Trayah - MLD, Lymphoedema & Physical Therapy

31/08/2025

Do you need support? Come and join us 😊

30/08/2025

29/08/2025

Our Juzo Champion Lindsey Sosovec is sharing her journey one year after lymphedema surgery. After 64 insurance appeals and years of advocacy, Lindsey had lymphovenous anastomosis surgery. Her honest reflection on recovery reminds us that healing isn't always linear—but it's worth fighting for.

"Surgery changed my life. I think the biggest limitation—before all of this, even before lymphedema—was believing I was alone.
These are diagnoses—not limitations. And I'm not alone." - Lindsey

Read her full story (linked in our bio) and show Lindsey some love in the comments below!

28/08/2025

One of my lovely clients is having a fundraising event on Saturday 6th September. Details in the photo. You're welcome to attend - it sounds like it's going to be a proper shindig!!

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. In the last 50 years, Cancer Research UK’s work has helped double cancer survival in the UK. But we need to go further, faster. Donate today to help bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/karens-giving-page-23286851

27/08/2025

As I've just booked the last available appointment for 2025, I'm sat here astounded and completely humbled by everyone's support for my little business.

I absolutely love what I do and getting to see you all in clinic, and you leaving feeling better, happier, more motivated and empowered gives me so much joy. I don't take any of this for granted and your support makes me know all the hard work, effort and long hours worthwhile!

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to each and every one of you that enables me to continue doing what I love. You are all amazing! 💛💛💛

There's so many changes coming at Trayah - a rebrand, a new name, a new case management software (including a new booking system), new clinic rooms from January and a new team member (thank goodness!) from April.

I can't wait to have you along for this exciting journey!

Regulars are already starting to book for 2026 so maybe start considering booking your fave times/days in so you're not disappointed!

Thank you again from me and Widge! 💛💛💛 ###

26/08/2025

We’re proud to share that our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Mary Warrilow, has published a blog article with the Royal College of Nursing and their Women’s Health Forum to help raise awareness of lipoedema amongst nurses and midwives.

Educating healthcare professionals is essential in ensuring earlier recognition, better care and support for people living with lipoedema.

A huge thank you to the Royal College of Nursing for collaborating with us 💙

👉 Read the full blog here: https://ow.ly/glN450WM0fW

25/08/2025

19/08/2025

Do you suffer with Lymphoedema in the upper body/arms? Then take a look at this short gentle exercise video that is also done seated (you could do standing too!).

Movement is one of the key factors in moving lymphatic fluid!

Let's get our bodies moving! 💛💛💛

An exercise class to follow-along-to designed for patients with upper body Lymphoedema.

17/08/2025

This is an integral part of what I do in clinic.

I also offer education about ways to try and reduce the risk of developing Lymphoedema but also ways to manage it should it have developed.

I absolutely love what I do - being able to support my patients along their journey is an honour and being able to improve quality of life is phenomenal 💛💛💛.

🎗️ Why Lymph Drainage After Breast Surgery is So Important

By Bianca Botha, CLT | MLDT | RLD

Breast surgery — whether a lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, or cosmetic procedure — doesn’t just affect the breast tissue. It also impacts the lymphatic system, which is the body’s drainage and immune defense network. Supporting lymph flow after surgery is crucial for both healing and long-term wellness.

🌊 How Surgery Affects Lymph Flow

During breast surgery, lymphatic vessels and sometimes lymph nodes can be cut, removed, or damaged. This disrupts the natural flow of lymph fluid, leading to:
• Swelling (Edema) 💧 – Fluid builds up in the breast, chest wall, or arm.
• Heaviness or Tightness – Scar tissue can “trap” lymph fluid and restrict movement.
• Increased Infection Risk 🦠 – Without proper drainage, bacteria can accumulate more easily, raising the risk of cellulitis.
• Reduced Mobility – Swelling and stiffness in the chest or underarm may limit arm and shoulder range of motion.

🌿 Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage After Surgery

✨ Reduces Post-Surgical Swelling
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) gently redirects fluid into healthy lymph pathways, speeding up the body’s ability to reduce swelling.

