fascial tension through manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), myofascial release, breathwork, and somatic therapy, you stimulate both lymphatic movement and emotional processing. This is where true detoxification happens — physically and emotionally.

🌿 The Body Remembers — But It Can Also Release

Fascial and lymphatic therapies are now being recognized not just as physical tools, but as emotional release mechanisms.

One 2022 study in Frontiers in Psychology noted that manual body therapies, particularly fascial and lymphatic work, can unlock “stored emotional pain” and “activate parasympathetic (healing) response.”

🌀 So what does this mean for healing?

If you’re feeling stuck emotionally, tired physically, or puffy and inflamed — the issue might not be just in your gut or your hormones.

It may be in the fascia that hasn’t felt safe enough to let go.

💎 Practical Tips to Support the Fascia-Emotion-Lymph Axis:
1. Dry Brushing – stimulates fascia and superficial lymph capillaries.
2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – softens tight fascia, moves trapped toxins and emotions.
3. Diaphragmatic Breathing – releases the solar plexus and vagus nerve.
4. Myofascial Self-Release – foam rolling with mindfulness.
5. Castor Oil Packs – soften adhesions and release stored trauma.
6. Movement with Emotion – dance, stretch, or cry as you move lymphatically.
7. Somatic Therapy – consider working with trauma-informed practitioners who understand the body-emotion connection.

✨ Final Thought:

You are not “too sensitive.”
Your body just speaks the language of truth — and it speaks it through your fascia and lymph.
Listen, release, and watch the healing ripple through your whole being.

📚 References:
• Schleip, R. (2022). Fascial plasticity – A new neurobiological explanation. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
• Porges, S. W. (2021). Polyvagal theory: The transformative power of feeling safe. Norton & Company.
• Harvard Health Publishing. Fascia: The connective tissue that supports our body.
• Frontiers in Psychology (2022). Manual therapies and emotional processing: A somatic-emotional feedback loop.

©️

24/07/2025

Should I wear my compression if I have cellulitis? This question has popped up quite abit in clinic recently. The LSN have released a post about thuis very same subject, that i will share with you. Fortunately the advise is the same..😆 .

22/07/2025

Our next meeting is coming up. It is an opportunity to meet up with others who may be experiencing the same issues as yourself. A chance to share in a safe and relaxing space.
Thursday 7th August 6.30 - 8pm
Holiday Inn Warmsworth.
For more information please feel free to send me a message or call 07790105007.
Looking forward to seeing you there.

20/07/2025

Together we are making a difference. Welcome to Lipoedema UK, a charity founded in 2012 for patients and healthcare professionals. We are dedicated to raising awareness of Lipoedema – a unique and d...

02/07/2025

Have you experienced lymphorrhea? Ever wondered why your leg leaks and what you need to do to help prevent it from happening? Have read and if you would like more information or would like help please get on touch. Tel. 01302 738447.

💧 Understanding Lymphorrhea: When the Lymphatic System Leaks

Lymphorrhea refers to the leakage of lymph fluid from the body, typically through the skin. It is often a sign of lymphatic dysfunction or damage and may occur after surgery, trauma, or in the setting of uncontrolled lymphedema. While lymphorrhea may initially appear mild, it can quickly lead to skin breakdown, infection, and worsening swelling if left untreated.

Understanding what causes lymphorrhea, how to recognize it early, and how to manage it effectively is essential for both patients and practitioners.

🔬 What is Lymphorrhea?

Lymphorrhea (also called lymphatic leakage) is defined as the external drainage of lymph fluid — a clear to yellowish fluid rich in proteins, immune cells, and waste metabolites — from damaged or overloaded lymphatic vessels.

It most commonly occurs:
• From a surgical wound or drainage site
• Through ulcerated or broken skin
• In advanced chronic lymphedema, especially in the lower limbs

⚠️ What Does It Look Like?

