HRB Therapies

16/10/2025

The link below from Talk Lipoedema helps explain about exercising in water to help lipoedema. ;

https://www.facebook.com/share/19XUQega9e/?mibextid=wwXIfr

14/10/2025

We still have plenty of places left for a Restart a Heart Day event on Thursday 16th October. If you have been trained by Heartstart Malvern before, please share this post with your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, and encourage them to book a place at https://www.heartstartmalvern.org.uk/book_a_course.htm

14/10/2025

I work with a number of compression garnent companies to ensure you get the best garments for you.

If you need any help with measurements/ ordering or are just unsure if you need garments please send me a message.

How Compression Garments Actually Help (Not Restrict) Lymph Flow 🧦💧

One of the biggest myths I hear is:
👉 “Compression garments must block or restrict flow because they feel tight.”

But here’s the truth: compression garments don’t block your lymph – they guide it. Let’s break it down 👇

💡 The Science Behind Compression
• Gentle External Pressure: Compression garments provide a light, even pressure to the tissues.
• Closing the Gap: This pressure reduces the distance fluid has to travel, making it easier for your lymphatic vessels to pick it up.
• Preventing Backflow: Instead of letting fluid pool in the tissues, compression keeps it moving upward toward healthy drainage areas.

👉 Think of compression as a “hug” that gives your lymph a push in the right direction. 🤗

✅ What Compression Garments Do
• Encourage lymph fluid to move out of swollen areas 🚶‍♀️
• Reduce the risk of further swelling or fibrosis
• Support tissues after MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage)
• Improve comfort and mobility in daily life

❌ What They Don’t Do
• They do NOT “cut off” circulation when properly fitted
• They do NOT replace lymphatic therapy
• They are NOT meant to be painfully tight

🔑 Key Tip
Compression should always be:
✔️ Correctly measured and fitted
✔️ Comfortable enough to wear daily
✔️ Paired with movement, hydration, and MLD for best results

✨ Compression garments are not the enemy — they are powerful tools for lymph health and healing.

Written by Bianca Botha, CLT, RLD & MLDT

12/10/2025

Massage for Nurturing You and Your Bump

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, your body is working hard to create new life, and it deserves to be cared for with kindness and intention.

Pregnancy massage isn’t just a lovely treat, it is a way to support your both physical and emotional wellbeing during this special time. When performed by an experienced trained therapist some of the benefits can be:

- Ease muscle tension, especially in the lower back, hips, and legs, where your growing bump can create strain.

- Boost circulation and lymphatic flow, helping reduce swelling and fluid retention that are common in pregnancy.

- Lower stress hormones like cortisol, while increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine promoting calm and emotional balance. It so relaxing!

- Support better sleep by encouraging deep relaxation and easing discomfort.

Every session is tailored to your needs using safe positioning and gentle techniques designed for pregnancy. This is your time to pause, breathe, and be supported.

You’re growing life and that’s extraordinary.

Pregnancy massages and maternity reflexology available in Malvern and Upton upon Severn.

www.hrbtherapies.co.uk

10/10/2025

I absolutely love the results that are seen from Scar massage;

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BSGGZnW9a/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/10/2025

Just a reminder that our Wellbeing Morning takes place on Saturday 18 October.

Open to all in Worcestershire with a breast cancer diagnosis, come along to find out more about mindfulness, exercise classes, prostheses, hydrotherapy, support groups, hair & wig specialists, and more.

We aim to highlight the services available to help those diagnosed lead a fuller life.

Please feel free to drop in (friends, family welcome) enjoy tea and biscuits, and see what's available.

We would love to see you there - full details below 💕

07/10/2025

- Breast Cancer Awareness Month -
FREE Consultations!

Have you experienced breast cancer and would like to know more about support for your recovery and wellbeing?

Throughout October I am offering a FREE 20-minute initial consultation.
This is a safe space to talk, ask questions, and discover what support may be available to you.

We can discuss ways that may help with:
- Reducing tightness or discomfort from scars
- Easing swelling and improving movement
- Supporting lymphatic health
- Exploring options for comfort and confidence
- Ways to help yourself at home

It’s your time to share what you’d like to know and find out how gentle non-invasive approaches could support you.

