Ann Le Bek MSK Pain and Injury Therapist

27/11/2025

15/11/2025

While they can be seen as a luxury, massages are often part of healthcare – here’s how they affect physical and mental health

27/10/2025

Late cancelation slot available tomorrow (Tuesday 28th 11.30am) Sport/Deep Tissue Massage. Message me if you’d like to get booked in.
Mobile 07899 964163
Great Hale NG34 9JZ

20/08/2025

That’s how you should deal with the Piriformis! Buy it perfume! … wait… I mean, treat it as one part of a whole system! Not just mask symptoms, try to ignore it, or avoid the things you like to do altogether.

10/07/2025

Learn about the deep breathing exercises you should do before and after doing exercises for lymphoedema for your arm, leg or head and neck area. Deep breathi...

25/04/2025

🦵 New Knee, Who Dis?

💧 Why Lymphatic Drainage is a Secret Weapon After Knee Replacement Surgery

So, you’ve had a knee replacement — congrats on taking a bold step (literally) toward less pain and more movement! 🙌 But if you’re still feeling stiff, swollen, or like you’re walking through mud, your lymphatic system might need a little love 💚

Let’s talk about why Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) after knee surgery is more than just a gentle massage — it’s a medical must-have!

💡 What Happens After a Knee Replacement?

When you undergo a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), your body goes into full healing mode:

🧠 It sends immune cells to protect the area
🩸 Blood and fluid rush in
🧬 Inflammation begins (this is normal!)
BUT... when inflammation lingers and fluid gets stuck, that’s when healing slows down. Swelling can:

Block mobility ❌
Delay Healing 🚫
Cause pain and pressure 🥴
Increase scar tissue formation 🧵

🧬 Enter: The Lymphatic System

Your lymphatic system is like the body’s drainage and immune highway. It moves excess fluid, clears out cellular waste, and calms inflammatory reactions.

After surgery, it's often overwhelmed.

That’s where MLD comes in 💆‍♀️💧
💥 What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

MLD is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique that:

✅ Stimulates lymph vessels and nodes
✅ Redirects fluid away from the surgical site
✅ Reduces post-op swelling
✅ Speeds up tissue healing
✅ Decreases pressure around the knee
✅ Boosts circulation and comfort
Think of it as giving your internal plumbing system a helping hand 🛠️🚿

🧪 The Medical Benefits – Backed by Science

📊 Studies show that MLD after knee replacement:

Can reduce edema significantly within the first 2–3 weeks
Helps improve range of motion (ROM) faster
Can decrease post-op pain and stiffness
May reduce the risk of secondary complications like seromas or wound tension
AND — it supports early return to rehabilitation, which is key to long-term success 🦵✨

🔄 Why It’s the Perfect Add-On to ANY Post-op Therapy:

Lymphatic drainage isn’t here to replace post op therapy! — it’s here to supercharge it 💪

By decreasing swelling, you can:

Get moving sooner
Stretch and strengthen with less discomfort
Avoid overloading the non-surgical leg
Prevent compensatory movement patterns
It’s a win-win for your knee, your recovery time, and your peace of mind 🌿

💙 Who Should Get It?

✅ Patients in the first 6 weeks post-op
✅ Anyone struggling with swelling, stiffness, or pain
✅ Those with slow wound healing or tissue tension
✅ Clients who are struggling to start rehab due to swelling

Always make sure to get the green light from your surgeon before starting MLD.

💬 Quick Pro Tip:

Pair your lymphatic drainage sessions with:

🛁 Epsom salt soaks (after wound closure)
💦 2.5L water daily to flush toxins
🧊 Ice (as needed post-op — 15 minutes max)
🧘 Gentle quad and hamstring activation exercises
🏁 Final Thought

A new knee deserves new support — and lymphatic drainage is that support.
It’s gentle but powerful, scientific but soothing, and restorative on every level.

Let your body drain to gain — because healing is more than just replacing a joint.
It’s helping the whole system come back into balance 💧🦵💚

🔹 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 or surgeon before starting any new therapy or post-operative care plan.

05/03/2025

I know I'm speaking to the converTED but, more evidence is in for the use of manual therapies for plantar heel pains:

23/08/2024

https://www.physio-network.com/blog/kinesio-tape-negatives/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE1EapleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUxm6ZnPKq9eLdC0kUSkmBv-xzeIy_OlgDpEaxzalkrVhJbkjnM_z-TPWw_aem_3yMWwKrgAlt_6f-RpKLKNg

“WE ARE NOT MADE OF PAPIER-MÂCHÉ; WE ARE TOUGH AND RESILIENT, ADAPTABLE AND QUICK TO HEAL.” SARNO

21/03/2024

Great explanation of Soft Tissue Therapy 😊

What is a Soft Tissue Therapist? What is the difference between what you do and a physiotherapist, sports therapist, or chiropractor? Aren’t you just a massage therapist? Back in the day different muscular-skeletal professions were very much defined by their particular approaches especially as far

04/12/2023

It’s been quite some project but last week, what was the garage, finally became Studio43. I now have the space to continue with hands on therapy work combined with exercise advice and PT. Message me to book an appointment or to discuss your needs.

Sport and Remedial Massage
Exercise advice and PT
MSK pain and Injury treatment
Lymphoedema Therapy

Ann Le Bek 07899 964163. E mail ann@lighterlimbs.co.uk

18/11/2023

▶️ Watch this reel
https://fb.watch/ooRVdRwG-j/

Sums up my day 🤣

01/02/2023

Get Started With Your Mobility: https://tommorrison.uk/products/the-simplistic-mobility-methodIt’s no secret that tight lats can seriously affect your overhe...