Signs and symptoms of lymphorrhea may include:
• Clear, straw-colored or yellowish fluid leaking from the skin
• Wetness or persistent moisture in bandages or clothing
• Soft, blister-like areas that rupture and ooze
• Macerated or softened skin
• Local warmth, redness or discomfort
• Progression to wound formation, weeping legs, or lymphatic ulcers

The most common anatomical regions affected include:
• Lower legs and ankles (particularly in patients with chronic venous insufficiency or lymphedema)
• Post-surgical lymph node dissection sites (axilla, groin)
• Breast and abdominal areas post-mastectomy or cosmetic surgery

🩺 Why Does Lymphorrhea Happen?

Lymphorrhea usually indicates that the lymphatic load exceeds transport capacity — either due to increased production of lymph or impaired drainage. The pressure buildup forces lymph through the skin or incision sites.

Common Causes:

🔹 Surgical Lymphatic Injury
• Removal of lymph nodes (axillary, inguinal, pelvic)
• Cancer surgeries, especially breast or gynecological
• Cosmetic procedures (liposuction, abdominoplasty)

🔹 Advanced Lymphedema
• Long-standing congestion can lead to micro-tears in the skin or lymphatic capillaries.

🔹 Radiation Therapy
• Causes fibrosis and obstruction of lymph vessels.

🔹 Venous Insufficiency
• When venous and lymphatic overload combine, particularly in the elderly or immobile.

🔹 Infection or Inflammation
• Increases capillary permeability and lymph production.

🧠 The Progression of Lymphorrhea
1. Initial Leakage – Clear or pale fluid weeps from intact or fragile skin.
2. Skin Maceration – Constant moisture damages the epidermis.
3. Erosions or Ulcers – Fluid undermines skin integrity.
4. Infection Risk – Open skin + protein-rich fluid = bacterial breeding ground.
5. Chronic Wounds or Cellulitis – Without intervention, wounds may become chronic and infected.

🛡️ What To Do: Management & Prevention

✅ Immediate Actions:
• Protect the skin
Use absorbent dressings and barrier creams to reduce maceration.
• Reduce lymphatic load
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), compression therapy, elevation, and rest.
• Control infection risk
Maintain a clean, dry environment; monitor for redness, warmth, odor, or fever.
• Address underlying edema
This may include multilayer bandaging, decongestive therapy, or appropriate compression garments.

👩‍⚕️ Medical Interventions:
• Wound care specialist referral
For advanced management including debridement, negative pressure dressings, or foam therapy.
• Antibiotics
If there is clinical evidence of infection (cellulitis, erysipelas).
• Surgical revision or drainage
For persistent lymph leaks post-surgery.
• Dietary support
High-protein intake to compensate for protein-rich fluid loss and promote healing

📚 Research & References
1. International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) – Best Practice Guidelines for the Management of Lymphorrhea
https://www.lympho.org
2. Wounds International (2020) – Managing Lymphorrhea in Patients with Chronic Oedema
https://www.woundsinternational.com
3. Piller, N. (2017) – Understanding the Pathophysiology of Lymphorrhea and How to Treat It
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
4. Mortimer PS, Rockson SG. (2014) – New developments in clinical aspects of lymphatic disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4147300/
5. Lymphatic Education & Research Network – Lymphorrhea After Lymph Node Dissection: Management Tips
https://lymphaticnetwork.org

🌸 Final Thoughts

Lymphorrhea is not just “leaking fluid” — it is a cry for lymphatic support.
It often signals an overwhelmed system and requires early intervention, care, and lymphatic redirection. With the right knowledge and approach, lymphorrhea can be managed and healing restored.

©️

01/07/2025

Thank you Dr.Wolf for your positive thoughts on MLD. If you are considering non cosmetic liposuction and are wondering if having MLD will help with your recovery then have a quick look at what Dr Wolf says.

Did you know, MLD therapists can often make a huge difference to the lives of women with lipoedema?