Available in Upton upon Severn or Malvern.

Please email: info@hrbtherapies.co.uk to make an appointment.

07/10/2025

From now until the end of the year, I’ll be raising money in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester.

Acorns provides specialist palliative care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as vital support for their families. Their dedicated team offers love, comfort, and compassion at the most difficult times, and they rely on donations to keep making this difference every single day.

Every contribution, big or small, helps Acorns continue their incredible work. If you’re able to donate or simply share this post, you’ll be helping to bring comfort and care to children and families who need it most.

Thank you for your support ,

To donate this can either be done online using the below link or at your next treatment.

www.justgiving.com/page/hrbacorns

01/10/2025

🪢 Apron Belly & Your Lymphatic System 🌊

By Bianca Botha, CLT | RLD | MLDT

🍃 What is an “Apron Belly”?

An apron belly (also called a panniculus or abdominal overhang) develops when excess fat and skin fold over the lower abdomen. It often appears after pregnancy, menopause, significant weight changes, or genetic fat distribution patterns. While it’s usually discussed in terms of appearance or discomfort, apron belly also has a direct impact on your lymphatic system.

🌊 How Apron Belly Affects the Lymphatic System

1. Compression of Lymphatic Vessels
• The weight of the overhanging tissue presses on superficial lymphatic vessels in the inguinal region (groin) and lower abdomen.
• This slows drainage from the legs, pelvic organs, and lower trunk, often leading to swelling in thighs, knees, and feet.

2. Impaired Venous Return
• Lymph and venous blood flow work together. A panniculus compresses abdominal and iliac veins, reducing fluid clearance and worsening heaviness in the lower limbs.

3. Moisture & Inflammation
• Skin folds create warm, moist environments. This encourages chronic low-grade inflammation and infections (intertrigo), which increase lymphatic burden.

4. Obstructed Core Pumping
• Normal lymph flow depends on diaphragm movement and abdominal pressure changes. Extra abdominal weight + apron fold restrict diaphragmatic breathing, weakening this natural “lymph pump.”

5. Cascading Effect
• When drainage slows in the abdomen, fluid backs up in the lower body. This leads to heaviness, cellulitis risk, delayed healing, and restricted mobility.

🧬 Clinical Observations
• Patients with apron belly often show sluggish inguinal node response and leg/ankle edema.
• Chronic congestion may progress to secondary lymphedema.
• In those with lipedema (a genetic, hormonal adipose/connective tissue disorder), apron belly worsens fluid overload. Over time, this may lead to lipo-lymphoedema — the overlap of lipedema and secondary lymphedema.
• Important distinction: lipedema is not caused by lymphedema. Lipedema is hereditary and hormonally triggered (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), but untreated congestion can accelerate progression into lipo-lymphoedema.
• In obesity, fat tissue itself is inflamed, producing cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), further overloading the lymphatics and impairing mitochondrial energy.

🌱 Supporting Lymphatic Flow with Apron Belly
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Clears congested abdominal and inguinal nodes.
2. Abdominal Breathing & Core Work: Diaphragmatic breathing and gentle exercises pump lymph.
3. Garment Support: Abdominal binders or supportive compression reduce mechanical drag.
4. Skin Care: Keeping folds dry and clean lowers infection risk → reduces inflammatory load.
5. Movement Therapy: Walking, aquatic exercise, and pelvic tilts aid lymph return from legs.
6. Weight Management & Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Decreases cytokine burden on the lymphatics.

✨ Takeaway

An apron belly is more than skin deep — it directly blocks lymphatic highways in your abdomen, slowing detox and drainage. While apron belly itself does not cause lipedema, it can worsen congestion, trigger secondary lymphedema, and accelerate progression toward lipo-lymphoedema in those genetically predisposed.

By supporting lymph flow through therapy, movement, and lifestyle care, you can ease swelling, reduce pain, improve comfort, and protect long-term lymphatic health.

📌 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 diet, exercise, or health regimen.

30/09/2025

Today’s challenge!
When your next person is feeling a bit broken 😬🤣