✨ Prevents Lymphedema
• Regular lymph therapy lowers the risk of chronic fluid buildup (lymphedema), which can occur months or even years after surgery.

✨ Improves Healing & Comfort
• By reducing congestion, oxygen and nutrients can reach tissues more efficiently, supporting faster recovery and softer scars.

✨ Boosts Immune Defense
• A well-drained lymphatic system is better able to filter toxins and fight off infections.

✨ Restores Mobility
• By relieving tightness and reducing inflammation, lymph therapy helps improve shoulder and arm movement post-surgery.

🩺 When to Start Lymphatic Therapy
• Early Support: Gentle drainage can often begin a few days after drains are removed, depending on the surgeon’s clearance.
• Ongoing Care: Regular sessions help manage swelling, improve tissue healing, and prevent long-term complications.

💚 Takeaway

Lymphatic drainage after breast surgery is not a luxury — it’s a vital part of healing. By restoring balance to the lymphatic system, you can reduce swelling, protect against lymphedema, improve scar recovery, and regain comfort and mobility.

Your lymphatic system is your body’s natural repair partner — give it the support it needs after surgery. 🌸💧

📌 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 starting lymphatic therapy after surgery.

17/08/2025

Some great info if you're going through perimenopause it menopause 💛💛💛

🌸 Hormones, Menopause & the Lymphatic System

By Bianca Botha, CLT | MLDT | RLD

Menopause is often spoken about in terms of hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep struggles — but did you know your lymphatic system also feels the impact of hormonal shifts? 🌀💧

Let’s explore how estrogen and progesterone affect lymph flow, why many women notice swelling during this stage of life, and what you can do to support your lymph naturally.

🔄 Hormones & Lymphatic Tone

Your lymphatic vessels aren’t just passive drainage pipes — they have muscular walls that contract rhythmically to move lymph fluid. This process is influenced by hormones:
• Estrogen 💕: Helps keep lymphatic vessels supple and improves microcirculation. Declining estrogen during peri- and post-menopause may make lymph vessels less efficient.
• Progesterone 🌙: Calms inflammation and supports fluid balance. When progesterone drops, women may retain more fluid and experience puffiness or swelling.

Together, these hormones keep your lymphatic “rhythm” steady. When they fluctuate, so does your drainage efficiency.

🌊 Why Swelling & Inflammation Increase

Many women notice new or worsened edema, puffiness, or joint stiffness during menopause. Here’s why:
1. Decline in Estrogen → Weaker vessel tone, less elasticity, and slower lymph flow.
2. Progesterone Drops → Fluid retention and less anti-inflammatory support.
3. Inflammatory Shifts → Menopause is often linked to higher systemic inflammation (CRP, cytokines), which burdens the lymph.
4. Slower Repair → With age and hormone changes, tissues heal and detoxify more slowly.

This explains why ankles, hands, or even the face can suddenly feel “puffier” during this life stage. 🌿

🌼 Supporting Your Lymph During Hormonal Transitions

The good news? With the right support, you can keep your lymph moving freely and reduce discomfort:

✨ Gentle Lymphatic Care
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
• Dry brushing or gentle rebounding (if joints allow)
• Deep breathing exercises to stimulate thoracic duct flow

✨ Lifestyle Support
• Hydration 💧: Sip clean water with electrolytes (minerals help balance fluid shifts).
• Movement 🚶‍♀️: Daily walking, stretching, or yoga keeps fluid pumping.
• Posture: Avoid sitting for long periods to prevent stagnation in the legs.

✨ Nutrition & Supplements
• Anti-inflammatory foods (berries, leafy greens, turmeric, omega-3s)
• Avoid high-salt, processed foods that worsen swelling
• Support with magnesium and phytoestrogen-rich foods (like flax, sesame, and fermented soy if tolerated)

🌸 Takeaway

Hormonal changes in menopause don’t just affect mood and energy — they directly influence the lymphatic system’s ability to drain, detox, and protect. By giving your lymph gentle daily support, you can reduce puffiness, feel lighter, and improve overall resilience during this transition of life. 🌿💚

📌 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.

16/08/2025

🪢 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.

14/08/2025

Absolutely worth a listen 💛💛💛