Here's how:

1. They often spot the signs

MLD Therapists see all kinds of people and often spot lipoedema symptoms - like disproportionate fat in legs/arms, pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and swelling. They can guide clients to seek a proper diagnosis.

2. They know how to use MLD safely

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, done correctly, eases pain, eliminates excess fluid, and improves mobility. Trained therapists help clients feel lighter and more energetic

3. Compression trained

Matching MLD with well-fitted compression garments supports circulation and reduces swelling - essential for long-term symptom control.

4. Promote a holistic approach

Therapists can advocate for gentle exercise, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and consistent use of compression, reinforcing a total-care plan.

5. Offer emotional support

MLD therapists create a safe space for clients to share feelings and reduce stigma, playing a key role in emotional well-being.

💛 MLD therapists do more than treat symptoms—they’re allies. By spotting signs, delivering safe MLD and compression, encouraging holistic lifestyle habits, and offering emotional support, they're often on the frontline of lipoedema care.

21/06/2025

Have you had Breast cancer with either a Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or a Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) ? Have a read of this interesting article that may help you have a better understanding of what is happening to your lymphatic system. If you would like more information on how I can help , then feel free to give me a call.

🧠 Step-by-Step: What Happens to the Body After Axillary Lymph Node Removal

Step 1: Immediate Surgical Impact (Day 0–7)

🔹 Lymphatic Vessels Severed:
• Lymph capillaries and collecting ducts that drained the arm and chest are surgically cut.
• This leads to immediate disruption in lymph flow from the ipsilateral upper limb, chest wall, and breast.

🔹 Inflammatory Cascade:
• Tissue injury triggers release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α).
• Swelling, warmth, and post-op pain follow as part of the healing process.

🔹 Initial Fluid Accumulation:
• Without intact lymph vessels, interstitial fluid accumulates around the surgical site.
• This fluid can form seromas (fluid-filled pockets), especially if drains are not used effectively.

📚 Studies show up to 85% of patients develop transient seroma formation post-ALND (Pogson et al., 2003, The Breast).

Step 2: Lymphatic Reorganization (Week 2–6)

🔹 Collateral Lymphangiogenesis Attempts:
• The body begins to build new lymphatic pathways through a process called lymphangiogenesis, driven by VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C).

🔹 Limited Success:
• Unfortunately, lymphangiogenesis in adults is slow and often incomplete, especially after extensive node removal.

🔹 Tissue Pressure Increases:
• Lymphatic load exceeds remaining capacity, leading to subclinical lymphedema, often unnoticed until fluid builds up significantly.

Step 3: Long-Term Consequences (Months to Years)

🧊 1. Lymphedema Development
• Up to 20–30% of patients will develop chronic lymphedema post-ALND (American Cancer Society).
• Lymphedema involves:
• Protein-rich fluid accumulation in the tissues.
• Fibrosis, tissue thickening.
• Risk of infections like cellulitis or lymphangitis.

🧠 2. Sensory & Neural Complications
• Nerve branches (intercostobrachial nerve) may be injured → numbness, tingling, or pain in the arm or chest wall.

🔁 3. Immune Alteration
• Local immune surveillance is reduced, increasing risk for infections and slower healing in the affected quadrant.

🔄 4. Altered Venous Return & Blood Flow
• Venous and lymphatic systems work in parallel; disruption in one impacts the other.
• May cause heaviness, fatigue, or vascular congestion in the limb.

🌿 Supporting the Body After Axillary Lymph Node Removal

✅ Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):
Stimulates alternative lymph routes via superficial lymphatics and watershed pathways.
→ Proven to reduce swelling and pain (Lymphology, 2007).

✅ Compression Therapy:
Garments help reduce edema and prevent fibrosis by supporting tissue pressure.

✅ Exercise & Movement Therapy:
Gentle movement improves muscle pump function, enhancing lymph return.

✅ Skin Care:
Vital to prevent infections due to reduced local immunity.
→ Clean, moisturized skin reduces entry points for bacteria.

✅ Dietary Support:
Anti-inflammatory and lymph-stimulating foods (pineapple, berries, ginger, turmeric) may support long-term wellness.

✨ A Final Word

Removing axillary lymph nodes saves lives — but it doesn’t come without physiological consequences. The lymphatic system is a resilient, adaptive network, and with proper care and professional support, patients can prevent long-term complications and support recovery.

💡 “The lymphatic system is not just a drainage network — it’s a guardian of healing.”

©️

20/06/2025

Exactly!!!

🧬 “The Scientific Side of Lymph: How Your Lymphatic System Impacts Inflammation, Immunity & Brain Health”
What cutting-edge research is revealing about this once-overlooked system

For years, the lymphatic system was considered the "forgotten child" of human anatomy — mentioned in textbooks but rarely studied in depth. Today, that’s changing. Emerging research is uncovering the vital and complex roles this system plays in chronic disease, brain health, detoxification, and immunity.

Let’s explore what science is now revealing about this incredible system.

📚 1. Lymph and Chronic Inflammation: The Hidden Link
Chronic inflammation is now recognized as a root cause in conditions like autoimmune disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and even depression.

🧠 Research Insight:
A 2021 review in Frontiers in Immunology describes how impaired lymphatic drainage leads to accumulation of inflammatory mediators in tissue — perpetuating a cycle of immune dysregulation and swelling.

💡 Translation: If your lymph can’t drain out inflammatory by-products, they build up and keep your body in a loop of low-grade inflammation.

🧠 2. The Brain Has a Lymphatic System Too: The Glymphatic Pathway
It was once believed the brain lacked lymphatic vessels. But in 2015, researchers at the University of Virginia discovered meningeal lymphatic vessels in the brain's outer layers.

🧠 Scientific Discovery:
This “glymphatic system” clears out neurotoxins — including beta-amyloid, the plaque linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

🛌 It works while you sleep, pulsing fluid through brain tissue and flushing out waste. Poor glymphatic flow = brain fog, memory issues, and toxin buildup.

🧫 3. Lymph and the Gut: A Two-Way Street
Your gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is the largest immune organ in your body. It’s packed with Peyer’s patches, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells — all monitoring what comes in through your intestines.

🌿 Scientific Note:
A 2020 article in Nature Reviews Immunology emphasized how gut dysbiosis disrupts lymphatic flow, while poor lymph function can impair gut immune surveillance — a key link in leaky gut, SIBO, and autoimmune flares.

🔬 4. The Lymphatic Pump: What Moves the Fluid?
The lymphatic system doesn’t have a central pump like the heart. Instead, flow is generated by:

Skeletal muscle contraction
Deep diaphragmatic breathing
Intrinsic contractions of lymphangions (valved segments of lymph vessels)

📖 A study in Lymphatic Research and Biology showed that regular movement increases lymphangion contraction frequency by up to 10x.

🔄 5. Why Lymphatic Stagnation Matters in Modern Disease
Cancer: Lymph nodes are often where cancer cells travel first.
Autoimmunity: Lymph stagnation = delayed antigen presentation and chronic immune activation.
Edema and fibrosis: Seen in lymphedema, post-surgical recovery, and metabolic syndrome.

💡 Clinical Insight: MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage), when applied correctly, has been shown to reduce interstitial protein concentration, enhancing tissue oxygenation and reducing edema.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Lymph Is Not Just Drainage — It’s Communication
Your lymphatic system isn’t just a sewer. It’s a communication network between your gut, immune system, brain, and tissues. It responds to trauma, posture, toxins, and even emotions.

As science continues to uncover its influence, one thing is clear:
Lymphatic care should be front-line therapy in modern medicine.

📌 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 regimen.

©️

17/06/2025

It's is going to be hot hot hot this week. Summer days are lovely but it is so important to look after your Lymphoedema. Your body is working extra hard to keep cool, so do try and wear your compression.
Here's a top tip from LSN.